Fort Saganne (1984)

French civilization in the desert. Saganne is of peasant stock, with courage and a forceful will. In 1911, he volunteers and is posted to the Sahara under the aristocratic Colonel Dubreuilh... See full summary »

Director:

Alain Corneau

Writers:

Alain Corneau (adaptation), Alain Corneau (dialogue),

Stars:

Gérard Depardieu, Philippe Noiret, Catherine Deneuve

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gérard Depardieu	...	Charles Saganne
Philippe Noiret	...	Dubreuilh
Catherine Deneuve	...	Louise
Sophie Marceau	...	Madeleine of Saint-Ilette
Michel Duchaussoy	...	Baculard
Roger Dumas	...	Vulpi
Jean-Louis Richard	...	Flammarin
Jean-Laurent Cochet	...	Bertozza
Pierre Tornade	...	Charles' Father
Saïd Amadis	...	Amajar
René Clermont	...	Monsieur de Saint-Ilette
Philippe Deplanche
Hippolyte Girardot	...	Courette
Sophie Grimaldi	...	Lady of Saint-Ilette
Florent Pagny	...	Lucien

Storyline

French civilization in the desert. Saganne is of peasant stock, with courage and a forceful will. In 1911, he volunteers and is posted to the Sahara under the aristocratic Colonel Dubreuilh. He catches the eye of Madeline, the daughter of the regional administrator. In the desert, Saganne is a leader, with the respect of Arabs, including Amajan, an independent warrior. After resourceful campaigns, Saganne goes on a diplomatic mission to Paris, where he has an affair with a journalist. Back in Africa, he leads a gallant defense against Sultan Omar, is awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and marries Madeline. Then the Great War puts at risk his success and happiness.

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Plot Keywords:

year 1911 | 1910s | male rear nudity | male nudity | female nudity | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

11 May 1984 (France)

Also Known As:

A Saganne erőd

Filming Locations:

Abbaye Royale du Moncel, Pontpoint, Oise, France

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Albina Productions S.a.r.l., Films A2, Société Française de Production (SFP)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min 154 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the Great War segment the French soldiers are wearing the Model 1926 (one-piece) Adrian helmet.

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Connections

Referenced in Happy Easter (1984)

User Reviews

Breathtaking.....

This has to be one of my favorite films, sweeping desert scenes, the desert, always the desert. The Compagnies Sahariennes Mehariste in all their glory, battles, last stands, the French officer Saganne easily coming to terms with the harsh desert, later rather unsettled living without it. This is also autobiographical, as mentioned in "France Soldiers And Africa". The loyalty of the native troops is noticeable throughout. The meeting with the looper Capt. Baculard in the depths of the desert is memorable.... Watch out for the the ever dependable NCO Embarek, and his love of the "Aluette" song.. Desert. Colour. Forts, abound, I was not expecting the sweeping movie it is. This could well be the "Far Pavillions" of the French Africa. Look out for Saganne in the hell of the early Western Front, going to the wall map and laying his hand on his beloved West Africa. It is fitting the last scenes are of the desert. I felt drained after letting this film wash over, and carry me along French Colonial West Africa........ This movie is a French love letter to Africa........