Fanfan la Tulipe (1952)
Directed by Christian-Jaque

Film Review

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.

Film Synopsis

In the mid-1700s, Fanfan la Tulipe is an inveterate skirt-chaser whose days of youthful debauchery appear to be at end when he is forced into marrying his latest amorous conquest, a farmer's daughter.  How easily he is duped by the gypsy fortune teller Adeline into thinking that he is destined to marry the daughter of King Louis XV!  This is merely a ruse to get him to join the king's army, and thereby free himself of the obligations of an unwished-for marriage.  It seems that Adeline's prophesy will come true after all, when Fanfan comes to the rescue of the princess and Madame de Pompadour when their royal coach is attacked by a gang of fierce bandits.

Alas, Fanfan's reward for this chivalrous act is slow to come.  Finally bored with army life, he deserts and forces his way into the palace in the hope of gaining a private audience with the princess.  Captured by the king's guard, he is sentenced to death by hanging but is pardoned at the last moment.  King Louis is well aware that Adeline is in love with Fanfan, so in return for sparing his life he requests that she perform a small favour for him to show her gratitude.  The young woman would rather die than submit to the libidinous monarch, so she takes flight, knowing that it is only a question of time before the king's men catch up with her and kill her.  The only person who can help her now is her beloved Fanfan, but does he love her enough to risk his neck to save her..?