AllMovie

Based on a mystery novel by Leo Malet, lead character Detective Burma (comic Michel Serrault) has luxurious office digs - shared with his oddball cat - but he himself is neither as sophisticated or as quick-witted as Malet's literary creation. Director Jean-Luc Miesch (29 years old), has missed that aspect of Malet's detective in his own interpretation of a zany, off-the-wall Nestor Burma. Burma's newest case involves corruption in the drug-dealing underworld of the punk rockers, especially rock star Boc Craddock (played by Alain Bashung, the French rock singer). In order to go undercover to obtain information, Burma has to impersonate an over-the-hill punk rock enthusiast, with just enough absurdity to sparkle in contrast with the rest of the action. If his ploy works and the fates are with him, perhaps he will solve his case after all.