Bambi's real name is Marie-Pierre Pruvot, she was born male in 1935 in Algeria, moved to Paris in the 50's to work as a drag performer at Le Carrousel, the famous alternative nightclub. Then in the 60's, with the clock running out on her looks, she transforms herself into a public school teacher in the town of Garges-les-Gonesse (can there really be such a place?). She finally retires in 2001, still pretty fabulous looking--she bears more than a passing resemblance to Mireille Darc.
Marie-Pierre has an honesty and freshness in front of the camera that I found wonderful. Some of the stories she tells of police harassment are startling, until we remember that France wasn't tolerant of people who were different in those days.
Marie-Pierre has an honesty and freshness in front of the camera that I found wonderful. Some of the stories she tells of police harassment are startling, until we remember that France wasn't tolerant of people who were different in those days.