The 1960s were a golden era for cinema, marked by the rise of two iconic actresses who captivated audiences with their talent and charisma: Brigitte Bardot and Claudia Cardinale. These two European stars, each with their distinct style and allure, became symbols of the decade, representing different facets of femininity and stardom. While both were frequently seen as rivals by the media, Bardot and Cardinale’s careers and personal journeys reflected the cultural shifts of their time and left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

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For those who appreciate the richness of French cinema, TV5MONDE USA is the ultimate destination. The 24-hour French network broadcasts over 150 French movies annually, along with programming that celebrates French art, culture, and fashion. A TV5MONDE subscription also provides access to the French streaming platform TV5MONDEplus, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the best of French cinema anytime. Stream now on TV5MONDEplus two films with Brigitte Bardot: Une Parisienne, and Mademoiselle Striptease (En effeuillant la marguerite) and Watch Bulle with Claudia Cardinale on TV5MONDEplus

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The Rise to Fame: Bardot Comes First

Paris in 1934, Bardot began her career as a model before transitioning to film. Her breakthrough came with And God Created Woman (Et Dieu... créa la femme, 1956), directed by Roger Vadim, her first husband. This film was a sensation, not only for its bold portrayal of female sexuality but also for Bardot’s captivating performance as Juliette Hardy, a free-spirited woman whose beauty and sensuality turn the heads of all the men in her small town. The film’s success catapulted Bardot to international stardom, making her an overnight sensation and a symbol of the sexual revolution of the 1960s.

Claudia Cardinale, on the other hand, was born in Tunis in 1938 to Italian parents. She came to prominence slightly later than Bardot, with her film career taking off in the late 1950s. Cardinale’s beauty was discovered when she won a "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" contest, leading to film offers in Italy. Her very first film was Goha by Jacques Baratier but her breakout role came with the film Girl with a Suitcase (La ragazza con la valigia, 1961), where she played a vulnerable yet resilient young woman abandoned by her lover. Cardinale's naturalistic acting style and striking beauty caught the attention of audiences and filmmakers alike, setting the stage for her to become one of the leading actresses of her generation.

Read more: How a Young Brigitte Bardot rose to fame

Claudia Cardinale- Brigitte Bardot: The 60's muses

Brigitte Bardot’s status as an icon was solidified through a series of successful films throughout the 1960s. La Vérité (1960), directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, showcased Bardot’s dramatic range as she played a young woman on trial for murder. This role earned her critical acclaim and demonstrated that she was more than just a sex symbol; she was a talented actress capable of tackling complex roles. Another notable film was Contempt (Le Mépris, 1963) directed by Jean-Luc Godard, where Bardot portrayed Camille Javal, a woman caught between her husband and an American film producer, offering a meta-commentary on the nature of filmmaking and celebrity.

Claudia Cardinale, meanwhile, cemented her place in cinema history with her roles in major Italian films. In 1963, she starred in The Leopard (Il Gattopardo), directed by Luchino Visconti, alongside Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon. This epic historical drama, set in 19th-century Sicily, showcased Cardinale's elegance and acting prowess, as she played Angelica, a beautiful and ambitious woman who captivates a Sicilian prince. The same year, she appeared in Federico Fellini’s 8½, playing the love interest of Marcello Mastroianni's character, a film director experiencing a creative crisis. These films not only solidified Cardinale's status as a leading actress but also established her as a muse for some of Italy’s greatest directors. But that's not all, she also appeared in Visconti's Rocco and his Brothers (Rocco et ses frères), alongside Alain Delon, Werner Herzog's cult classic Fitzcarraldo alongside Klaus Kinski, and Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In The West, the spaghetti western with Henry Fonda Jason Robards and Charles Bronson.

While Bardot was synonymous with the French Riviera, Claudia Cardinale also left her mark on this glamorous region. She starred in The Pink Panther (1963), directed by Blake Edwards, which was partially filmed on location in the French Riviera. Cardinale played Princess Dala, a character caught in a web of intrigue involving the theft of a priceless diamond. The film’s comedic tone and stylish setting captured the essence of the Riviera’s charm, contributing to its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous.

