The first film made by famed French director Jean Renoir, son of the painter, after his return from America in 1951, ‘French Cancan’ is an exuberant and joyful romp through the Belle Epoque. Very loosely base on the story of Charles Zidler, the founder of the Moulin Rouge, it tells of a naïve young laundress (Françoise Arnoul) found dancing in a nightclub, who inspires Zidler/Danglard (Jean Gabin) to revive the Cancan. There are twists and turns along the way in a marginally weak story, but Renoir’s artistry and his use of the relatively new Technicolour process mean this film really is a feast for the eyes. And the final dance sequence is 20 minutes of explosive joy!

(also includes two films on making this film, totalling just over 60 mins extra)