The Story of That Naughty Girl
That Naughty Girl opens with Paul Latour in serious trouble—accused of dealing in counterfeit money, he has no choice but to entrust his daughter Brigitte to the care of a friend named Jean Clary. What sounds like a straightforward setup isn't. Brigitte isn't your typical damsel; she's a walking catastrophe, the kind of character who leaves wreckage and confusion wherever she goes. The plot unfolds as a light, breezy romantic comedy where chaos becomes the engine of plot, and what starts as a temporary arrangement between guardian and ward gradually transforms into something neither of them expected. Along the way, the pair stumble onto evidence that unmasks the real forgers, clears Paul's name, and—in true romantic-comedy fashion—allows Brigitte and Jean to finally concentrate on their love. It's a premise that sounds slight on paper, but it's the execution that matters.
Behind the Making of That Naughty Girl
That Naughty Girl arrived in 1956, directed by Michel Boisrond, a French filmmaker known for his light touch with comedy and romance. The film was made during a fascinating period in French cinema—the tail end of the studio system was giving way to the nouvelle vague sensibility, though this picture leans decidedly toward the older, more theatrical tradition. The 90-minute runtime is perfectly calibrated for the kind of screwball energy the film pursues; there's no bloat, no scenes that feel padded. Brigitte Bardot, fresh off her breakthrough performances and already becoming an international sensation, carries the film with the kind of charismatic abandon that would define her career. The supporting cast—including Michel Serrault, Jean Poiret, and Mischa Auer—brings solid comedic chops to their roles, creating an ensemble that feels like it's genuinely enjoying itself. Movie OTT tracks where French classics like this one are currently streaming, and it's worth noting that films from this era don't always get the distribution they deserve. The picture didn't become a major box-office phenomenon, but it found an audience among those who appreciated Bardot's star power and the particular flavor of French comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously.
What Makes That Naughty Girl Stand Out
What's striking about That Naughty Girl is how it refuses to apologize for its lightness. There's no attempt to graft social commentary onto the proceedings or to make the romance feel weighted with significance—it's simply a film that understands the pleasure of watching two people circle each other while chaos swirls around them. Bardot's performance is the real draw here. She doesn't play Brigitte as a hapless fool; instead, there's an intelligence behind the chaos, a sense that the character knows exactly what she's doing even when everyone else thinks she's stumbling. The chemistry between Bardot and Jean Bretonnière (who plays Jean Clary) has that effortless quality you can't manufacture—they seem genuinely delighted to be sharing scenes together. What the film gets right, which a lot of modern comedies forget, is pacing. Scenes don't overstay their welcome. A joke lands, the moment moves forward. There's no winking at the audience, no pause for applause. The IMDb rating of 5.7/10 probably reflects the fact that this is very much a period piece, a film that speaks to specific tastes and sensibilities from its era. But don't let that number deter you—movieott.com readers know that critical consensus and personal enjoyment don't always align, especially with comedies, which age in unpredictable ways. What matters is whether you're in the mood for this particular flavor of charm, and if you are, That Naughty Girl delivers.
Where to Stream That Naughty Girl Online
That Naughty Girl is currently available on Netflix, making it accessible to anyone with a subscription. The platform has been quietly building out its classic European cinema section, and this 1956 French gem fits nicely into that collection. At 90 minutes, it's also the perfect length for a weekend viewing—substantial enough to feel like a complete experience but short enough that you're not committing your entire evening. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page will show you real-time availability, since streaming rights shift constantly. If you're a fan of classic French cinema or Brigitte Bardot's early work, this is worth adding to your queue. Movie OTT helps you track these titles across platforms, so you'll always know where to find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who directed That Naughty Girl?
Michel Boisrond directed the film in 1956. He was a French director known for his work in comedy and romantic films, and he brings a light, theatrical sensibility to this story of mistaken identity and romance.
Q: What's the runtime of That Naughty Girl?
The film runs 90 minutes, making it a brisk, tightly paced comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Q: Is That Naughty Girl based on a true story?
No, it's an original screenplay designed as a romantic comedy. The plot about counterfeiting and mistaken identity is entirely fictional, crafted to showcase Brigitte Bardot's comedic talents.
Q: Where can I watch That Naughty Girl?
That Naughty Girl is currently streaming on Netflix. Check the "Where to Watch" widget on this page for the most up-to-date availability.
Q: Who stars in That Naughty Girl?
Brigitte Bardot leads the cast as Brigitte, with Jean Bretonnière as Jean Clary. The supporting cast includes Michel Serrault, Jean Poiret, Mischa Auer, Françoise Fabian, and Raymond Bussières.
Final Thoughts on That Naughty Girl
That Naughty Girl won't change your life. It's not a film that's going to haunt you or shift your perspective on cinema or romance. But that's precisely why it works. Sometimes you want a movie that understands its own modest ambitions and executes them with style and warmth. Bardot's charm carries you through, the supporting cast knows how to land a joke, and the whole thing moves with enough momentum that you don't have time to question whether any of this makes sense. It's comfort viewing from 1956—a reminder that good comedy doesn't require complexity, just timing and genuine affection for the characters involved. If you're in the mood for something light, something that doesn't demand much but gives back genuine pleasure, That Naughty Girl deserves a spot on your watchlist.
