Fort Saganne

Fort Saganne is a 1984 French war film directed by Alain Corneau and starring Grard Depardieu, Philippe Noiret, Catherine Deneuve, and Sophie Marceau. Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Louis Gardel, the film is about a soldier of humble beginnings who volunteers for service in the Sahara in 1911. After falling in love with the beautiful young daughter of the regional administrator, he is ordered to go on missions in the desert, where he engages in several successful campaigns and experiences severe loneliness. Later, while on a diplomatic mission to Paris, he has a brief affair with a journalist. Returning to Africa, he leads a gallant defense against a feared sultan and is awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. He returns to his home a national hero and marries the young girl hes not forgotten, but their happiness is interrupted by the onset of World War I.

In 1911, a willful and determined man from peasant stock named Charles Saganne Grard Depardieu enlists in the military and is assigned to the Sahara Desert under the aristocratic Colonel Dubreuilh Philippe Noiret. Saganne attracts the attentions of Madeleine Sophie Marceau, the daughter of the regional administrator. In the Sahara, Saganne earns the respect of the Arabs, including Amajan, an independent warrior. After several campaigns, Saganne travels to Paris on a diplomatic mission. After having an affair with a journalist in Paris, Saganne returns to Africa, where he leads a valliant defense against Sultan Omar. He is awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and marries Madeleine. The onset of World War I puts his success and happiness at risk.At the time of its production, Fort Saganne was Frances biggestbudget film. The film earned 2,157,767 admissions in France. ........

Source: Wikipedia