The Black Book
by Anthony Mann
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Arlene Dahl, Arnold Moss, Richard Basehart, Richard Hart, Robert CummingsDirector: Anthony Mann
Cinematographer: John Alton
Editor: Fred Allen
Producer: Edward Lasker
Producer: Walter Wanger
Producer: William Cameron Menzies
Writer: Philip Yordan
Writer: Æneas MacKenzie
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-11-18
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Alpha Video
Movie Reviews of The Black Book
Movie Review: The Terror in France
Summary: 4 Stars
The Black Book, 1949 film
The story begins on July 26, 1794 in Revolutionary France when Maximilien Robespierre was in power, but had his enemies. The Marquis de la Fayette sent an envoy to France. Danton is condemned to death by Robespierre. Did he outlive his usefulness? Can Robespierre become dictator? Du Valle from Strasbourg arrives at an inn. Will he be disturbed? A woman brings a message from Barras. Next Fouchet, the head of the Secret Police, visits him. Robespierre wants his missing black book, a list of enemies who will meet the guillotine. Du Valle must find it in 24 hours, or else. Charles meets Madeline again. The "Black Book" can be used against Robespierre. There is a surprising upset to their plans. Will those who could have the "Black Book" be silenced? "Dead enemies make good friends."
Du Valle visits Barras in prison. The murders were to spread fear and distrust among Barras' party. What will happen when Du Valle's wife arrives in Paris? Will there be a surprise? There is a chase for action. Charles makes a deal with Fouchet, and they search a room for the Black Book in a room full of books. There is fighting, Charles escapes again. But the soldiers search near where he is hidden. They escape from Paris after showing their papers. Soldiers follow to the farm, but they stay hidden. When questioning a young boy St. Just shows his character. There is drama in simply taking a nap! Can they recover the Black Book (which lists Robespierre's enemies) and get away to Paris? Fouchet has a plan to get the Black Book.
The Convention meets with cheering for Robespierre, the Friend of the People. That Black Book is passed around to the representatives, who scan its contents. Whose names are recorded there? This has a revolutionary effect on the representatives, they now oppose Robespierre. Can his rhetoric turn the situation around? No, a shot muffles his voice. Now it is Robespierre's turn to meet the guillotine. Fouchet talks to a soldier. "I'll try to remember your name."
This is a very good dramatic story that is based on the events of July 1794 when the reign of Robespierre came to an end. It was followed by a committee or directorate that ruled France. France continued to be threatened by its enemies, the aristocracy that wanted to keep its powers and privileges to exploit people. In time, France was conquered and a king put back on the throne. But the slogans of "liberty, equality, fraternity" won the hearts and minds of the people. A good history book will give you the facts behind this movie. [I wonder if this story reflected the concerns of 1949 America? Were there those who spoke against past politicians to gain power and privileges for their selfish interests.]
This film was also titled "Reign of Terror".
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