Fanfan la Tulipe (1952) - film review

Fanfan la Tulipe enlists in the army of King Louis XV to escape being forced into marrying a peasant girl.  The recruiting sergeant’s daughter, Adeline, pretending to be a gypsy girl, has deceived Fanfan by foretelling that he will marry the King’s daughter.  It looks as if the false prophesy will come true when Fanfan saves the royal princess when her coach is attacked by bandits.   Later, when he becomes tired of army exercises, Fanfan deserts and breaks into the royal palace, determined to see the King’s daughter.  He is captured and sentenced to death, but pardoned at the last minute.  Aware that she is in love with Fanfan, the King summons Adeline to his palace and demands a small gesture of gratitude for sparing his life.  Adeline refuses and flees.  Furious, the King demands that she be recaptured.  Only one man can save her – Fanfan la Tulipe!

One of the most popular historical-adventure films made in France, Fanfan la Tulipe is a hugely entertaining melange of swash-buckling adventure, comedy and romance.   To watch the recently released re-mastered colour version of the film, it is hard to believe that the film was made in 1952.  Not only is the film impeccably made, with lavish production values, stunning cinematography and impressively choreographed fight scenes, but it has a timeless quality which will no doubt ensure it will remain a popular classic for years to come.

Popular actor Gérard Philipe excels in this film in what is regarded by many as his finest film role, the indefatiguable womaniser and agile swordsman Fanfan la Tulipe.  Philipe is simply brilliant in the role, tackling the numerous swordfights and Henri Jeanson’s sparkling dialogue with equal relish.  Italian beauty Gina Lollobrigida stars opposite Philipe, giving the film a touch of class whilst no doubt contributing to its international success.  Other cast members, such as Marcel Herrand and Noël Roquevert make the most of the film’s comic side, providing a perfect counterfoil for the film’s more serious moments.

The director-writer team Christian-Jaque and Henri Jeanson attempted to repeat the success of this film in 1964 with a similar (but slightly inferior) film, La Tulipe noire.

© James Travers 2002

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