Plot

Beautifully photographed, this comedy drama from Jean Renoir chronicles the revival of Paris' most notorious dance as it tells the story of a theater producer who turns a humble washerwoman into a star at the Moulin Rouge. The film is also title Only the French Can. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Review

Jean Renoir's first French film in 15 years, French Cancan is a charming, candy-colored musical-comedy bonbon. Clearly having picked up a trick or two about musicals during his years in Hollywood, Renoir fills the screen with glorious pastels, kicks the energy level up several notches, and never lets more than a few minutes go by without some form of dance making its presence felt. Renoir's screenplay is a trifle skimpy, which is often the case with musicals; perhaps it is more noticeable this time around because one expects more from Renoir. That said, as a director he still includes any number of telling details and knowing glances that help to flesh out both the characters and the story. More importantly, he takes elements that we've seen before (such as a speech about how performers must give so much of themselves for their audience) and makes them feel fresh. And he certainly knows how to build a musical number -- and a film. The sequence that climaxes French Cancan is simply dazzling. Renoir doesn't deserve all the credit, of course, especially with Jean Gabin on hand delivering a commanding performance, and with a crew of designers and technicians whose contributions can't be minimized. If French Cancan ultimately falls a trifle short of being a classic, blame it on the slightness of the script -- then sit back, forget about that minor flaw, and let it wash over you. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Cast

• Jean Gabin - Danglard
• Maria Felix - La Belle Abesse
• Françoise Arnoul - Nini
• Gaston Modot - Danglard's Servant
• Gianni Esposito - Prince Alexandre

Annick Morice - Therese, blanchisseuse; Martine Alexis; Jaque Catelain - The Minister; Jean-Roger Caussimon - Baron Walter; Jacques Ciron - 1er gommeux; Max Dalban - Le patron de la Reine Blanche; Sylvine Delannoy - Titine; Hubert Deschamps - Isidore, garcon de cafe; Dora Doll - La Génisse; Jacques Hilling - Le chirurgien; Jacques Jouanneau - Bidon; Jacques Marin; Pierre Moncorbier - L'huissier; Pierre Olaf - Roberto, pierrot siffleur; Mme. Paquerette - Mimi Prunelle; Jean Parédès - Coudrier; Franco Pastorino - Paulo, le boulanger; Patachou - Yvette Guilbert; Michele Philippe - Eléonore; Michel Piccoli - Valorgueil; Albert Remy - Barjolin; Jean-Marc Tennberg - Savate; Valentine Tessier - Mme. Olympe, Nini's Mother; Edith Piaf - Eugenie Buffet; Philippe Clay - Casimir; Leo Campion - The Commandant; France Roche - Beatrix; René-Jean Chauffard - Police Inspector; Jean Sylvere - The Groom; Bruno Balp

Credit

Max Douy - Art Director, G. Grandjean - Choreography, Rosine Delamare - Costume Designer, Pierre Kast - First Assistant Director, Serge Vallin - First Assistant Director, Jean Renoir - Director, Boris Lewin - Editor, Georges Van Parys - Composer (Music Score), Yvonne Fortuna - Makeup, Michel Kelber - Cinematographer, Louis Wipf - Production Manager, Louis Wipf - Producer, Jean Renoir - Screenwriter

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