Pépé le Moko (re-release) 2002

Notorious thief Pépé le Moko (Jean Gabin) has spent almost two years hiding within the enchanting labyrinth of the Casbah, cleverly evading capture by leveraging the loyalty of its residents and the complex layout. Although Inspector Slimane has been aware of his presence, his efforts to apprehend Pépé have been thwarted by the intricate dynamics that exist between the thief and the local community. Pépé’s life in the Casbah has grown increasingly dull; any attempt to leave would lead to certain arrest.

One fateful evening, Pépé’s mundane existence takes an exhilarating turn when he crosses paths with Gaby (Mireille Balin), an enchanting Parisienne who captures his heart. Meanwhile, Régis, a lifelong inhabitant of the Casbah, strikes a surprising alliance with Inspector Slimane, suggesting a tactic to use Pépé’s close friend Pierrot as bait in order to draw him out of his hideaway. As tensions heighten, Slimane becomes aware of Pépé’s burgeoning feelings for Gaby and plans to bring her, along with her entourage, to the Casbah to force Pépé into the open.

As the plot thickens, a rift emerges between Pépé and Régis after Pierrot vanishes, prompting Pépé to confront his treacherous friend. The two lovers, Pépé and Gaby, share a fervent night together in the Casbah, yet their happiness is short-lived when devastating news arrives: Pierrot is dead and Régis has been murdered. Gaby leaves abruptly, leaving Pépé in emotional turmoil.

Ines, a crafty resident, deceives Pépé into believing Gaby has permanently left the Casbah. However, fate has other plans, as Pépé soon encounters Gaby again, reigniting their passion. They resolve to meet the following day, but Inspector Slimane intervenes, warning Gaby’s fiancé that her safety is compromised should she enter the Casbah, hoping this will coax Pépé out to find her.

Disregarding the warning, Gaby is determined to rendezvous with Pépé once more. But Inspector Slimane delivers a heart-wrenching message, revealing to Gaby that Pépé has tragically perished. Unbeknownst to Pépé, he pens a heartfelt letter to Gaby, entrusting Carlos with its delivery to her hotel room.

As Pépé sinks deeper into despair, he learns that Gaby is set to leave Algiers under the assumption that he is dead. Driven by anguish and longing, he forsakes his haven in the Casbah to pursue her. Unfortunately, Ines inadvertently tips off Inspector Slimane about Pépé’s intentions, leading to his capture at the harbor. As Gaby’s ship departs into the horizon, Pépé, heartbroken and filled with sorrow, takes his own life with a knife, sealing a tragic end to their love story.