Ho! (1968)
Directed by Robert Enrico

Film Synopsis

François Holin's glorious career as an ace racing driver would seem to be over when he loses his licence after an accident which cost the life of his co-driver.  He ends up lending his services as a chauffeur to a gang of hardened criminals led by François Canter.  To put him in his place and never let him forget who is the boss, François's new employers refer to him as 'Ho' - it's just one of many indignities that make him grind his teeth in resentment.  With the insulting pittance he is offered after a hold-up where he was able to put his fancy driving to good use, François buys a mink coat for his girlfriend, Benedite.

Whilst preparing the gang's next criminal exploit, Canter manages to get himself killed, so François naturally offers to take his place.  His employers, the Schwartz brothers, regard this as a bad joke and promptly turn down his offer.  For the man who has grown tired of being referred to as 'Ho' this is the final humiliation.  Deciding the time has come for him to go it alone, François embarks on his solo career in crime - and then gets himself arrested for stealing a car.  His period of incarceration is not long however.  By exercising his cunning, he is soon at liberty and planning his next nefarious escapade.

By now, Benedite has got wind of her boyfriend's criminal tendencies and will have nothing more to do with him - until she realises the danger he is now in.  Narrowly escaping being caught in a police trap, François goes on the run with Benedite.  En route for Sologne, they run into the Schwarz brothers, who are being hotly pursued by the police after their most recent heist has gone somewhat awry.  In the ensuing wild shoot out between the rival crooks, Benedite is killed and François has no choice but to surrender to the police.