Watch The Legend of Frenchie King

The Legend of Frenchie King is a French western-comedy film from 1971 starring Brigitte Bardot, Claudia Cardinale, and Michael J. Pollard. Directed by Christian-Jaque, the film offers a light-hearted and entertaining take on the Wild West, complete with comedic elements and plenty of action. The story revolves around Frenchie King (Brigitte Bardot), the daughter of a notorious outlaw, who takes over her father's gang after his death. She runs into trouble when her father's former partner, the nefarious Rantanplan (Michael J. Pollard), comes back into town looking to take over the gang and steal their loot. To make matters worse, Frenchie's childhood friend, the aristocratic and elegant Marie Sarrazin (Claudia Cardinale), arrives in town and becomes entangled in the conflict.

As Frenchie and her gang navigate the dangers of the western landscape, they must also contend with each other's personalities and desires. Frenchie is a strong-willed and independent woman who is determined to save her gang from Rantanplan's clutches, but must also confront her feelings for the roguish and charming stranger, Louis (George Hamilton). Marie, on the other hand, struggles with the expectations of her upbringing and longs for adventure and excitement, throwing herself into the middle of the chaos.

Despite its comedic tone, the film tackles some serious themes, including gender roles, class divisions, and the exploitation of Native Americans. Frenchie's leadership of the gang challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, while Marie's aristocratic background puts her at odds with the rough and tumble nature of the Wild West. Meanwhile, the film's portrayal of Native Americans is complex and nuanced, depicting them as both victims and aggressors in the larger landscape of the frontier.

The Legend of Frenchie King also boasts some impressive visuals and action sequences, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Western landscape and the excitement of shootouts and horse chases. The film's score, composed by Francis Lai, adds an additional layer of excitement and playfulness to the proceedings.

Ultimately, The Legend of Frenchie King is a fun and engaging Western comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously. Bardot, Cardinale, and Pollard offer dynamic performances that keep the film lively, while the film's themes of gender and class offer a more serious undercurrent. It's a must-see for fans of the Western genre and those looking for a unique take on the Wild West.

The Legend of Frenchie King is a 1971 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.