Cop au Vin is a French detective comedy film directed by Claude Chabrol and released in 1985. The movie tells the story of detective Jean Lavardin, a complex and unorthodox character who investigates a murder in a small provincial French town.
The plot starts when a group of friends play a prank on a local wine merchant, dressing up in Ku Klux Klan costumes and parading through the town. However, their joke turns deadly when the wine merchant is found dead the next day, hanging from a bridge. The local police are quick to rule the death as a suicide, but Lavardin suspects foul play and begins to investigate.
As the investigation unfolds, Lavardin discovers a web of deceit and corruption within the town. He encounters various characters who could have a motive for the murder, including the wine merchant's widow, a wealthy industrialist, and a group of local militants.
Throughout the movie, Lavardin's unorthodox methods and eccentricities provide moments of comic relief, as he follows leads and interrogates suspects in his idiosyncratic style. His sharp mind and analytical prowess eventually lead him to the truth behind the wine merchant's death and the individuals responsible.
Overall, Cop au Vin is an entertaining and well-crafted film that combines elements of comedy and crime. The character of Lavardin, played by Jean Poiret, is a memorable and unique detective who offers a fresh take on the classic crime genre.