"The Black Book" or "Reign of Terror" is a fictitious story that takes place during the infamous 1793-94 French Revolution period known as The Reign of Terror. Historians may yet be divided on the virtuous or vile nature of Robespierre (apparently, he was known for both). But this film leaves no doubt about his consenting to, if not instigation of many murders of innocent people.
Richard Basehart's Robespierre shows the cleverness and oratory for which his character was known. And he plays the would-be dictator of France to the point of madness in some scenes. Note his "logical" reasoning to support killing of many innocent people. That portrayal leads one to think that perhaps the man was driven partially by a paranoia that was fueled by the uncontrollable and uncivilized conditions which he himself helped create.
Robert Cummings plays the hero of this film very well. Cummings was most known after the mid 20th century for his comedy and romance roles in film and on TV. But he had many dramatic roles early in his career, and was very adept at acting in all types of roles and all film genres. The other characters are well played as well. Arlene Dahl as Madelon, Arnold Moss as Fouché, Norman Lloyd as Tallien, and Jess Barker as Saint Just.
The dialog is particularly sharp and crispy for Robespierre's character. In an early scene, he has condemned an innocent man to the guillotine without even a trail. The man's wife pleads with Robespierre who is unyielding. She says, "Stop playing God." He replies: "God? The revolution abolished God. There's only the will of the people. And the people have spoken." Toward the end, Saint Just says, "The mob's gone mad. They'll tear us to pieces." Robespierre replies, "I made the mob. The mob are my children. They won't turn against their father."
Then he shows the power the real Robespierre must have had to mesmerize the people. "The greatest death a man can die is for his own people. But you would then be without a leader. If I go, who takes my place? Let the man step forward who can follow in the steps of Robespierre. I have led you through the darkness. If I sought the power of dictatorship, it was not for personal glory. Your will is my will. I bear no man ill. I have killed only for you."
In real life, Robespierre said, on February 5, 1974, that "Terror is nothing else than justice, prompt, severe, inflexible." (See: "Pageant of Europe," Ed. by Raymond P. Steams, 1947) In this movie, a man shoots Robespierre in the mouth; but in real life, he attempted suicide. He shot himself but the bullet just shattered his jaw. The next day he was guillotined without a trial, in the same fashion that he himself had sent so many to their death.
A few films have been made about Napoleon, the War of 1812, and other European battles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. But not many films have been made that look critically at the French Revolution and the turmoil that completely changed a national culture – not all for the best. Perhaps that's why – the ugly actions and drastic measures that were anything but vestiges of freedom and human rights. So, while this film is fiction, the events it covers are very real. And, it doesn't shy away from showing the horrors of the time. For that reason, "The Black Book" has some historical value as a film. History buffs and those who like intrigue and action should enjoy this film.
Richard Basehart's Robespierre shows the cleverness and oratory for which his character was known. And he plays the would-be dictator of France to the point of madness in some scenes. Note his "logical" reasoning to support killing of many innocent people. That portrayal leads one to think that perhaps the man was driven partially by a paranoia that was fueled by the uncontrollable and uncivilized conditions which he himself helped create.
Robert Cummings plays the hero of this film very well. Cummings was most known after the mid 20th century for his comedy and romance roles in film and on TV. But he had many dramatic roles early in his career, and was very adept at acting in all types of roles and all film genres. The other characters are well played as well. Arlene Dahl as Madelon, Arnold Moss as Fouché, Norman Lloyd as Tallien, and Jess Barker as Saint Just.
The dialog is particularly sharp and crispy for Robespierre's character. In an early scene, he has condemned an innocent man to the guillotine without even a trail. The man's wife pleads with Robespierre who is unyielding. She says, "Stop playing God." He replies: "God? The revolution abolished God. There's only the will of the people. And the people have spoken." Toward the end, Saint Just says, "The mob's gone mad. They'll tear us to pieces." Robespierre replies, "I made the mob. The mob are my children. They won't turn against their father."
Then he shows the power the real Robespierre must have had to mesmerize the people. "The greatest death a man can die is for his own people. But you would then be without a leader. If I go, who takes my place? Let the man step forward who can follow in the steps of Robespierre. I have led you through the darkness. If I sought the power of dictatorship, it was not for personal glory. Your will is my will. I bear no man ill. I have killed only for you."
In real life, Robespierre said, on February 5, 1974, that "Terror is nothing else than justice, prompt, severe, inflexible." (See: "Pageant of Europe," Ed. by Raymond P. Steams, 1947) In this movie, a man shoots Robespierre in the mouth; but in real life, he attempted suicide. He shot himself but the bullet just shattered his jaw. The next day he was guillotined without a trial, in the same fashion that he himself had sent so many to their death.
A few films have been made about Napoleon, the War of 1812, and other European battles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. But not many films have been made that look critically at the French Revolution and the turmoil that completely changed a national culture – not all for the best. Perhaps that's why – the ugly actions and drastic measures that were anything but vestiges of freedom and human rights. So, while this film is fiction, the events it covers are very real. And, it doesn't shy away from showing the horrors of the time. For that reason, "The Black Book" has some historical value as a film. History buffs and those who like intrigue and action should enjoy this film.