La nuit la plus chaude (1968): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1968, La nuit la plus chaude is a drama and crime film directed by Max Pécas, running about 91 minutes. “A bizarre tale...” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. One Saturday night, Jenny and Vera, are sequestered at home by an armed man who wants a big sum of money. As the two girls have no cash, he will wait until Monday morning for them to be able to withdraw the money. For the time being he binds them on their bed and, tired out himself, falls to sleep. The next morning, Max Sorini (for such is is name), a former legionary, accepts to tell his story to his two victims: having surprised his wife Nathalie in the company of her lover, Max had fallen upon his rival and a fight had ensued during which the other man had killed Nathalie, before taking the French leave. The police, believing Max was guilty with the manslaughter had arrested him but he had managed to escape while being transferred to prison. Now he needs money for his defense... —Guy Bellinger

Who’s in it. La nuit la plus chaude stars Philippe Lemaire as Max Sorelli, Donna Michelle as Jenny, Chantal Deberg as Véra Berger and Agnès Ball as Nathalie, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 1.0/10, La nuit la plus chaude has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch La nuit la plus chaude page.

If you liked it. Fans of La nuit la plus chaude tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.