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The No 5 War

Documentary. The story of Chanel No 5, which was at the centre of a war between Coco Chanel and her business partners the Wertheimer brothers from the 1920s to the 1940s.

The story, both thrilling and dark, of the world's most famous perfume. In 1921, Coco Chanel's revolutionary perfume concept was as audacious as her outlandish designer clothing. At its launch, it was an instant hit. From the 1920s to the 1940s the Number 5 brand was at the centre of a war between the celebrated designer and her entrepreneurial business partners, the Wertheimer brothers. During WWII, with the help of her high-ranking Nazi lover, Coco Chanel attempted to oust her Jewish partners - who had fled German-occupied France and were operating the business from New Jersey - to take control of the highly lucrative business.

55 minutes

Last on

Fri 17 Apr 2020 00:00

Music Played

  • Cole Porter

    Let's misbehave

    Singer: Phil Saxe. Orchestra: Irving Aaronson and His Commanders.
  • Irving Mills and His Hotsy-Totsy Gang

    Ain't Misbehavin'

  • Frankie Trumbauer & His Orchestra, Bix Beiderbecke

    Singin' The Blues (Album Version)

  • Harry Rickman

    Puttin' On The Ritz

  • Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

    American Patrol (1989 Remastered)

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Stephane Benhamou
Producer Georges-Marc Benamou Benamou

Broadcasts