The Legend of Frenchie King

Five masked women with heavily lined eyes and revolvers in hand wreak havoc across the territories of New Mexico. Their leader is the charismatic Louise, known as Frenchie King, for whom life is a series of daring robberies carried out in the spirit of sisterly solidarity. When the weary outlaws decide to settle on a farm near the small town of Bougival Junction, they provoke the ire of the cunning Marie Sarrazin and her four obedient brothers. Two of the greatest stars of French Cinema – Claudia Cardinale and Brigitte Bardot (both of whom passed away in 2025) – square off in this Wild West adventure, fighting for power, freedom and financial independence. The heroines are constantly subjected to the male gaze, yet Louise and Marie dismiss it with laughter, mocking the familiar claim that “woman is humanity’s greatest mystery”. Christian-Jaque and Guy Casaril’s French western charms with its humour while brimming with sensuality and countercultural flair.

Daria Sienkiewicz

Christian-Jaque (1904–1994) – French film director and screenwriter who began his career as a production designer. He directed numerous popular films and was particularly admired for his dynamic comedies and adventure cinema. He received the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Silver Bear for Fanfan la Tulipe (1952). In 1985 he received an Honorary César for lifetime achievement.

Guy Casaril (1933–1996) – French director, screenwriter, and writer. During a career that lasted barely a decade, he made ten films and television productions. He frequently turned to literary adaptations, and his work was distinguished by clear narrative structures and strong female characters, portrayed by actresses such as Brigitte Bardot and Claudia Cardinale.