Swords of Blood (1962)
"Cartouche" (original title)

In the 18th century, Louis de Bourguignon is working with the Malichot's gang, but their ways are too 'unethical' for him. He creates his own band, acting under the name of Cartouche, ... See full summary »

Director:

Philippe de Broca

Writers:

Daniel Boulanger, Philippe de Broca,

Stars:

Jean-Paul Belmondo, Claudia Cardinale, Jess Hahn

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Paul Belmondo	...	Louis-Dominique Bourguignon alias Cartouche
Claudia Cardinale	...	Vénus
Jess Hahn	...	La Douceur
Marcel Dalio	...	Malichot
Jean Rochefort	...	La Taupe
Philippe Lemaire	...	Gaston de Ferrussac
Noël Roquevert	...	Le sergent recruteur
Odile Versois	...	Isabelle de Ferrussac
Jacques Charon	...	Le colonel
Lucien Raimbourg	...	Le maréchal
Jacques Balutin	...	Le moine Capucine
Pierre Repp	...	Le marquis de Griffe
Jacques Hilling	...	L'aubergiste
Paul Préboist	...	Un gendarme
René Marlic	...	Petit Oncle, le tavernier

Storyline

In the 18th century, Louis de Bourguignon is working with the Malichot's gang, but their ways are too 'unethical' for him. He creates his own band, acting under the name of Cartouche, making audacious robberies of the rich people, and even distributing the takings with the poor. Thus, cartouche attracts the people's sympathies, Venus's love, and hate from the Police and Malichot... Cartouche can escape all the traps they set at him - except the entrapments of love. Eventually, he will be saved by a woman, at her own cost.

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Plot Keywords:

robbery | one word title | criminal

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Adventure | Drama

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Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

21 July 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cartouche - Frankrigs Robin Hood

Filming Locations:

Aveyron, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmsonor, Les Films Ariane, Mondex Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sixth grossing movie of the year in France.

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Connections

Version of Cartouche (1955)

User Reviews

Good Swashbuckling Fun!

CARTOUCHE (3+ outta 5 stars) Rousing comedy-action-drama about a rascally rogue in 18th Century France who is a sort of a cross between Zorro and Robin Hood... except that he's not necessarily helping the less fortunate so much as helping himself. No matter, as played by Jean-Paul Belmondo he is a charming hero... even when committing the unpardonable sin of wooing another woman while he has the steadfast love of the most beautiful woman in all of Europe (Claudia Cardinale). For those who love a good swashbuckler, this movie won't leave you disappointed. I found this movie tremendously entertaining, even in spite of the atrocious American dubbing. I will probably wind up giving this movie an even better rating when I finally get a chance to see it in its original language. Tired of his talent for thievery being exploited, Cartouche brazenly challenges the authority of the leader of the city's criminal population. Biting off a bit more than he can chew at the time, he takes a position in the French military. He and his new comrades not only manage to make off with a fortune in gold, but Cartouche wins over the ridiculously beautiful gypsy-thief Venus (Cardinale). Cartouche proves himself to not be without flaws... which gives the rousing finale an extra bit of resonance. Classic adventure movie-making... you don't see many movies like this anymore!