Drummer-Crab (1977)

In the tumultuous background of a frigate journeying towards the Grand Banks, "Drummer-Crab" weaves a tapestry of three intricate narratives. The first paints a vivid picture of life aboard the vessel, brimming with strict discipline, monotonous chores, and stunning scenes of a ship wrestling with the ruthless weather. The second thread unravels the extraordinary life of the "Drummer-Crab” (portrayed by Perrin), a character inspired by the real-life naval officer Pierre Guillaume. Guillaume's valiant service in Indochina and Algeria unfolds with each scene. In Indochina, he supports the army with a fleet of light vessels, and after Dien-Bien-Phu, he becomes a beacon of hope for Vietnamese Catholics fleeing communism. His life takes a drastic turn when he becomes a key player in the Algiers 'Putsch of the Generals'. Despite its failure, he persists with his rebellious spirit, joining the OAS, a covert paramilitary organization striving to restore Algeria's status as French territory. Guillaume's turbulent journey, captured through evocative flashbacks, sheds light on his trials and triumphs. The third narrative is a deep dive into the life of the 'Commandant' (played by Rochefort), a commendable naval officer known for his unwavering devotion to duty. However, a single misstep shatters his dreams of climbing the navy's ranks. The film explores the nuanced relationship between the Commandant and the Drummer-Crab, a testament to their divergent paths when confronted with the challenging dilemma of choosing between honor and duty. The story takes a dramatic twist when the dying Commandant, wrestling with a winter storm on the high seas, seeks a final meeting with the legendary "Drummer-Crab," a war hero he had betrayed two decades earlier. Known for his bravery in the French Indochina War and the "Generals' Revolt" in Algeria, the Drummer-Crab's exile and his ship, The Shamrock, have now become legends among the Grand Banks fishermen. "Drummer-Crab" is more than a film; it is a contemplative exploration of military service, courage in the face of adversity, and the complex dynamics of honor and duty.

Drummer-Crab is a drama movie featuring Jacques Perrin and directed by Pierre Schoendoerffer.

Drummer-Crab is currently streaming on OVID.

It is also possible to buy Drummer-Crab on Amazon Video.