The Black Book

During the French Revolution, a moderate politician must protect himself from an army of cut-throats.
126 ratings
Price: $6.90
List Price: $8.98
You Save: $2.08 (23% Off)
Available: Usually ships in 5-7 business days
Format:  DVD-R
item number:  CA5H
Made-on-Demand
Also released as:
Reign of Terror for $8.10
Reign of Terror for $16.10
Reign of Terror for $21.50
Related products:
The Black Cat for $16.10
The Bribe for $11.50
The Black Windmill for $17.80
The Tall Target for $11.50
The Narrow Margin for $17.30

DVD-R Details

  • Rated: Not Rated
  • Run Time: 1 hours, 29 minutes
  • Video: Black & White
  • Encoding: Region 0 (Worldwide)
  • Released: November 18, 2003
  • Originally Released: 1949
  • Label: Alpha Video

Performers, Cast and Crew:

Starring
Performer: , , , , , , &
Directed by
Edited by
Screenplay by &
Cinematography by
Story by &
Produced by
Director of Photography:

Entertainment Reviews:

Upright67%

AUDIENCE SCORE
User Ratings: 92
Rating: B -- It's a French Revolutionary drama made like one of Mann's film noirs. Full Review
Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Jun 24, 2007
Rating: 3/4 -- Mann's direction is quick and unpretentious. All period/costume movies should be this fun. Full Review
Combustible Celluloid
Oct 30, 2016
... the strangest of genre mixes, a costume crime thriller with a continental setting and an American pulp sensibility. Full Review
Seanax.com
Apr 10, 2009
Noir visits the French Revolution, as the emphasis on vicious brutality suggests an account written by the Marquis de Sade.
Slant Magazine
May 1, 2006

Description by OLDIES.com:

In the late 18th century, the French republic has been thrown into social and political chaos, a disarray that is exploited by the evil Maximillan Robespierre (Richard Basehart). Within 48 hours, Robespierre will sieze power and perpetrate his diabolical tactics on France's helpless citizens. Charles (Robert Cummings), a freedom-fighter working for the resistance, poses as the murderous prosecutor that Robespierre has sent for, skillfully sidestepping the secret police and informants with the guidance of Madelon (Arlene Dahl), a former lover who's now a key resistance member. When Robespierre tells Charles that his black book, a notorious death list filled with enemies on both sides, is missing, Charles is commanded to find it before its contents can be exposed, putting an end to his planned dictatorship. Charles' quest to maintain Robespierre's trust while secretly trying to destroy him and his wrathful allies elicits a series of suspenseful exploits where danger looms around every Parisian corner.

Product Description:

The French Revolution is given the noir treatment in this 1949 entry from director Anthony Mann. The hunt is on for Robespierre's black book, listing the victims headed toward the guillotine. Famed cinematographer John Alton lays the shadows over the tense proceedings.

Keywords:

This product is made-on-demand by the manufacturer using DVD-R recordable media. Almost all DVD players can play DVD-Rs (except for some older models made before 2000) - please consult your owner's manual for formats compatible with your player. These DVD-Rs may not play on all computers or DVD player/recorders. To address this, the manufacturer recommends viewing this product on a DVD player that does not have recording capability.

Movie Lovers' Ratings & Reviews:

Customer Rating:
Based on 126 ratings.
Write an online review to share your thoughts with other customers.
The Black Book Movie Lover: from Cambridge, OH US -- November, 12, 2007

A skillfully done, low-budget film about the final days of the Reign of Terror in 18th Century France. Richard Basehart is wonderful as the evil Robespierre. The film should be remastered by Criterion with commentary.


The Black Book Movie Lover: from saint germain en laye, Yvelines FR -- May, 19, 2006

A relatively low budget film done to the max, to appear bigger than it was. Superbly acted, and fine athmosphere of the French Revolution.
The historical characterizations are quite strikingly good in this fictionalized drama of history. Highly recommended.


Thrilling and beautiful Movie Lover: from Geneva -- January, 18, 2004

This french revolution drama is a real gem. Out of the chaos and carnage of the French Revolution, Anthony Mann fashions not a sweeping historical epic à la A Tale of Two Cities but a tight and shaded suspense story. His gifted collaborator is director of photography John Alton, whose preference for the murky suggestively limned with light was never so evident as in his work here, in country inns and the cellars of bakeshops and the cobbled pavements of torchlit Paris.


Alpha Video DVDs
Studio Vaults

Product Info

  • Sales Rank: 27,835
  • UPC: 089218428394
  • Shipping Weight: 0.25/lbs (approx)
  • International Shipping: 1 item

To place an order or for customer service, call toll-free 1-800-336-4627 or outside the United States, call 1-610-649-7565
Open Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm, (Eastern Time)