It’s a peculiar kind of magic, isn’t it, when a film manages to be several things at once and somehow pulls it off? Some movies arrive like a perfectly categorised tape on the rental shelf – Action, Horror, Comedy. Others, like Pierre Granier-Deferre's delightful 1977 French concoction Tendre poulet (released stateside, often on well-worn VHS, as Dear Inspector in 1978), feel more like a charmingly curated mixtape, blending genres with a distinctly Gallic flair. It sidesteps the gritty realism often associated with police procedurals of the era, offering instead a sophisticated blend of romance, wry comedy, and suspense that feels both refreshing and wonderfully of its time.
An Unexpected Reunion, A Carefully Guarded Secret
The film hinges on a premise ripe for both comedic misunderstanding and genuine romantic entanglement. Lise Tanquerelle (Annie Girardot) literally bumps into Antoine Lemercier (Philippe Noiret) – a collision that rekindles a connection from their student days two decades prior. Sparks fly, tentative dates follow, and a sweet, mature romance begins to blossom against the backdrop of Paris. The catch? Lise is a high-ranking homicide inspector navigating a complex serial killer case targeting politicians, a fact she carefully conceals from the affable, slightly old-fashioned Antoine, a professor of Greek at the Sorbonne. This central deception provides the engine for much of the film’s charm and tension. How long can she maintain the façade? And how will he react when he inevitably discovers the truth about the capable, intelligent woman he’s falling for?
Girardot: The Heart of the Investigation
At the core of Dear Inspector is the phenomenal Annie Girardot. A titan of French cinema, Girardot imbues Lise with a captivating blend of professional competence, world-weariness, and blossoming vulnerability. In an era where female police leads were still relatively rare, especially portrayed with such nuance, her performance feels significant. She’s utterly convincing barking orders at her subordinates or meticulously piecing together clues, yet equally believable in her quiet moments of longing or her awkward attempts to juggle crime scenes with romantic dinners. There’s no grandstanding, just a steady portrayal of a woman excelling in a demanding job while navigating the unexpected complexities of a new relationship. It’s the authenticity of her balancing act – the slight panic in her eyes when Antoine nearly stumbles upon her professional life, the genuine warmth in their shared laughter – that makes Lise so compelling. We root for her not just to solve the case, but to find personal happiness.
Noiret: Effortless Charm Personified
Opposite Girardot, the equally legendary Philippe Noiret is simply perfect as Antoine. Known for his warmth and understated charisma in films like Cinema Paradiso, Noiret brings an effortless likeability to the role. Antoine is intelligent, kind, and completely smitten, representing a sort of gentle intellectualism that contrasts beautifully with Lise’s more pragmatic, action-oriented world. His ignorance of her true profession allows for moments of gentle irony and near-farcical situations, but Noiret ensures Antoine never feels like a fool. His reactions are grounded, his affection genuine. The chemistry between Girardot and Noiret is the film’s bedrock – a comfortable, mature connection that feels earned and believable. Their interactions are less about fiery passion and more about the quiet joy of finding companionship later in life.
A Parisian Blend of Tones
Director Pierre Granier-Deferre, working from a screenplay adapted from Jean-Patrick Manchette's novel, navigates the tricky tonal shifts with considerable skill. The murder investigation provides a solid thriller framework, complete with clues, suspects, and moments of genuine suspense. Yet, this darker thread is consistently interwoven with the light touch of the romance and observational comedy arising from Lise’s predicament. The film rarely leans too heavily into graphic violence, preferring psychological tension and the mechanics of the investigation. The Parisian setting isn't just wallpaper; it's integral to the atmosphere – the bustling streets, the classic apartments, the cafés all contribute to the film’s specific charm. It captures a certain sophisticated, slightly romanticised vision of late 70s Paris. One minor quibble might be that the resolution to the central mystery feels perhaps a touch conventional compared to the freshness of the character dynamics, but it hardly derails the enjoyment.
Finding French Charm on the Video Shelf
While Dear Inspector might pre-date the core 80s VHS boom slightly, its presence on rental shelves offered a welcome alternative to the usual Hollywood fare. I recall stumbling upon it, perhaps drawn by the familiar faces of Girardot or Noiret, and being utterly charmed by its unique blend. It wasn’t the high-octane action or broad comedy dominating the new release wall; it was something different – witty, character-driven, and unmistakably French. Finding gems like this, slightly off the beaten path, was part of the joy of browsing those aisles, wasn't it? Its success in France even spawned a sequel, On a volé la cuisse de Jupiter (released as Jupiter's Thigh), reuniting the leads for another adventure.
***
Rating: 8/10
Dear Inspector earns its high marks through the sheer strength and chemistry of its leads, Annie Girardot and Philippe Noiret. Their performances are pitch-perfect, grounding the film's blend of genres with authenticity and charm. While the thriller plot is serviceable, it's the delightful interplay between the tough-but-tender inspector and the lovestruck professor, set against a beautifully realised Parisian backdrop, that truly elevates the film. Director Pierre Granier-Deferre expertly balances romance, comedy, and suspense, creating a sophisticated and genuinely enjoyable experience. It’s a wonderful example of character-focused storytelling that feels both intelligent and heartwarming.
Final Thought: More than just a police procedural or a romance, Dear Inspector is a captivating character study wrapped in Gallic charm – a reminder that sometimes the most compelling mysteries are the ones hidden within the human heart.