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The Professional poster

The Professional (1981)

“Never leave vengeance to amateurs.”

7.2/10 · 615 votes 1h 48m ActionAdventureThriller

#14 of 42 films from 1981 #497 of 2168 in action

Directed by Georges Lautner · Written by Georges Lautner, Michel Audiard, Patrick Alexander, Jacques Audiard

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Josselin Beaumont, a French secret agent, is tasked with assassinating Njala, the president for life of Malawi in Africa. A shift in French policy means that assassinating Njala is no longer an option. But instead of recalling their agent, high-ranking officials deliberately sacrifice Beaumont by handing him over to the Malawian authorities. Arrested, tried, and imprisoned, he nevertheless manages to escape. Back in Paris after a two-year absence, he informs his superiors through Colonel Martin that he will fulfill his contract during Njala’s upcoming official visit to Paris between the 12th and 15th of this month, and that he has a few scores to settle with the D.G.S.E. The question is, should Beaumont be stopped or not?

Cast

Jean-Paul Belmondoas Commandant Joss Beaumont
Robert Hosseinas Commissaire Rosen
Elisabeth Margonias Jeanne Baumont, épouse de Joss
Jean-Louis Richardas Colonel Martin
Jean Desaillyas Ministre
Michel Beauneas Capitaine Édouard Valeras
Cyrielle Clairas Alice Ancelin
Pierre Vernieras Salvatore Volfoni
Marie-Christine Descouardas Doris Frederiksen, pute présidentielle de Mme Claude
Bernard-Pierre Donnadieuas L'inspecteur Farges
Pierre Saintonsas Le président Njala
Gérard Darrieuas L'instructeur Picard
Sidiki Bakabaas Le prisonnier évadé
Dany Koganas Sergent Gruber

Facts

Release dateOctober 21, 1981
Runtime108 min (1h 48m) — about the same as the 1981 average of 108 min
GenresAction, Adventure, Thriller
Original titleLe Professionnel
LanguageFR
IMDbtt0082949

More from Georges Lautner

Crooks in CloverCrooks in Clover1963 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 51m

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Questions

How long is The Professional?
The Professional runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Is The Professional worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 615 votes, which places it #14 of 42 films released in 1981 in this index (top 69%) and #497 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed The Professional?
The Professional was directed by Georges Lautner. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Crooks in Clover (1963).
Who stars in The Professional?
Jean-Paul Belmondo as Commandant Joss Beaumont; Robert Hossein as Commissaire Rosen; Elisabeth Margoni as Jeanne Baumont, épouse de Joss; Jean-Louis Richard as Colonel Martin; Jean Desailly as Ministre; Michel Beaune as Capitaine Édouard Valeras.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Professional?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/60867.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.