Starring Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau, and co-starring George Hamilton, this romantic comedy is set south or ghe border at the turn of the century. Directed by Louis Malle from an original screenplay, it concerns itself with a troupe of touring performers in the tropics. In true “Perils of Pauline” tradition, Maria I (Moreau) and Maria II (Bardot), a song and dance team, romp through hair-raising adventures and manage to escape unscathed.

The entertainment milieu allows for a variety of colourful costumes – and some great hats. In the scene at right, Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau are dep in thought, contemplating blowing up a bridge – no mean feat, considering the trappings they’re wearing. Brigitte is garbed in a beribboned sailor laden with organdy flowers; Jeanne’s hat is a matching storm of feathers, ribbons and flowers.

Viva Maria has been released on DVD with a restored ending!