Pierre de Ronsard, Gentleman from Vendôme

We follow Ronsard to the Loire Valley, listening to him evoke his loves through odes and sonnets. Thus, Cassandre, Marie d'Angevine, Hélène de Surgères come back to life for a few moments for us. This evocation does not forget the friendship between Ronsard and another great poet of the 16th century, also born on the banks of the Loire, Joachim du Bellay. It takes us to the castles of Blois and Taley, to the manor of La Denysière, to Couture, Ronsard's birthplace, and to the priory of Saint-Cosme-les-Tours, where the poet died.

Directed by Georges Lacombe, Pierre de Ronsard, Gentleman from Vendôme leans on a strong ensemble — Henri Virlogeux, Robert Etcheverry, Anne Lefol — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about history titles of 1970.