The Castaways of the Fol Espoir (Les Naufragés du Fol Espoir) 9 years old

A film-crew in the early twentieth century, the cabaret known as ‘Le Fol Espoir’ has been transformed into an amateur soundstage. The motion picture tells the story of a ship and its passengers – from the famous opera singer down to the petty criminal. The film is an optimistic political fable intended to educate the masses. There’s comedy aplenty – slapstick punches, custard pies and gags reminiscent of Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle; there’s adventure, high drama moments of great bravura , and passionate love stories. The filming begins on June 28th 1914, the day of the Archiduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination in Sarajevo, the gunpowder that sets Europe alight. It ends with news of another assassination – that of Jean Jaures on July 31st followed by the general conscription of August 1st, heralded by church bells across France. The allegory of the shipwreck is filmed at breakneck pace during the last five weeks before war breaks out.

Credits

The Castaways of the Fol Espoir Cast

Name	Character
Andreas Simma He was 25, now 34 years old
Juliana Carneiro da Cunha She was 65, now 75 years old

The Castaways of the Fol Espoir Crew

Name	Department
Jules Verne as Novel. He was 186 (77) years old when He died	Writing
Bernard Zitzermann as Lighting Technician. He was 72 (75) years old when He died	Lighting
Ariane Mnouchkine as Director. She was 75 (now 85) years old	Directing