French Cancan (1954)

Synopsis: Renoir offers a knowingly romanticized version of show business life with this fictional account of the birth of the Cancan at the fabled Moulin Rouge in 1880s Monmartre. Jean Gabin stars as Henri... Renoir offers a knowingly romanticized version of show business life with this fictional account of the birth of the Cancan at the fabled Moulin Rouge in 1880s Monmartre. Jean Gabin stars as Henri Danglard, a theatrical impressario who steps inside a working class dance hall, and is instantly taken with one of the pretty dancers, Nini (Francoise Arnoul), who works as a laundress. He decides to renovate the run-down building, upgrade the choreography, and professionally train a group of talented amateur performers. But first, there are a few obstacles he must overcome. Danglard's girlfriend, belly-dancer Lola (Maria Felix) realizes that Henri's interest in Nini is more than professional, as does Nini's boyfriend Paolo (Franco Pastorino). To complicate matters, Lola's "patron," Baron Walter (Jean-Roger Caussimon), who Danglard hopes will help finance the project, is annoyed by Lola's public displays of affection for the promoter. Finally, tempers seem to abate, the Baron releases his funds, and the building is completed. Yet, at the opening ceremony, jealousy flares, as Paolo pushes Danglard into a deep construction hole, badly injuring the older man. Paolo demands that Nini choose between dancing at the Moulin Rouge and life with him. A highly entertaining, if nostalgic, view of the period, featuring superb color photography by Michel Kelber. [More]

Starring: Jean Gabin, Francoise Arnoul, Maria Felix

Starring: Jean Gabin, Francoise Arnoul, Maria Felix

Director: Jean Renoir

Director: Jean Renoir

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