CaveGirl Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 I decided to set my alarm to watch this movie in real time on Sunday morning and I am so glad I did! I thought I had seen all of the films with Welles as actor or director, but this one must have been less often shown. It was a masterful retelling of the legend of Cagliostro, who was born to poor gypsy parents who were hung, and this creates a vengeance to pay retribution to the Viscount who sent them to the gallows. The film was in magnificent b&w and also starred Akim Tamiroff, Valentina Cortese, with Berry Kroeger I think as the author, Alexandre Dumas [Pere] and Raymond Burr as A.D., Fils! The storyline about Cagliostro as a child meeting Doctor Mesmer, was well, mesmerizing. The court intrigues about Marie Antoinette and Madame Dubarry were fascinating, and Welles was young, slender and magnificent. This film was a perfect blend of romance, intrigue and spectacle. Anyone else watch? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomJH Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 I saw Black Magic years ago and recall quite enjoying it. If memory serves me correctly, it has terrific photography and great set design. I also recall enjoying Orson Welles's highly theatrical turn as Cagliostro. He must have been in melodramatic over-the-top form around then, for the same year as this film he was similarly commanding and baritone voiced dramatic as Cesare Borgia in Prince of Foxes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaveGirl Posted April 18, 2016 Author Share Posted April 18, 2016 I saw Black Magic years ago and recall quite enjoying it. If memory serves me correctly, it has terrific photography and great set design. I also recall enjoying Orson Welles's highly theatrical turn as Cagliostro. He must have been in melodramatic over-the-top form around then, for the same year as this film he was similarly commanding and baritone voiced dramatic as Cesare Borgia in Prince of Foxes. It is a fabulous film and really deserves a much wider reputation. I think the credits said it was directed by Gregory Ratoff but IMDB says Orson was uncredited as co-director. It certainly seems to be his style. Thanks for your thoughts, Tom! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregoryPeckfan Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 I missed it. Thanks for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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