Directing

Jacques Besnard

Born July 15, 1929 · Le Petit-Quevilly, Seine-Maritime, France

Died November 9, 2013 · aged 84

Jacques Besnard was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his contributions to French comedy cinema. He began his career in the mid-1950s, working as an assistant director under notable filmmakers such as Maurice Régamey, Yves Robert, and Alberto Lattuada. In 1962, Besnard became the first assistant director to André Hunebelle, collaborating on films like Les Mystères de Par…

Known For

FantomasFantomas · 1964
Fantomas
★ 6.81964
MovieComedyCrime
Fantômas is a man of many disguises. He uses maquillage as a weapon. He can impersonate anyone using an array of masks and can create endless confusion by constantly changing his appearance.
Fantomas UnleashedFantomas Unleashed · 1965
Fantomas Unleashed
★ 6.71965
MovieComedyCrime
In the second episode of the trilogy Fantômas kidnaps distinguished scientist professor Marchand with the aim to develop a super weapon that will enable him to menace the world. Fantômas is also planning to abduct a second scientist, professor Lefebvre.
The Mysteries of ParisThe Mysteries of Paris · 1962
The Mysteries of Paris
★ 6.61962
MovieHistoryAdventure
The Marquis Rodolphe de Sombrueil accidentally runs over a working man with his carriage and helps his widow -- unjustly accused of robbery -- to find her missing daughter.
RififiRififi · 1955
Rififi
★ 7.81955
MovieCrimeThriller
Out of prison after a five-year stretch, jewel thief Tony turns down a quick job his friend Jo offers him, until he discovers that his old girlfriend Mado has become the lover of local gangster Pierre Grutter during Tony's absence. Expanding a minor smash-and-grab into a full-scale jewel heist, Tony and his crew appear to get away clean, but their actions after the job is completed threaten the lives of everyone involved.
The RestaurantThe Restaurant · 1966
The Restaurant
★ 6.81966
MovieComedy
A great French restaurant's owner, Monsieur Septime, is thrust into intrigue and crime, when one of his famous guests disappears.
The Restroom RobberyThe Restroom Robbery · 1975
The Restroom Robbery
★ 6.41975
MovieComedy
Max and Riton, 2 thieves make plan to steal money in a train station office. They will operate through the wall in the public toilets.
The LootersThe Looters · 1967
The Looters
★ 6.41967
MovieAdventure
Morgan, a lapsed burglar, is drugged and shanghaied on board a yacht by beautiful Colleen. When he comes to, the athletic young man learns that Colleen and her friends want him to break open the vaults of a Carribean island where a ruthless dictator has deposited a treasure stolen from his people. Despite the way he has been treated, Morgan accepts the mission. The group, supported by local resistant fighters, storm the fortress, but Colleen's father gets killed during the attack. The treasure is finally retrieved and is returned to the people. Morgan and Colleen will say yes to each other for better or for worse.
Shadow of EvilShadow of Evil · 1964
Shadow of Evil
★ 7.71964
MovieActionCrime
A secret agent sets out to stop an evil scientist who is about to unleash on the world a virulent biological strain he has developed during experiments on rats.

Filmography

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First Taste of LoveFirst Taste of Love · 1961
First Taste of Love
★ 8.01961
MovieDrama
Lucien, a modest engineering student, discovers that his steady girl friend Mireille is using him to cover up her dates with Mario, an older man. Lucien wanders about the streets of Paris and meets Joëlle, a sophisticated teenager who supports herself with a job in a sleazy nightclub. It is late when they meet, and Joëlle invites Lucien into the club and demonstrates her stripping act to her one-man audience. A feeling of rapport develops as they go from place to place seeking entertainment; in the morning the two discover they have fallen in love. Mireille learns of the romance and, on a bet, plots with Philippe and other friends to break up the affair. Neither Lucien nor Joëlle, however, succumbs to the propositions of Mireille and Philippe. Later at a nightclub, Mario gives the appearance of seducing Joëlle. Enraged, Lucien rushes at him and they fight. Lucien is reunited with Joëlle--he has learned of the complexities of love, and she has acquired from him a sense of stability.

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