And God Created Woman (French: Et Dieu… créa la femme) is a 1956 French romantic drama film directed by Roger Vadim in his directorial debut. Starring Brigitte Bardot in her breakout role, the film is widely regarded as a cultural landmark for its provocative exploration of female sexuality and its challenge to post-war societal norms. Set in the sun-drenched coastal town of Saint-Tropez, the story revolves around Juliette Hardy, a free-spirited orphan whose uninhibited sensuality disrupts the lives of the men around her, including two brothers from a local family and a wealthy businessman. The film’s frank depiction of desire and autonomy made it a precursor to the French New Wave and cemented Bardot’s status as an international icon.
The plot follows Juliette as she navigates relationships with Michel Tardieu, a shy young man she marries to avoid reform school, and his older brother Antoine, whom she secretly loves. Her affair with Eric Carradine, a charismatic entrepreneur, ignites a chain reaction of jealousy and violence, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that exposes the tensions between personal freedom and societal expectations. Bardot’s portrayal of Juliette—a character who defies traditional gender roles—sparked both admiration and controversy, reflecting shifting attitudes toward sexuality in the 1950s.
The film was shot on location in Saint-Tropez using vibrant CinemaScope and Eastmancolor technology, which heightened its visual allure. Roger Vadim, then married to Bardot, drew inspiration from a real-life scandal involving a woman entangled with three brothers, crafting a narrative that balanced sensuality with psychological complexity. Despite its modest budget, the film achieved global success, grossing over $4 million and introducing French cinema to mainstream American audiences, albeit in a heavily censored version.
Upon its release, And God Created Woman polarized critics. Some hailed Bardot’s magnetic performance and the film’s bold themes, while others dismissed it as superficial or exploitative. Over time, it gained recognition as a pioneering work that redefined the portrayal of women in film, influencing the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Its legacy endures through Bardot’s indelible screen presence and its role in popularizing Saint-Tropez as a symbol of chic rebellion. A 1988 English-language remake by Vadim failed to capture the original’s impact, underscoring the irreplicable alchemy of its era and star.