The Hornet's Nest Poster

The Hornet's Nest 1976

★ 6.46 votes90 min📅 1976-03-10

In *The Hornet's Nest (1976)*, French director Roger Pigaut crafts a sharp crime-comedy about a man whose life spirals into chaos when he steals a suitcase brimming with stolen cash—only to discover it's also the target of Melba, a glamorous cabaret singer with her own ambitions.

Director: Roger Pigaut

Cast

Claude Brasseur
Claude Brasseur
Renaud
Marthe Keller
Marthe Keller
Melba
Gabriele Ferzetti
Gabriele Ferzetti
Gaspard
Vicky Messica
Vicky Messica
Vava
Vittorio Sanipoli
Vittorio Sanipoli
Fossetti
John Steiner
John Steiner
Fisher
Joëlle Bernard
Joëlle Bernard
Sarah
Fernand Guiot
Fernand Guiot
Navarre
Jacques Richard
Jacques Richard
Miro
Hélène Manesse
Irène

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Hornet's Nest (1976) about?

A compulsive gambler steals a suitcase full of money, only to realize it's also the prize of Melba, a cabaret singer with her own plans. Their cat-and-mouse game turns into a frantic escape across Paris, where trust is a luxury and every corner hides a new threat.

Who directed The Hornet's Nest?

The film was directed by Roger Pigaut, a French filmmaker known for blending crime and comedy in his works.

Who stars in The Hornet's Nest?

The film features French cinema heavyweights Claude Brasseur, Marthe Keller, and Gabriele Ferzetti in its leading roles.

Is The Hornet's Nest (1976) worth watching?

With its brisk runtime and sharp performances, *The Hornet's Nest* is a fun, if overlooked, addition to the crime-comedy genre. While it lacks a modern audience score, its stylish pacing and clever plotting make it a rewarding watch for fans of 1970s Euro-crime.

How long is The Hornet's Nest?

The Hornet's Nest has a runtime of 90 minutes.

About The Hornet's Nest (1976) — A Wild Crime-Comedy Chase Through 1970s Paris

In *The Hornet's Nest (1976)*, French director Roger Pigaut crafts a sharp crime-comedy about a man whose life spirals into chaos when he steals a suitcase brimming with stolen cash—only to discover it's also the target of Melba, a glamorous cabaret singer with her own ambitions. What unfolds is a high-stakes chase through neon-lit streets and shadowy backrooms, blending dark humor with the tension of a ticking clock. Pigaut's direction infuses the film with a playful yet gritty atmosphere, where every smirk hides a scheme and every glance could betray a lie.

Claude Brasseur stars as the desperate thief, his performance balancing desperation with charm, while Marthe Keller shines as the seductive Melba, whose motives are as unpredictable as the twists in the plot. Set against the backdrop of a stylishly seedy 1970s Parisian underworld, the film thrives on its witty dialogue and brisk pacing, making it a nifty slice of Euro-crime cinema. With its blend of crime, comedy, and a dash of moral ambiguity, *The Hornet's Nest* is a forgotten gem for fans of offbeat, character-driven thrillers.