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Poster for French Cancan

French Cancan

Seen it?

1955 | 102 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for music lovers and people who like their stories with a little heart-flutter. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. Fans of Moulin Rouge! or An American in Paris should feel right at home. Critics like it more than audiences, which usually means it takes its time or takes risks.
The mood
Funny with heart, romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
  • Not the pick if you want something heavy or meaningful.

Nineteenth-century Paris comes vibrantly alive in Jean Renoir’s exhilarating tale of the opening of the world-renowned Moulin Rouge. Jean Gabin plays the wily impresario Danglard, who makes the cancan all the rage while juggling the love of two beautiful women—an Egyptian belly-dancer and a naive working girl turned cancan star.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    Our audience score: 61%

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 12K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jean Renoir

  • Jean GabinHenri Danglard
  • Françoise ArnoulNini
  • María FélixLola
  • Anna AmendolaEsther Georges
  • Jean-Roger CaussimonBaron Walter
  • Dora DollLa Génisse
  • Giani EspositoPrince Alexandre
  • Gaston GabarocheOscar
  • Jacques JouanneauBidon
  • Jean ParédèsCoudrier