Watch Alain Delon, la beauté du diable et les femmes on TV5MONDEplus

The Myth of Rivalry

Despite their frequent comparison in the media, Brigitte Bardot and Claudia Cardinale were not rivals. Both women had their own distinct appeal and carved out separate niches in the film industry. While Bardot was often portrayed as the ultimate French sex symbol, Cardinale was celebrated for her classic Italian beauty and acting versatility. The media loved to pit them against each other, crafting stories of rivalry and competition, but in reality, both actresses respected each other’s work.

In interviews, both Bardot and Cardinale expressed admiration for one another. Bardot once said, "Claudia has a unique beauty and grace. I have always admired her presence on screen." Cardinale, likewise, praised Bardot, stating, "Brigitte was a trailblazer. She changed the way people looked at women in film, and I have great respect for what she accomplished." These statements reveal that the so-called rivalry was more a creation of the media than a reflection of their actual relationship.

Read more about the 10 French actresses who marked the 70's, from Bardot to Deneuve.

Diverging Paths: Bardot’s Retreat and Cardinale’s Continued Success

While Brigitte Bardot became increasingly uncomfortable with the spotlight, Claudia Cardinale embraced her ongoing career in film. Bardot retired from acting in 1973, at the age of 39, stating that she could no longer handle the pressures of fame and the invasive scrutiny of the media. She chose to dedicate her life to animal rights activism, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals. Bardot's decision to step away from the limelight was influenced by her desire to escape the overwhelming fame that had followed her since her early twenties. She found solace in the quiet life at her home in Saint-Tropez, away from the demands of the film industry.

Claudia Cardinale, on the other hand, continued to thrive in her acting career. Unlike Bardot, Cardinale did not shy away from the camera. She worked with renowned directors and actors, including Marcello Mastroianni, Luchino Visconti, and Burt Lancaster. Cardinale’s filmography is diverse, ranging from European art films to Hollywood productions. In recent years, she starred in the French film Bulle (2011), demonstrating her enduring talent and passion for acting. Cardinale’s ability to adapt to changing trends in cinema and her commitment to her craft have kept her relevant in the industry, long after many of her contemporaries retired.

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Cardinale and Bardot's Unique Collaboration

Brigitte Bardot and Claudia Cardinale came together on-screen in the 1971 film The Legend of Frenchie King (Les Pétroleuses), directed by Christian-Jaque. This French-Italian comedy-western was a unique venture that brought together two of Europe’s most iconic actresses, blending Bardot's and Cardinale’s distinct on-screen personas. The film is set in the Wild West and follows the story of two feuding families: the French Bouc sisters, led by Louise (played by Bardot), and the Italian Caderousse sisters, led by Maria (played by Cardinale). The plot revolves around a battle for a piece of land that both families believe contains oil. The film's lighthearted tone and comedic elements allowed both actresses to showcase their versatility, stepping outside their usual dramatic roles to engage in physical comedy and slapstick humor.

The Legend of Frenchie King was notable not only for its entertaining storyline but also for the chemistry between Bardot and Cardinale. Despite the media's frequent attempts to portray them as rivals, the actresses demonstrated a genuine camaraderie on set. Their playful interactions and dynamic performances highlighted their ability to work harmoniously, proving that their so-called rivalry was nothing more than a media fabrication. The film also stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of both Bardot and Cardinale, showing that their talent and star power could transcend genre boundaries, making them beloved figures in both European and international cinema.

Bardot and Cardinale’s Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of Brigitte Bardot and Claudia Cardinale extends beyond their film roles. Bardot’s influence on fashion and beauty standards of the 1960s cannot be overstated. Her signature look—effortlessly tousled blonde hair, winged eyeliner, and pouty lips—became a global trend. She inspired countless women to emulate her style, and her image adorned magazine covers and posters worldwide. Bardot also inspired music artists; The Kinks famously dedicated their song "Brigitte Bardot" to her, highlighting her impact on popular culture.

Claudia Cardinale, meanwhile, became an ambassador of Italian cinema and style. Her collaboration with iconic directors like Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti positioned her as a central figure in the Italian film renaissance. Cardinale’s roles often depicted strong, independent women, reflecting the evolving societal attitudes towards gender and female empowerment. Her marriage to Italian director Pasquale Squitieri further cemented her connection to the film industry, with the couple working together on several projects.

For fans of Bardot, Cardinale, and the golden age of French cinema, TV5MONDEplus offers a treasure trove of classic films and contemporary masterpieces. With its extensive library and commitment to showcasing the best of French art and culture, TV5MONDEplus ensures that the magic of these legendary actresses continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. 

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