Pétain (1993)
Directed by Jean Marboeuf

Film Synopsis

On 10th July 1940, Maréchal Pétain assumes his responsibilities as a puppet president of France under Nazi occupation.  Thus begins the Vichy régime, when France became wed to the noble ideals of work, family and patriotism - or so it seemed.  Persuaded by his vice-president, Laval, a staunch supporter of the Occupation, Pétain goes to meet Hitler in person on 24th October 1940.  It proves to be a forced meeting.  With enemies all around him, Laval is forced to resign from the government, and Pétain soon discovers how unpopular he himself is.  In a desperate attempt to keep control of an increasingly precarious situation, the president demands his senior police officers, magistrates and functionaries to swear an oath of allegiance to him.  But still the terrorist acts continue and Pétain is forced to reinstate Laval.  As anti-Semitic sentiment takes hold, round-ups are arranged.  Jews in their thousands are arrested and deported to Poland and Germany.  But then the tide begins to turn...