Jean Gabin, sacred monster of French cinema, but also a soldier engaged during the Second World War. The actor has always remained very discreet about this part of his life. The Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan retraces this epic through the exhibition “Jean Gabin: war is not cinema”. On view until November 5, 2023
During the Second World War, Jean Gabin becomes Jean Moncorgé again, engaged in 1943 in the Free French Forces of General de Gaulle, when he had been living in the United States for two years. “Without doubt the role that made him the most proud” according to his biographer and exhibition curator Patrick Glâtre. Dozens of the actor’s personal objects, photos and unpublished archives are on display at the Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan, in the Manche department, to retrace this little-known episode in the life of Jean Gabin.
A military career that the actor kept secret for a long time. Even his son, Mathias Moncorgé, who presents this exhibition, did not know much about this episode in the life of his father, who died in 1976. “I learned all that afterwards. At home, we didn’t talk about that” he specifies. In 1941, Jean Gabin, already very famous thanks to his role in The wharf of mist by Marcel Carné, decides to go to the United States so as not to be forced to shoot for the Germans. Despite a few roles across the Atlantic, the actor does not dream of a career in Hollywood. He then lives with Marlène Dietrich, but in 1943, he enlists in the French Navy. “Before leaving, he offered Marlène earrings and a diamond necklace as well as the four paintings he owned, convinced that he would not come back, that he was going to die like all the others” says his son.
Oldest tank commander in Free France
After a few adventures that nearly cost him his life, Jean Gabin arrived in Casablanca where he joined General Leclerc’s famous 2nd Armored Division. He takes control of the tank Blower II. In 1945, he took part in the liberation of the pocket of Royan and went to Germany in Eyrieone of Hitler’s refuges.
Decorated with the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre, he was at the liberation, at 41, the oldest tank commander in Free France. Always for the sake of discretion, he refuses to participate in the celebrations on the Champs-Élysées and will observe the ceremony from the balcony of a hotel. “He was probably afraid that we would recognize him and that we would see Jean Gabin parade, while it was Jean Moncorgé who fought” says Patrick Glâtre.
Post-war
Returning deeply changed from the war and with white hair, Jean Gabin then refused to play a soldier on screen. But he quickly got back to work and again enjoyed many successes.
At his death in 1976, if the crowd rushes to the Père-Lachaise crematorium, it is indeed at sea that the ashes of Jean Gabin will be dispersed during an official ceremony in Brest. The honors of the National Navy to the one who has always expressed his admiration for this army corps.
Jean Gabin exhibition: war is not cinema – until November 5, 2023, Normandy Victory Museum – La Fourche business park 50500 Carentan-les-Marais – open every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.