FILM: French Cancan (PG)

A re-release of Jean Renoir’s colourful 1954 musical, which celebrates the passion and energy of the dance that has become inextricably linked with the French capital.

Cafe owner Henri Danglard (Jean Gabin) is struggling to make ends meet in late 19th century Paris, even with Egyptian belly dancer Lola (Maria Felix) to draw in punters. One day while exploring the Montmartre, Henri is dazzled by the cancan girls and he hatches a hare-brained scheme to revive the exuberant dance at his own establishment featuring ingenue Nini (Francoise Arnoul).

Caught between the two women, Henri holds firm to his dream, leading to the opening of the world famous Moulin Rouge that would be immortalised in oils by artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Released: August 5 (UK, selected cinemas), 104 mins

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