French Cancan
1955 · Movie · Not Rated · 102 min · ★ 7.2 · 95% critics
Nineteenth-century Paris buzzes as an ambitious impresario sets out to revive the cancan and launch a show at the Moulin Rouge. Juggling finances and romance, he pursues a laundry worker with undeniable dance talent while navigating feelings for two women and rising rivalry as opening night nears.
Also known as Only the French Can · French Can-Can
Where to watch
Streaming on The Criterion Channel and Kanopy.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1955
- Release date
- 1955-04-09
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Not Rated
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Critic score
- 95/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (107 votes)
About
If you want a bright, entertaining Paris tale with plenty of music and escalating showtime excitement, French Cancan delivers—Not for you if you dislike love triangles or prefer lighter, less chaotic classics like An American in Paris or Funny Face.
Pros: vibrant Paris atmosphere; lively love triangle; eye-catching dance finale | Cons: complicated relationships; rivalry adds tension
Themes
- dancer
- musical
- nightclub owner
- montmartre, paris
- cabaret dancer
- moulin rouge
Cast & crew
Jean Gabin
as Henri Danglard
Françoise Arnoul
as Nini
María Félix
as Lola
Anna Amendola
as Esther Georges
Jean-Roger Caussimon
as Baron Walter
Dora Doll
as La Génisse
Giani Esposito
as Prince Alexandre
Gaston Gabaroche
as Oscar
Jacques Jouanneau
as Bidon
Jean Parédès
as Coudrier
Directed by Jean Renoir