The Black Book

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Ken R The Black Book – Reign Of Terror For a ‘little' picture this mini-epic has a wealth of visual splendor and creative genius lavished on every aspect of its production. Producer and Production Designer William Cameron Menzies (Kings Row) places his inimitable stamp of style into every scene. Gifted director Antony Mann (El Cid) works extremely well with Award-winning veteran cinematographer, Hungarian-German-born John Alton (An American In Paris) who's book ‘Painting With Light' put forth many controversial theories on artistic lighting for cinematic film. All his specialized styles are on creative display in this visually striking work. It's a strange story peopled by even stranger historical personalities; namely Maximilien Robespierre the famous French Lawyer, Statesman, and Jacobin, who also championed the end of Catholicism in France in preference for the Cult of the Supreme Being – this could have been a good move but the ‘human' element let it down. The screenplay by Philip Yordan concentrates on his final days in office and some fanciful but highly exciting attempts at ending his reign of terror - a reign that failed to accommodate the needs and causes of the people. The capable cast is kept very busy in a fast-moving tale of intrigue and suspense during the deadly French Revolution and the early days of dictatorship. As it is a picture in the Public Domain, with poor quality copies circulating, be sure to search for a copy of the re-mastered HD DVD (Sony?) which looks and sounds special, and comes recommended to lovers of quality American, Walter Wanger independent productions (albeit budgeted) dealing with a French Historical setting in the times of Bonaparte – it's one that should be better known. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/09/21 Full Review william d A noir set during the French Revolution sounded intriguing. Unfortunately, Anthony Mann's superb direction can not save this decidedly below average story. Arlene Dahl sure was beautiful in her day. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Unusual and entertaining film where the French Revolution is presented as film noir, which fits well with the ruthlessness of the era. Good pacing and cinematography. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Enjoyable period thriller, with a necessary sense of humor and revolution. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review joe m Passable period piece of the Reign of Terror that, like so many historical films from the 30s thru 50s, takes great liberty with history. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member The new dvd of Anthony Mann's great masterpiece The Black Book aka Reign of Terror (1949) is a vast improvement over the shoddy public domain editions available. If you haven't seen the film, it's sublimely shot by the great cinematographer John Alton and is an eccentric crime/ film noir set during Robespierre's reign of terror. Very original and highly recommended. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Black Book

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