Tirez sur le pianiste (Shoot the Pianist)
Date: 1960
Director: François Truffaut
Production Company: Les Films de la Pléiade
Stars: Charles Aznavour, Marie Dubois, Nicole Berger, Michèle Mercier, Albert Rémy
Location(s): Île-de-France, Paris, Rhône-Alpes (France)
Region(s): France
Storyline:
A reclusive pianist in a run-down bar becomes involved with gangsters after the appearance of his criminal brother.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson with thanks to Roland-François Lack for identifying many of the locations.
Also known as ‘Shoot the Piano Player’ (Canadian Title)
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- Capture 1
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After running into a lamp post whilst being pursued by gangsters, Chico Saroyan (Albert Rémy) listens to the Passer-by (Alexandre Joffé) who helped him back to his feet. Roland-François Lack identities this street as Avenue de la Porte de Villiers with the petrol station at number 10.
- Capture 2
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The Passer-by talks about his wife until the two part company and Chico heads to the bar where his brother, Charlie Kohler, plays the piano. Passing Square du Graisivaudan on Avenue de la Porte de Villiers in the 17th arrondissement of Paris located by Roland-François Lack.
- Capture 3
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Charlie Kohler (Charles Aznavour), a former concert pianist who changed his name from Édouard Saroyan, walks from the bar with Hélène (Marie Dubois). Outside the bar named À la Bonne Franquette on Rue Mussard in Levallois-Perret, Île-de-France.
- Capture 4
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The next morning Charlie looks through the window of his flat to see gangsters Ernest (Daniel Boulanger) and Momo (Claude Mansard) outside. Looking onto Rue Voltaire in Levallois-Perret, Île-de-France.
- Capture 5
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As Ernest and Momo wait in their Oldsmobile Super 88, Charlie's younger brother Fido Saroyan (Richard Kanayan) runs into a shop before heading to his school-friend's flat above. Rue Voltaire in Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 6
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Fido and his Friend drop a 'milk bomb' onto the gangster's car. Rue Voltaire, Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 7
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Momo chases the two boys until they disappear inside the school. Rue Marius Aufan in Levallois-Perret with the corner of Rue Bara on the right.
- Capture 8
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After following Charlie when he leaves his flat, Ernest and Momo invite him into their car. Outside, what is now, Le Marius bar on Rue Voltaire.
- Capture 9
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Momo gets into the car to sandwich Charlie between him and Ernest. To the right is the corner of Rue Voltaire and Rue Marius Aufan.
- Capture 10
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The crooks drive Charlie away. Facing north-eastward at the junction of Rue Voltaire and Rue Marius Aufan.
- Capture 11
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During the journey, the gangsters offer Charlie 50,000 francs for information about his brother. Looking west along Boulevard Ney in the 18th arrondissement located by Roland-François Lack.
- Capture 12
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Ernest and Momo explain that they want Charlie to lead them to Chico's farm. To the left of centre, Roland-François Lack recognised the Ballon d'Alsace café at the corner of Rue des Martyrs and Square Trudaine in Paris 75009.
- Capture 13
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The car is brought to a halt while the hoodlums wait for Léna to appear. Rue des Martyrs between Square Trudaine and Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne.
- Capture 14
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When she approaches, Léna is grabbed and bundled into the front of the car while Momo moves onto the back seat with Charlie. Facing southward on Rue des Martyrs in the 9th 17th arrondissement identified by Roland-François Lack.
- Capture 15
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As they are driven away, Charlie and Léna discover that their boss at the bar gave their addresses to the outlaws. Roland-François Lack identifies this as Boulevard Ney near the junction with Avenue de la Porte Montmartre.
- Capture 16
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As they head out of the city, the two gangsters argue about Ernest's driving.
- Capture 17
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Ernest speeds along a wide road and shoots through a red light as he prattles about women.
- Capture 18
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A Police Officer takes Ernest's details after stopping the car.
- Capture 19
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While the two gangsters are otherwise engaged, Charlie and Léna leave the scene.
- Capture 20
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The camera waits for a number 86 bus to arrive from which Léna and Charlie alight. Avenue Duquesne in Paris 75007 with Avenue de Lowendal in the background.
- Capture 21
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The two walk from the bus stop and Léna links arms with Charlie. Avenue Duquesne with the corner of Avenue de Ségur to the left of centre.
- Capture 22
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Charlie turns to look at Léna before the pair enter her flat and pianist recalls his past as Édouard Saroyan. Looking south-east along Avenue Duquesne from the junction with Avenue de Lowendal.
- Capture 23
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In flashback, a Violinist leaves the office of Lars Schmeel, Édouard's former manager.
- Capture 24
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The camera follows the young woman as she walks towards the street.
- Capture 25
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As Édouard's career flourishes, he looks to cure the shyness that's holding him back during press conferences.
- Capture 26
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Deciding against visiting a practitioner thought he saw advertised in a newspaper, Édouard walks away.
- Capture 27
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Instead, Édouard buys several books on the subject.
- Capture 28
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Lars Schmeel (Claude Heymann) asks Édouard about his wife Théresa and learns that the relationship isn't working.
- Capture 29
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After disclosing that she has been having an affair with Lars, Théresa commits suicide by throwing herself from the window of their apartment.
- Capture 30
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After losing his wife, Édouard disappears from public life and becomes Charlie Kohler. Possibly the premises of Grande Garage Mussard at 6 Rue Mussard.
- Capture 31
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Charlie gets a job sweeping the floor in a bar where he notices an old piano.
- Capture 32
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The bar is À la Bonne Franquette where Charlie plays the piano.
- Capture 33
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Lessons end for the day at Fido's school. L'école Laique de Garcons on Rue Marius Aufan, Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 34
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Fido and his pal walk towards home. Facing northward on Rue Marius Aufan, Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 35
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Charlie's neighbour Clarisse (Michèle Mercier) looks down into the street after Ernest and Momo grab Fido from the flat. Rue Voltaire in Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 36
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The two gangsters take Fido to their car. Rue Voltaire, Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 37
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Charlie and Léna walk arm in arm to see their boss, Plyne, at À la Bonne Franquette. Rue Mussard in Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 38
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Following a fight in which Plyne is killed, Charlie and Lena run from the bar. The now lost Rue Mussard in Levallois-Perret.
- Capture 39
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Having kidnapped Fido, Ernest and Momo push their broken down car to a petrol station whilst on their way to find Chico. Roland-François Lack advises that the now disused Garage du Dauphine garage still stands at 53 route de Lyon in Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes. The site is threatened with redevelopment.
- Capture 40
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The crooks arrive at Charlie's family villa in Savoie, where Chico and Richard are hiding. IMDB and other sources state that shooting also took place in Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse near Grenoble, Isère in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.