Princesse Tam Tam (1935)

Princesse Tam Tam is a French film comedy-drama first released in 1935, directed by Edmond T. Gréville.  The film stars Josephine Baker, Albert Préjean, Robert Arnoux, Germaine Aussey and Georges Péclet.  It has also been released under the title: Princess Tam-Tam.  Our overall rating for this film is: good.


Lacking inspiration for his next novel, writer Max de Mirecourt decamps to North Africa.  Here, he encounters the beautiful and alluring native, Alwina, whom he decides to adopt and try to civilise.  When he discovers that his wife has been having an affair with an Indian prince, Max realises that he must return to France or face scandal.  Will he take Alwina with him?  And how will his novel end?

Legendary Afro-American cabaret performer Josephine Baker stars in this unusual variant of the Pygmalion story, directed by Edmond T. Gréville.  Whilst the film now appears unpardonably politically incorrect in its portrayal of African women, it was considered daring in its time, broaching taboos (such as a love affair between a white male and black female) which would have been totally unthinkable in Hollywood.  Not surprisingly, the film was banned in America when it was first released.  Whilst the narrative is pretty insipid, the film’s artistic design is rather good, with some impressively choreographed dance sequences.  Josephine Baker’s presence is what makes the film, however.  Her masterfully rendered songs and outrageously erotic dances capture her talent and personality, leaving the spectator in no doubt to her truly iconic status.

© James Travers 2006

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