Introduction

Fanfan la Tulipe is a 1952 French comedy adventure film directed by Christian-Jaque. It has also been categorised under swashbuckler films. The film starred Gérard Philipe and Gina Lollobrigida.

The film was remade in 2003 with Penélope Cruz in Lollobrigida’s role.

Also known as Fearless Little Soldier (UK).

Refer to 1907, 1925, and 2003 versions.

Outline

The film is set in France during the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763).

As the film begins, Fanfan (Gérard Philipe) is a charming, attractive young man who is trying to escape a shotgun marriage. At this vulnerable point in his life, he is approached by the daughter of a recruiting officer, Adeline (played by Gina Lollobrigida), who tells him that if he joins the army, he will find fame, fortune, and will marry the king’s daughter. Accordingly, he joins the army, only to discover that she made the whole thing up in order for her father to get a recruiting bonus. Nevertheless, encouraged by a series of improbable circumstances, he accepts her prediction as his destiny. A series of events ensues which shows off to great advantage his athleticism and leadership ability. As the film progresses, we become aware of a developing attraction between himself and Adeline which however conflicts with his perceived “destiny” of marrying a king’s daughter.

Cast

• Gérard Philipe as Fanfan la Tulipe.
• Gina Lollobrigida as Adeline La Franchise.
• Marcel Herrand as Louis XV.
• Olivier Hussenot as Tranche-Montagne.
• Noël Roquevert as Fier-à-Bras.
• Henri Rollan as Le maréchal d’Estrées.
• Nerio Bernardi as La Franchise.
• Jean-Marc Tennberg as Lebel.
• Geneviève Page as La marquise de Pompadour.
• Sylvie Pelayo as Henriette de France.
• Lolita De Silva as La dame d’honneur.
• Irène Young as Marion.
• Georgette Anys as Madame Tranche-Montagne.
• Henri Hennery as Guillot.
• Lucien Callamand as Le maréchal de Brandebourg.

Production

The film was photographed in black-and-white by Christian Matras. A colourised version was created (supervised by Sophie Juin for Les Films Ariane) and issued in 2000 on DVD in Europe alongside the original version.

Release

Awards

• Won:
  • 1952 Berlin International Film Festival – Silver Berlin Bear.
  • 1952 Cannes Film Festival – Best Director.
• Nominated:
  • 1952 Cannes Film Festival – Grand Prize of the Festival.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s):
  • Christian-Jaque.
• Producer(s):
  • Francis Cosne … executive producer.
  • Georges Dancigers … executive producer.
  • Alexandre Mnouchkine … producer.
• Writer(s):
  • René Wheeler … (original scenario).
  • René Fallet … (original scenario).
  • Christian-Jaque … (adaptation).
  • Henri Jeanson … (adaptation).
  • René Wheeler … (adaptation).
  • Henri Jeanson … (dialogue).
• Music:
  • Maurice Thiriet.
  • Georges Van Parys.
• Cinematography:
  • Christian Matras.
• Editor(s):
  • Jacques Desagneaux.
• Production:
  • Amato Produzione.
  • Filmsonor.
  • Les Films Ariane.
  • Rizzoli Editore.
• Distributor(s):
  • Allianz Filmverleih (1952) (West Germany) (theatrical).
  • C. F. R. (1952) (France) (theatrical) (16 mm).
  • Cetera International (Japan) (theatrical).
  • Cineriz (1952) (Italy) (theatrical).
  • Cosortium du Film (France) (theatrical).
  • Filmsonor (1952) (France) (theatrical).
  • Les Acacias (2003) (France) (theatrical) (re-release).
  • Lopert Pictures Corporation (1953) (USA) (theatrical).
  • Rialto Pictures (2006) (USA) (theatrical) (re-release).
  • Union Film (1953) (Austria) (theatrical).
  • atlas Film (1970) (West Germany) (theatrical) (re-release).
  • ARTE (2020) (France) (TV).
  • C’est la Vie (2004) (UK) (DVD).
  • Concorde Home Entertainment (2006) (Germany) (DVD).
  • Iris (2016) (Italy) (TV).
  • Les Films Ariane (1952) (World-wide) (VHS).
  • Taurus Video (1984) (West Germany) (VHS).
  • The Criterion Collection (2008) (USA) (DVD).
  • atlas Film (West Germany) (VHS).
• Release Date: 20 March 1952 (France).
• Rating: A.
• Running Time: 104 minutes.
• Country: France.
• Language: French.

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