Riding with Winnetou: The Remarkable Journey of Pierre Brice
A Legend Recalled
Became a Legend in the Role of Winnetou - Winnetou Transcends Folly, Becoming a Veritable Myth
When the Apache chief returned to the silver screen, an extraordinary occurrence befell the cinema world. Somehow, the Great Spirit molded a Frenchman from the coastal Breton tribe to fill the role. Despite political correctness concerns, it was the perfect match.
Finding My Winnetou!
It all started when German film producer Horst Wendlandt had a divine inspiration. Influenced by his young son's suggestion, Wendlandt decided not only to film Edgar Wallace's crime novels but also the adventure tales penned by Saxon author Karl May. Wendlandt chanced upon a handsome, young Frenchman and proclaimed, "That's my Winnetou!"
Sixty-three years ago, Pierre Brice, adopted the name of the legendary character. Although he departed this world in 2015, his spirit lives on in the hearts of countless fans, honoring his death anniversary on June 6 this year.
Viva Pierre Brice, the Legend of German-speaking Countries
He was Pierre Louis Baron le Bris in reality, hailing from an old noble French family. Born in Brest on February 6, 1929, Pierre's life was worth a feature film of its own.
Juvenile Pierre's life took a dramatic turn when German troops invaded France in 1940, during World War II. His father fought in the resistance against the enemy, and little Pierre took up arms as a messenger for various resistance groups at age 15. Courage was essential, as being caught would have resulted in execution.
Le Bris continued his service in the French military as a frogman in Algeria for two years, followed by a stint as a paratrooper in present-day Vietnam for four years. He returned home highly decorated with three bravery medals, having found camaraderie unlike any other in the military.
From the Battlefield to the Silver Screen
With a taste for action and an adventurous soul, Pierre dreamed of becoming an actor. His father was less than enthusiastic, believing a more "respectable profession" suited his son better. However, Pierre remained persistent and, through acting lessons in Paris, eventually adopted the screen name Pierre Brice.
After Frankophone film roles and holding doors for Eddie Constantine proved unremarkable, Pierre pursued his dream in Italy and Spain. In 1962, fate led Pierre to Berlin for the Berlinale with his Spanish film "Los Atracadores". Coincidentally, Wendlandt, preparing for his first Karl May film, was on the hunt for the second leading star, Winnetou.
A Masterstroke in Casting
Winnetou was described by Karl May as having a "face cut in an elegant, almost Roman way, with a matte light brown color and a bronze tinge." Wendlandt saw the agile and charming Frenchman Pierre Brice and knew instantly, "That's the one!"
Brice was hesitant about the offer, questioning if playing an Indian would guarantee a losing role, unaware of Karl May's popularity. Reading the French Winnetou edition ignited his passion, and Wendlandt secured his chief. Filming for "The Treasure of Silver Lake" commenced two weeks later.
The two main actors' dialogue was later dubbed into German, although Pierre worried about the success of the "sauerkraut Westerns." However, "The Treasure of Silver Lake" attracted millions of spectators, setting the stage for an extraordinary succession. Old Shatterhand and especially Winnetou gained superstardom and friendship that lasted a lifetime.
Icons on the Silver Screen
Brice gradually melded with his role, winning over the hearts of young and old in West Germany. The noble, wise, civilized Winnetou embodied the need for simplicity, tolerance, and honesty after the post-war era. Brice sang, recorded records, and often graced the cover of magazines, such as "Bravo," becoming a pop star with cult status and an idol for a generation.
For the next six years, Pierre Brice played Winnetou in eleven films, receiving accolades like the Federal Cross of Merit first class, five Bambi awards, the Golden Camera, and the French Legion of Honor for his contribution to German-French relations. Fondly nicknamed the "red baron" by Artur "Atze" Brauner, Pierre Brice remained popular even after the Karl May film series ended.
In 1997, Brice reprised the role of an old Winnetou surviving in the mountains in the ZDF two-parter "Winnetou's Return." Pierre Brice, continued living in France, passing away on June 6, 2015, at the age of 86, from complications of a lung infection. Thousands attended his funeral, bidding farewell to the French Winnetou who now searches the eternal hunting grounds with Lex Barker, his blood brother Old Shatterhand, who died in 1973.
- Ten years ago, Pierre Brice, the French actor who brought the beloved character Old Shatterhand's Native American companion Winnetou to life, died in France.
- In the realm of movies-and-tv, Pierre Brice, a celebrated figure, is remembered for his portrayal of Winnetou and his significant contribution to the entertainment industry, particularly in German-speaking countries.
