Reborn as Winnetou: The unexpected journey of Pierre Brice
A decade ago, Pierre Brice passed away, the perpetual Winnetou figure.
That's how the cinematic legend of Winnetou was born, necessitating a miraculous transformation. This miracle involved molding the leader of the Apaches from a Breton-origin Frenchman. Despite its questionable political correctness.
My Winnetou, indeed!
German producer Horst Wendlandt (1922-2002), who was a cinematic MANITU in the German film industry, decided to adapt the adventure novels of Saxon writer Karl May (1842-1912) instead of his usual Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) crime stories. Apparently, this change was inspired by his young son's advice. In this transition, Wendlandt chanced upon a young, remarkable Frenchman, and instantly thought, "This is my Winnetou!"
63 years ago, Pierre Brice (1929-2015) stepped into the shoes of Winnetou. Even years after his passing, his memory remains alive in the hearts of his countless fans. This year marks his death anniversary on June 6th.
Pierre Brice became a household name in the German-speaking world through the Karl May films. Although his real name was Pierre Louis Baron le Bris, his life story is as captivating as any film script.
The military life of Pierre Brice
Born on February 6, 1929, in the Breton port city of Brest, Brice hailed from an esteemed family. His father was a naval officer, often absent at sea, while his mother raised him and his sister, Yvonne, in a devout and French-patriotic manner.
At the age of 11, Brice witnessed the German occupation of France in the summer of 1940. His father fought against the occupation in the Resistance, and Brice followed suit, becoming an essential messenger between various Resistance groups at the tender age of 15. The risks were significant, as German capture would result in his immediate execution.
Post-World War II, Brice joined the military, where he trained as a frogman (free-swimming diver for military and special operations) and served in Algeria for two years. Later, he underwent training to become a paratrooper, serving in the Indochina War in present-day Vietnam for four years, before returning to civilian life in 1951, decorated with three medals of valor. Despite his exceptional military career, Brice yearned for a life in acting.
A passionate actor
Despite initial resistance from his father, Brice moved to Paris, took acting classes, and changed his name to Pierre Brice. However, the anticipated acting roles did not materialize initially, and he resorted to selling typewriters, working as a photo novel model, and even performing as an acrobatic dancer.
In 1954, Brice secured his first film role in "Hard Knocks - Hot Blood," sharing screen time with popular actor Eddie Constantine. With this, his dreams of becoming an actor gradually became a reality, and he went on to appear in theater productions and films. Although it was difficult for him to crack the competitive film industry, especially with the dominance of Alain Delon, Pierre Brice found opportunities mainly in Italy and Spain.
The breakthrough role that changed everything
In 1962, Pierre Brice appeared at the Berlin Film Festival with his Spanish film "Los Atracadores." At the festival, he caught the attention of producer Horst Wendlandt, who was preparing the first Karl May film adaptation. Wendlandt was looking for the second lead actor, Old Shatterhand's blood brother, Winnetou.
Karl May described Winnetou as a "noble face, almost Roman, the color a dull light brown with a bronze tinge." Seeing Brice on screen, Wendlandt knew, “That's the one!”
The birth of a cinematic icon
Brice was not initially thrilled with the offer, envisioning himself as a romantic lead, not an Indian character. Yet, he went on to become the legendary chief of the Apaches. Choosing to read the French Winnetou edition, Brice embraced the role and began filming just 14 days later.
Although Brice had to be dubbed in German, the Karl May adaptation was a massive success, attracting millions of cinema-goers, making Old Shatterhand and especially Winnetou stars and lifelong friends.
"Brice grew into his role - he became one with it. At the same time, he captivated the hearts of young and old in the West German audience, with his French-Indian hybrid character, who was not merely tolerated but almost adopted," writes Der Spiegel. Winnetou fulfilled the post-war audiences' need for simple virtues like tolerance and honesty. The wise, civilized Winnetou, with his flowing dark mane, headband, and fringed white leather suit, gained cult status as an idol of an entire generation.
A lasting legacy
From 1962 to 1968, Pierre Brice portrayed the noble Winnetou in eleven films. He was featured on the cover of youth magazine Bravo 56 times and received the Otto award twelve times. The Federal Cross of Merit first class, five Bambi awards, the Golden Camera, and the French Legion of Honor are among the numerous honors he received, recognizing his contributions to Franco-German friendship.
In 1965, Brice's film death in "Winnetou III" sparked mass protests, but viewers' demand for more Winnetou and Old Shatterhand led to the production of films not originally planned by Karl May, like "Winnetou and the Half-Breed Apanatschi" (1966).
Even after the end of the Karl May films, Brice continued to portray Winnetou in various events, such as Karl May festivals in Elspe, Sauerland, and later in Bad Segeberg until 1991. In 1997, at 68, he played an elderly Winnetou who had survived in the mountains in the ZDF two-part film "Winnetou's Return."
Resting eternally in Germany
Pierre Brice spent the last 30 years of his life with his German wife, Hella Krekel, in a hunting lodge in Crépy-en-Valois, north of Paris. Despite planning to relocate to Bavaria, it never happened. He passed away on June 6, 2015, at the age of 86, due to complications from a lung infection. More than a thousand people attended his funeral in Munich's Jesuit Church of St. Michael, and he was buried the next day in Gräfelfing, near Munich.
The French Winnetou lives on, riding alongside Old Shatterhand in the eternal hunting grounds, as his blood brother Lex Barker had already passed on in 1973 at the age of 54 due to a heart attack.
- Pierre Brice's career in entertainment began with his significant role in the mid-to-late 1960s, as he captivated audiences in German-speaking countries with his portrayal of Winnetou, a character from the novels of Karl May, in movies and TV shows.
- The fame and enduring legacy of Winnetou extend beyond the entertainment realm, as celebrities and fans alike have shown their admiration for this iconic character, who represents simple virtues such as tolerance and honesty.
