Fort Saganne

Streaming video - 1984

Charles Saganne, the son of peasants, has made his way up through the ranks to become an officer. In 1911, as a young lieutenant, tired of garrison life, he leaves France for a life of adventure in the Sahara. He falls in love with the young and pretty Madeleine de Saint-Ilette. Then, under orders from Colonel Dubreuilh, he is gloriously honored for his service in the Southern part of the Sahara. Sent on a mission to Paris, he has a brief affair with the novelist Louise Tissot. After bringing peace to the desert, he marries Madeleine. Back in France, he soon dies in the trenches of the First World War. In 1922, Colonel Dubreuilh names Fort Saganne, situated in the middle of the desert, after this courageous soldier.