Released in 1975, the movie follows a French surgeon as he seeks to avenge the deaths of his wife and daughter in a World War II massacre carried out by German troops and French militiamen. Like many aspiring directors, he began by making short films. The short, based on a story by Ambrose Pierce, tells of the final split seconds in the life of an American Civil War soldier who is about to be unjustly hanged from a bridge for treason. As the plank is kicked away, the rope breaks, allowing the man to fall into the creek below and swim to safety. But that, it transpires, is only what he imagines and hopes will happen.
Reality is crueler.
The Last Mission. He was nonetheless kept busy promoting and defending European and French cinema in the face of the invasion of Hollywood blockbusters. He is survived by Patricia Neny and their two children, Juliette and Camille, as well as by a son, J r me, from an earlier marriage. Privacy Information Stay connected to the news that interests you with free e-mail alerts from The New York Times.