Rum Runners

Rum Runners

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	October 13, 1971 (1971-10-13)
Founder	Robert Enrico (director), Alain Poiré (producer)
Products	Adventure motion picture

Rum Runners (original French title: Boulevard du Rhum) is an adventure motion picture from 1971, produced through a collaboration between French, Italian, and Spanish studios. Directed by Robert Enrico and produced by Alain Poiré, the film adapts Jacques Pecheral's novel and features performances by Brigitte Bardot and Lino Ventura. Its initial release occurred in France on 13 October 1971.

Plot

Taking place in 1925 amidst the American Prohibition period, the story follows Cornelius van Zeelinga, a tough yet straightforward rum smuggler who operates along the "Rum Row" off the coast of the United States. After his vessel is destroyed by the U.S. Coast Guard, Cornelius survives and relocates to Mexico, where he becomes entangled in a dangerous shooting contest. Despite sustaining wounds, he returns to Jamaica to captain the ship named The Lady of my Heart.

When rum trafficker Sanderson entrusts him with a fresh shipment, Cornelius stumbles upon a silent film showcasing actress Linda Larue (portrayed by Brigitte Bardot), prompting him to abandon his smuggling activities in pursuit of her. His quest takes him through various Gulf of Mexico harbors until he unexpectedly finds her on a secluded beach.

Cast

• Brigitte Bardot as Linda Larue
• Lino Ventura as Cornelius von Zeelinga
• Bill Travers as Sanderson
• Clive Revill as Lord Hammond
• La Polaca as Catharina
• Jess Hahn as Piet, also known as "Big Dutch"
• Antonio Casas as Wilkinson
• Andreas Voutsinas as Alvarez
• Guy Marchand portraying Ronald / The Actor
• Jack Betts as Renner
• Florence Giorgetti as Linda's guest

Production

Principal photography began in September 1970, with filming locations spanning Mexico, British Honduras, studios in Paris, and areas within Andalucia, Spain.

Reception

According to The New York Times, this film represented a significant turning point for Bardot, marking her evolution from a celebrated starlet to a serious actress.

Soundtrack

The musical score was crafted by François de Roubaix, including vocal performances by Bardot on selected pieces.

• 1. Chant des rumrunners / Générique
• 2. Sur le boulevard du rhum (performed by Brigitte Bardot)
• 3. Le jeu de l'aveugle
• 4. La posada / Gramophone rumba
• 5. Chanson de Ronald (performed by Guy Marchand)
• 6. Ragtime du ver solitaire
• 7. Bataille navale
• 8. Tango del patio
• 9. Linda et Cornelius (Version 1)
• 10. MacAlister's wedding song I (by Joe Turner)
• 11. Ben-moor hôtel
• 12. Au cinéma muet
• 13. Plaisir d'amour (performed by Brigitte Bardot and Guy Marchand)
• 14. Prohibition rag
• 15. Linda et Cornelius (Version 2)