Head Against the Wall (1959)
La tête contre les murs (original title)Reference View | Change View
- 1h 35min
- Drama
- 20 Mar 1959 (France)
- Movie
In order to get rid of his troublesome son François, Maître Gérane manages to have him committed to a mental hospital owned by Dr. Varmont, a supporter of traditional treatments, in constant conflict with Dr. Emery, whose therapy takes the...
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Complete, Cast awaiting verification
| Pierre Brasseur | ... |
Dr. Varmont
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| Paul Meurisse | ... |
Dr. Emery
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| Jean-Pierre Mocky | ... |
François Gérane
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| Anouk Aimée | ... |
Stéphanie
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| Jean Galland | ... |
Maître Gérane
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Jean Ozenne | ... |
Comte Elzéar de Chambrelle
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| Thomy Bourdelle | ... |
Colonel Donnadieu
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Rudy Lenoir | ... |
Le planqué
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| Roger Legris | ... |
Decauville
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Henri San Juan | ... |
Patron du billard
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| Edith Scob | ... |
La folle qui chante
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René Alié |
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| Luc Andrieux | ... |
Un infirmier
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Doudou Babet | ... |
Le Noir
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Claude Badolle |
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Claude Castaing |
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Jean Henry |
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Pierre Kolitchev |
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Jean Labarrère |
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Jacques Mancier |
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| Claude Mansard |
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| Raoul Marco |
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Diego Masson | ... |
(as Diégo Masson)
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Pierre Mirat | ... |
Le gardien
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Max Montavon | ... |
L'interné au réfectoire
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Véronique Nordey |
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| Henri Poirier | ... |
Le curé
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Alexandre Randall | ... |
(as Alexandre Randal)
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| Jean Rougerie |
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Jacques Seiler | ... |
Un infirmier
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| André Thorent |
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| Charles Aznavour | ... |
Heurtevent
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Monique Ardoin | ... |
(uncredited)
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Robert Balpo | ... |
(uncredited)
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Lucien Camiret | ... |
(uncredited)
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| Paul Demange | ... |
(uncredited)
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Luis Masson | ... |
L'interne (uncredited)
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Georges Pally | ... |
(uncredited)
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Sophie Poncin | ... |
(uncredited)
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Sophie Saint-Just | ... |
(uncredited)
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Directed by
| Georges Franju | ||
Written by
| Hervé Bazin | ... | (novel) (as Hervé Bazin de l'Académie Goncourt) |
| Jean-Pierre Mocky | ... | (adaptation) |
| Jean-Charles Pichon | ... | (dialogue) |
Produced by
| Jérôme Goulven | ... | producer |
Music by
| Maurice Jarre | ||
Cinematography by
| Eugen Schüfftan | ... | (as Eugen Schuftan) |
Editing by
| Suzanne Sandberg | ||
Editorial Department
| Simone Dauvillier | ... | assistant editor |
Production Design by
| Louis Le Barbenchon | ||
Makeup Department
| Louis Dor | ... | makeup artist |
| Marcelle Testard | ... | hair stylist |
Production Management
| Roger Descoffre | ... | unit production manager |
| Jean Velter | ... | production manager |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
| Franck Andron | ... | second assistant director |
| Jacques Rouffio | ... | first assistant director |
Art Department
| Robert Testard | ... | property master |
Sound Department
| Paul Pauwels | ... | boom operator (as Polydore Pauwells) |
| René Sarazin | ... | sound mixer |
| Jacques Thibault | ... | sound recordist |
Camera and Electrical Department
| Pierre Brard | ... | first assistant camera |
| Henri Caruel | ... | still photographer |
| Albert Darmon | ... | gaffer |
| Georges Miklachewsky | ... | camera operator |
| Gérard Miquel | ... | key grip |
| Claude Zidi | ... | second assistant camera |
Costume and Wardrobe Department
| Madeleine Chopin | ... | costumer |
Location Management
| Eric Simon | ... | location manager (as Éric Simon) |
Music Department
| Maurice Jarre | ... | conductor |
Script and Continuity Department
| Marcelle Hochet | ... | script supervisor |
Additional Crew
| Paulette Lapérouse | ... | production secretary |
Production Companies
- La Société des Films Sirius (co-production)
- ATICA (co-production)
- Elpenor (co-production)
Distributors
- La Société des Films Sirius (1959) (France) (theatrical)
- Eureka Entertainment (2009) (United Kingdom) (DVD)
- Les Acacias (2022) (France) (theatrical) (re-release) (restored version)
- ARTE (2023) (Germany) (tv) (internet)
- ARTE (2023) (France) (tv) (internet)
- Blacke Editions (1996) (France) (VHS)
- Ciné+ (2021) (France) (tv)
Special Effects
- LAX Lab. (special effects)
Other Companies
- Laboratoires Franay Tirages Cinematographiques (LTC) (laboratory services)
- Poste Parisien (recording system)
Storyline
| Plot Summary |
In order to get rid of his troublesome son François, Maître Gérane manages to have him committed to a mental hospital owned by Dr. Varmont, a supporter of traditional treatments, in constant conflict with Dr. Emery, whose therapy takes the psychology of patients into account. François soon makes friends with Heurtevent, a sweet epileptic, and both decide to escape from the place. Their attempt is a failure and Heurtevent, unable to get over what he considers a return to hell, commits suicide. But rebellious François tries again and this time around he is successful. He finds shelter at his friend Stephanie's home... Written by Guy Bellinger |
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Did You Know?
| Trivia | Thomy Bourdelle's 77th and final film. See more » |
| Movie Connections | Featured in Georges Franju, le visionnaire (1996). See more » |
| Quotes |
Dr. Varmont:
This place has two purposes: first cure the illness of the patients and second protect the society from them. See more » |