A look back at the Jean Gabin exhibition, "War is not a movie" in 2024
Presented at Normandy Victory Museum From April 1, 2023 to May 20, 2024, the exhibition "Jean Gabin, war is not cinema" invited visitors to discover a little-known side of the actor: that of a committed man, far from the film sets.
Jean Gabin, much more than a film icon
Behind the iconic figure of French cinema, Jean Gabin was also a man who refused to take the easy way out. After the defeat of 1940, he left France and gave up a promising career in Hollywood to join the Free French Forces. Under his real name, Jean Moncorgé, he joined General Leclerc's 2nd Armored Division and fought all the way to Germany.
A commitment that he would subsequently minimize, preferring to remain discreet about this episode of his life, which he considered a duty rather than a heroic act.
An exhibition to rediscover his commitment
For several months, at Normandy Victory MuseumVisitors were able to discover a little-known side of one of France's favorite actors. Personal items, photographs, and often unseen archives were loaned by the Jean Gabin Museum in Mériel, have thus highlighted Jean Gabin's commitment within the 2nd Armored Division, up to his role as tank commander on board the "Souffleur II".
Far from the image portrayed in the movies, the public was able to discover a deeply committed and modest man during this exhibition.
Jean Moncorgé (aka Jean Gabin) in front of the Souffleur tank at the end of World War II. Photo: Jean Gabin Museum, Meriel | All rights reserved - Reproduction prohibited
A rich program of events surrounding the exhibition
Around this exhibition, the Normandy Victory Museum presented a series of events related to Jean Gabin and the 2nd Armored Division. Many spectators were thus able to rediscover three cult films such as: A Monkey in Winter; The Horse and The Crossing of Paris, in the presence of celebrities.
A book has been specially published. Written by Patrick Glâtre and with a preface by Mathias Moncorgé, it brings together numerous documents, anecdotes, and unpublished facts about the actor's atypical yet exemplary career during the Second World War.
In July, the commemorations of the landing of the 2nd Armored Division at Utah Beach allowed the public to attend events, conferences and meetings about this emblematic unit of the Liberation.
Significant encounters
The exhibition was also punctuated by the presence of numerous personalities who came to meet the public. On several occasions, Mathias Moncorgé (son of Jean Gabin) shared memories and insights on his father's career, offering particularly appreciated moments of exchange.
Other guests also made their mark on this program, including Philippe Raimbourg (son of Bourvil), the actor Antoine Duléry and Sophie and Patrick Malakian, children of director Henri Verneuil.
Around the book and conference sessions, the public also had the opportunity to meet Patrick Glâtre, Patrice Gélinet or, Philippe GélinetHistorians, authors and witnesses linked to this period came to provide additional insights.
Through this exhibition, many visitors rediscovered a little-known side of Jean Gabin, far removed from his screen roles. His commitment, simplicity, and discretion particularly resonated with the public, who were often surprised to discover this aspect of his life.
For the Normandy Victory MuseumHosting this exhibition was an opportunity to highlight a man whose career, beyond cinema, is fully part of the history of the Liberation.