France Gall: Cosmonaut, Robot, Yé-Yé Girl

I have no idea what the story is behind this photo, but I am so glad that it exists. It's been a long time since I posted any France Gall videos, so I'll take this opportunity to host a France Gall dance party. Tons of excellent videos have been added to Youtube recently. Let's all prance with France!

Baby Pop (1966)

Let's get this prance-off started with this great old Scopitone. Now, France was never known for her dancing abilities, but she's particularly stiff here. She's not even doing her usual mild yet adorable prance and her absolutely terrible backup dancers fail to pick up the slack. (Seriously, why are they even there?) No matter though, France's charms always prevail. Also: notice the strange fixation on the chandelier starting at 2:30. Weird.

La Cloche (1964)

She's too cute. She's like the human equivalent of a baby bunny. No wonder the Japanese loved her. (Holy cow! She sings in Japanese here!)

Avant la bagarre (1968)

France really gets down in this one. I love her little arm-wiggling dance. She seems so loose and comfortable, which is exactly the opposite of how I'd feel if that guy was gyrating next to me.

Polichinelle (1967)

Why does France appear to be singing from inside a cage? And why are the baby dolls trapped in the fencing? Oh god, is it a metaphor? Was this some kind of cry for help? This is some oddly sinister imagery for such a sweet pop song.

Y'a du soleil à vendre (1968)

Beach party France! Watch France do her signature France-prance on the beach while dressed like a toddler.

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