Cannabis (1970)
A French crime thriller where a Mafia hitman and an ambassador's daughter are swept into a lethal spiral of desire and danger.
Cannabis - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cannabis
- Release Year: 1970
- Directed by: Pierre Koralnik
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 2, 1970 (France), December 1, 1974 (United States - R), October 22, 1970 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: French Intrigue (US)
- Production Companies: Les Films Océanic, Euro-France Films, Capitole Films, Roxy Film, Taurus Film
- Production Countries: France, Germany, Italy
Cannabis - Plot
Serge Morgan is a killer working for the American Mafia. After performing a contract in New York for his employers, he takes the plane back to Paris and, during the flight, he gets to know Jane, the rich daughter of an ambassador. Once in Orly Airport he gets seriously wounded by the men of French drug kingpin Henri Emery. He manages to escape them though and takes refuge at Jane's. Passion sets in between the killer and the young lady. As of then, sex will be intertwined with blood and death. For better or worse...
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Cannabis - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Pierre Koralnik
Main Cast
- Serge Gainsbourg
- Jane Birkin
- Paul Nicholas
- Gabriele Ferzetti
- Paul Albert Krumm
- Yvette Lebon
- Curd Jürgens
- Laurence Badie
- Rita Renoir
- Marcel Lupovici
Writers
- Frantz-André Burguet
Producers
- Gérard Ducaux-Rupp
- Nat Wachsberger
- Roger Duchet
- Raymond Gautreau
Cannabis - FAQs
What is Cannabis (1970) about?
Cannabis follows Serge Morgan, a Mafia hitman who, returning to Paris after a New York contract, meets Jane, an ambassador's wealthy daughter. Wounded by a French drug lord's men at Orly Airport, he takes refuge with her. Their relationship ignites a dangerous romance where passion collides with violence and death.
Why did Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin star together?
Cannabis was filmed in 1970, the same year Gainsbourg and Birkin began their real-life romantic relationship. Their genuine chemistry translated naturally on screen, making their pairing as a hitman and an ambassador's daughter feel authentic. The film remains a notable early document of their iconic personal and artistic partnership.
Who directed Cannabis (1970)?
Cannabis was directed by Pierre Koralnik, a Swiss-born filmmaker best known for his work in French television and cinema. Koralnik had previously collaborated with Serge Gainsbourg on the cult musical film Anna (1967), making Cannabis a continuation of their creative working relationship.
Is Cannabis (1970) related to the drug cannabis?
Despite its provocative title, Cannabis centers primarily on Mafia contract killing and the French drug underworld rather than marijuana specifically. The film does incorporate themes of drug smuggling and contraband, but its narrative focus is on crime, passion, and violence rather than cannabis use as a central subject.
Who are the main actors in Cannabis?
Cannabis stars Serge Gainsbourg as hitman Serge Morgan and Jane Birkin as Jane Swenson, the ambassador's daughter. The supporting cast includes Curd Jürgens as drug kingpin Henri Emery, Gabriele Ferzetti as Inspector Bardeche, Paul Nicholas, Rita Renoir, and Marcel Lupovici.
When was Cannabis released and what is its rating?
Cannabis premiered in France on September 2, 1970, and later in Germany on October 22, 1970. It received a US release on December 1, 1974, under the alternative title French Intrigue. The film carries an R rating in the United States and runs approximately 95 minutes.
Who composed the music for Cannabis?
The score for Cannabis was composed by Jean-Claude Vannier and Serge Gainsbourg. Vannier was a frequent collaborator of Gainsbourg's during this era, most famously arranging the landmark album Histoire de Melody Nelson (1971). Their work on Cannabis reflects the same sophisticated, atmospheric musical sensibility.
Where can I watch Cannabis (1970)?
Streaming availability for Cannabis varies by region and platform. For the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options — including rental, purchase, and subscription services available in your area — check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across all major platforms.
More About Cannabis
Explore further details about Cannabis on these authoritative film databases.