**Paul Crauchet (1920-2012)** was a French actor, famous for his austere face and husky voice. His long film career, spanning over a hundred films, made him a solid and authoritative presence on the French scene, often in essential supporting roles.

Crauchet specialized in playing resolute, strong-willed men, often on the fringes of the law: policemen, criminals, authoritarian but ambiguous figures, or characters from the working class. He collaborated frequently with director Jean-Pierre Melville, reaching his peak with *Le Cercle Rouge* (1970), where he is unforgettable in the role of the lawyer Jansen, an accomplice and loyal friend.

Other notable appearances include Costa-Gavras' *Z* (1969) and *Le Grand Chemin* (1987), which earned him a César Award nomination, revealing a more tender and melancholic side than his typical roles. His discreet but incisive style left an indelible mark on French arthouse cinema.