User Reviews

Saw this on Talking Pictures channel (UK - old films & TV). It is unusual in that it shows that French trials are driven more by the court than the prosecutor -- earlier episodes had shown the examining magistrate, usually Comeliau, and usually played for some comic effect, taking some part in the case, and interviewing witnesses and the accused.

2nd Dr Who Patrick Troughton is involved, on trial for murder at the start. Quite a complex case, and a slightly unrealistic ending, Maigret driving into the country to make an arrest, but how many cop shows have the heroes delegating the final arrest to lower level or faraway colleagues?!

And Maigret ferrets away to find what had actually happened, despite his awkward moments in court at the start, having to tell the court that a very late piece of evidence had dramatically changed the case against what had been thought to be the murderer.

We thought it was a good episode, they even had a small comic effect with Maigret chasing a missing file, with a key photo, round the country, of course rotten filing couldn't happen here (look up the Yorkshire Ripper case?!).

The episode highlights the inquisitorial role of judges in French criminal cases.

Gaston Meurant (Patrick Troughton) a picture framer is accused of murdering his aunt and smothering a small child who stayed with her as a boarder.

Gaston had money troubles and his aunt kept money in a large jar.

Maigret believes it is a solid case, he was sent some items of clothing from Gaston's wife, one of them had blood stains.

By the time of the court hearing Maigret has doubts. He learns that Gaston's wife has been having an affair with another man.

Maybe she framed her own husband. He needs to track down her lover as one Gaston is free, he might go after him.

There was some nice touches as Maigret is frustrated as he tries to track down a file with a picture of the new suspect.

The laughter of the courtroom spectators as Maigret tells the judges why he changed his mind regarding the accused.

There is a nice understated performance from Troughton.

A certain amount of detection and interesting characterization, a bit of courtroom drama, and some tension in the search for the culprit.

The highlight is John Sharp as the owner of a sleezy hotel being every inch Farmer Biggins in a suit.