CHRISTIAN-JAQUE
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB.
Gerard Philipe is sensational in this wonderful swashbuckler, reminiscent of the thrilling Errol Flynn adventures of the 1930s and 40s. He plays the title hero, a roué who joins Louis XV’s army to avoid marrying a peasant girl whose father caught them fumbling in a haystack. A sexpot gypsy (Gina Lollobrigida in the role that made her a star) tells him that his fortune includes a glorious career as a soldier and the hand of a princess, but Fanfan realizes after he’s signed his military contract that she’s actually the sergeant’s daughter and tells all future recruits this tale. Still, he’s convinced that his destiny is a good one, and makes his way to the boudoir of the princess only to be put in prison by the King for his boldness. Lots of swords being swung in this witty adventure, plus rich dialogue and beautiful period detail.
Amato Produzione, Filmsonor, Les Films Ariane, Rizzoli Editore
Directed by Christian-Jaque
Original scenario by Rene Wheeler, Rene Fallet, Adaptation by Christian-Jaque, Henri Jeanson, Rene Wheeler, dialogue by Henri Jeanson
Cinematography by Christian Matras
Produced by Alexandre Mnouchkine
Music by Maurice Thiriet, Georges Van Parys
Production Design by Robert Gys
Costume Design by Marcel Escoffier
Film Editing by Jacques Desagneaux
Cannes Film Festival Award
Best Director (Christian-Jaque
I saw it when it came out. I was seven. I loved it