A Legitimate Defense
En légitime défense
We checked 8 streaming services in India on 06 Jun 2026 at 09:49 IST
About
Two friends from the last war, Pierrot, a bar owner, and Gustave, a police inspector, are in contact with a notorious gang of racketeers in Montmartre. Tired of putting up with Albert the King's demands, Pierrot kills the gangster during a bar brawl. His first instinct is to flee, but on Gustave's advice, he turns himself in to the law. All things considered, he'll be safer in prison than exposed to the reprisals of the "underworld". Pierrot goes to trial. He was acquitted as having acted in self-defense. But his release leaves him open to the vengeance of Bob, one of Albert's accomplices. Pierrot narrowly escapes an ambush, but is finally able to rid himself of the threat hanging over him, thanks to the friendship of Inspector Gustave, and finally reunites with the companion of his life, Dora, who has never stopped trembling for him.
Cast
Bernard Blier
as Gustave Martinet
Philippe Nicaud
as Pierre 'Pierrot' Lambert
Maria Mauban
as Dora
Pierre Mondy
as Petit Bob
Jean Lefebvre
as Georges, le barman de "L'Ami Pierrot"
Robert Dalban
as Albert dit "Bébert le Caïd", un gangster qui rackette et persécute Pierrot
Rosy Varte
as Rita la Gitane, une prostituée
Daniel Cauchy
as Dédé, aide de Bébert
Jean Lara
as l'avocat de Pierrot
François Darbon
as l'avocat général
Paul Bonifas
as le président de la cour
Monique Tanguy
as Ginette, amie et collègue de Dora/Adrienne
Léonce Corne
as Baudin, l'imprimeur
Mona Dol
as La mère de Dora
Georges Hubert
as le commissaire de police
Tania Florey
as une danseuse
Pierre Doris
as le patron de "La Nouvelle Eve"
Robert Rollis
as un journaliste au tribunal
Albert Médina
as un policier
Where does A Legitimate Defense rank today?
A Legitimate Defense is #10000 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
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Watch A Legitimate Defense Online Free in HD
Stream A Legitimate Defense online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A talked-about crime and drama movie originally produced in French and released in 1958, it's earned a solid 5.8/10 from 8 viewers worldwide.
About A Legitimate Defense
Two friends from the last war, Pierrot, a bar owner, and Gustave, a police inspector, are in contact with a notorious gang of racketeers in Montmartre. Tired of putting up with Albert the King's demands, Pierrot kills the gangster during a bar brawl. His first instinct is to flee, but on Gustave's advice, he turns himself in to the law. All things considered, he'll be safer in prison than exposed to the reprisals of the "underworld". Pierrot goes to trial. He was acquitted as having acted in self-defense. But his release leaves him open to the vengeance of Bob, one of Albert's accomplices. Pierrot narrowly escapes an ambush, but is finally able to rid himself of the threat hanging over him, thanks to the friendship of Inspector Gustave, and finally reunites with the companion of his life, Dora, who has never stopped trembling for him. Running 98 minutes.
A Legitimate Defense Cast and Characters
The cast features Bernard Blier (as Gustave Martinet), Philippe Nicaud (as Pierre 'Pierrot' Lambert), Maria Mauban (as Dora), Pierre Mondy (as Petit Bob), and Jean Lefebvre (as Georges, le barman de "L'Ami Pierrot"). Their performances are a major reason A Legitimate Defense has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch A Legitimate Defense Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch A Legitimate Defense free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full film in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch A Legitimate Defense NowWhy People Are Watching A Legitimate Defense
A Legitimate Defense flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is emotional weight that hits where it counts and tight pacing that earns its twists. If you enjoy French storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of film you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Legitimate Defense
Where can I watch A Legitimate Defense online for free?
You can watch A Legitimate Defense online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How long is A Legitimate Defense?
A Legitimate Defense runs for 98 minutes (about 1.6 hours).
Is A Legitimate Defense good? What's the rating?
A Legitimate Defense holds a 5.8/10 rating based on 8 reviews — a niche pick worth checking out.
Who is in the cast of A Legitimate Defense?
The main cast includes Bernard Blier, Philippe Nicaud, Maria Mauban, and Pierre Mondy, plus a strong supporting ensemble.
Is A Legitimate Defense available in French?
Yes — A Legitimate Defense was originally produced in French and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV. English subtitles are provided when available.
When was A Legitimate Defense released?
A Legitimate Defense was released in 1958.
Do I need an account to watch A Legitimate Defense on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch A Legitimate Defense without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about A Legitimate Defense
Where can I watch A Legitimate Defense for free?
You can watch A Legitimate Defense (1958) online for free on Bowood.TV. Just click "Watch Free" on this page to start streaming instantly — no account, subscription, or downloads required.
What is A Legitimate Defense about?
A Legitimate Defense is a Crime/Drama film. Two friends from the last war, Pierrot, a bar owner, and Gustave, a police inspector, are in contact with a notorious gang of racketeers in Montmartre. Tired of putting up with Albert the King's demands, Pierrot kills the gangster during a bar brawl. His first instinct is to flee, but on Gustave's advice, he turns himself in to the law. All things considered, he'll be safer in prison than exposed to the reprisals of the "underworld". Pierrot goes to trial. He was acquitted as having acted in self-defense. But his release leaves him open to the vengeance of Bob, one of Albert's accomplices. Pierrot narrowly escapes an ambush, but is finally able to rid himself of the threat hanging over him, thanks to the friendship of Inspector Gustave, and finally reunites with the companion of his life, Dora, who has never stopped trembling for him.
When was A Legitimate Defense released?
A Legitimate Defense was released on June 11, 1958. It has a runtime of 1h 38m.
Who stars in A Legitimate Defense?
A Legitimate Defense stars Bernard Blier, Philippe Nicaud, Maria Mauban and Pierre Mondy. The full cast list is available in the Cast section above.
Is A Legitimate Defense available in HD?
Yes, A Legitimate Defense is available to stream in high definition (HD) on Bowood.TV. Our players automatically deliver the best quality your connection supports — no extra setup needed.