Matthew Brown
Yes, Papillon (1973) is based on a true story. The movie is an adaptation of the autobiography “Papillon” by Henri Charrière, which recounts his experiences as a convicted criminal who was sent to a notorious penal colony in French Guiana and his numerous escape attempts.
What is the true story behind the movie Papillon (1973)?
The movie Papillon is based on a true story. Henri Charrière, known as Papillon, was a convicted thief who was born in France in 1906. In 1931, he was falsely accused and convicted of a murder he did not commit, and was sentenced to life in prison in French Guiana.
Papillon was sent to the infamous penal colony in Devil’s Island, where he experienced brutal conditions and was forced to endure hard labor and physical abuse. After attempting to escape several times and also befriending a fellow prisoner named Louis Dega, who was a counterfeiter, Papillon finally succeeded in escaping Devil’s Island in 1941.
He and Dega made their way across the jungle and were captured by a tribe of indigenous people. Papillon managed to escape once again, and eventually made his way to Venezuela, where he was able to obtain a false passport and flee to Paris.
In 1969, Papillon wrote a book about his experiences, which was later made into the film. While some aspects of the story may have been embellished or changed for dramatic effect, the basic plot and characters are based on real events and people.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Papillon (1973)?
Yes, the movie Papillon (1973) is based on a book of the same name by Henri Charrière, which is his autobiography about his time in prison and his escape attempts.
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