Dave Cunningham
After almost 40 years of stories, the time has finally come. Coming to Netflix very soon is the film that focuses on the incredible (and very different) story of French brothel-keeper Madame Claude. Here’s everything you need to know about the French biographical-drama that’s soon to take the streaming giant by surprise––from the plot, cast, and Netflix release date.
What is Madame Claude all about?
Madame Claude is an upcoming French Netflix Original biological-drama based on the life of, well, you guessed it––Madame Claude. The project is directed by Sylvie Verheyde and is about the most famous French brothel keeper. During the late 70s and 80s, no matter which way you looked, you would’ve seen multiple films about Madame Claude. Now, after 40 years, the adaptation cycle has started again.
By the time it gets released, Madame Claude will be the first French Original movie on the streaming giant in 2021.
It has been said that the plot will revolve around the story of Madame Claude herself––the owner of one of the most prosperous brothels in Paris during the 1960s. At that time, she was one of the most powerful and influential people in France––catering to both the criminal and political realms of the country. However, her grasp on the business is endangered by a young woman who joins alongside Madame Claude.
Of course, as you would’ve noticed, this looks like a story straight out of reality––because it is. The real Madame Claude, Fernande Grudet, was one of the most powerful and affluent brothel owners of Paris during the 60s.
She built what was then the most exclusive prostitution network in Paris. Her clientele, on the other hand, was as powerful as she was––ranging from the likes of political leaders, celebrities, and even members of the mafia. At that point, that was the only place where these people were at a truce. Grudet herself confirmed that some of the brothel’s clients were John F. Kennedy, Shah of Iran, and even the former head of Fiat, Gianna Agnelli.
She was protected by the police because she was treated as an informant. However, her empire began to collapse after the French judge Jean-Louis Bruguière started to destroy everything from the ground-up. In a sudden turn of events, she was indebted to 11 million francs of unpaid tax and thought flying to Los Angeles was the best thing to do.
Eventually, though, she would return to France and served her fair share of jail time––specifically four months. After she was released from prison, she thought of picking up right where she finished and built a new prostitution network. However, she was caught and served her term in Fleury-Mérogis Prison.
On the 19th of December, 2015, Madame Claude, as the world liked to call her, died at the age of 92 years old.
When is the release date of Madame Claude?
Madame Claude is slated to release globally on the streaming giant on the 2nd of April, 2021.
Who are attached to Netflix’s Madame Claude?
- Karole Rocher as Madame Claude/Fernande Grudet
- Roschdy Zem as Jo Attia
- Garance Marillier as Sidonie
- Pierre Deladonchamps’ role is TBA
- Annabelle Belmondo’s role is TBA
- Hafsia Herzi’s role is TBA
- Joséphine de La Baume’s role is TBA
- Mylène Jampanoï’s role is TBA
- Lucile Jaillant as la Physio chez Castel
- Liah O’Prey as Virginie
- Paul Hamy as André
- Lorenzo Harani as Homme Italien
- Aleksandra Yermak as la cliente boutique
- Mathilde Moigno as la fille envisagèe
- Lèa Rostain as Lola
When and where did filming for Madame Claude take place?
In May 2019, principal photography of the project started and eventually finished after almost two months of shooting on the 25th of June the same year.
As for where it took place, of course, it had to be done in Paris––specifically in locations such as across Ile-de-France and the city of Nice.
