Viva Maria

Viva Maria! (France · Italy 1965 / Director: Louis Malle)

Also known as

Synopsis

At the turn of the 20th century, Marie Fitzgerald O'Malley (Brigitte Bardot), accompanies her father, an Irish republican terrorist, to a British colony in Central America. After her father is shot and then blown up by his own bomb, Marie seeks refuge in the wagon of a singer and actress, also called Marie (Jeanne Moreau), who is part of a troupe of travelling performers. After safely crossing the border and leaving the British Empire, Marie Fitzgerald O'Malley is introduced to the rest of the troupe, led by The Great Rodolfo, an Englishman who is obsessed with the idea of inventing a gun that can shoot around corners. Rodolfo thinks that it is a good idea for "Mary and Mary" to from a double act. During their first performance, Marie (Brigite Bardot) tears her dress and accidentally invents the striptease. The two Maries' act becomes a phenomenal success and they become national celebrities. Marie (Jeanne Moreau) falls in love with Flores (George Hamilton), a revolutionary. The troupe of performers and the two Maries become involved in the revolution and subsequently lead it. They initially confront the wealthy landowner, Rodriguez, and later the Dictator himself. The revolutionary activities of the two "Marias" lead to them becoming venerated like saints. When the Catholic authorities are informed of this blasphemy, they take over the fight against the two women, attempting to use Spanish Inquisition style torture techniques to make the "Marias" renounce their cause.

Credits

Cast (French): Brigitte Bardot (María), Jeanne Moreau (María), Paulette Dubost (Mme Diogène), Claudio Brook (The Great Rodolfo), Carlos López Moctezuma (Rodríguez), Poldo Bendandi (Werther), Gregor von Rezzori (Diogène), Francisco Reiguera (Father Superior), Jonathan Eden (Juanito Diogène), Roberto Pedret (Pablo), José Ángel Espinosa, George Hamilton (Flores)
Uncredited: Adriana Roel (Janine)