Since it is Black History Month, let's watch a Black Film that is all about History.
Also it is based on a Book that didn't make you read in High School. This is...
I think the idea is that this inspired the Writing of the Book...maybe. Raymond Burr is here for like 2 seconds.
We learn that Cagliostro was once a Romani (I won't use the slur name) who's Parents were killed by Nobles.
A grown up version- Orson Welles, who supposedly-Directed some Scenes- learns that he can hypnotize people and vows to get long-form revenge.
He rises to power by showing off his ability to influence/control minds.
He gets popular with the elites like Louis XV and Marie Antoinette.
The Film is long and not super-exciting (it looks nice and all), so I'll summarize...
He forces a woman who looks like Marie to marry him under hypnosis.
He tricks her Lover and a Royal Guard into an elaborate scheme involving an expensive necklace that will make the Commoners hate the Queen.
He tricks her Lover and a Royal Guard into an elaborate scheme involving an expensive necklace that will make the Commoners hate the Queen.
One goes to steal it for 'Marie' and the other to get it away before people discover it.
All caught up and not at all confused (especially since the two guys are nearly Twins here)?
Will his convoluted scheme work?
Is this Poster great?
It all ends with Cagliostro on trial and nearly getting his way.
A Deus Ex Machina shows up in the form of Dr. Mesmer (not a Marvel or DC Villain) who hypnotizes HIM into confessing. We know that he's not lying...but it sure looks like he's under mind-control to lie...so our Hero?
Naturally, it still ends with a sword fight- it's a Dumas Story- and the villain dies. The End.
It's...very long and busy. Granted- it's also good too, so don't judge me too much.
To be blunt, there's ALOT going on here, we get random narration that kind of helps, but it's still alot to follow. We get multiple characters, actual twins, two guys that are nearly twins and a very complicated revenge scheme.
Welles is quite fun to watch as the (sometimes titular) villain. He definitely overshadows everyone else as he hams it up just enough with his big, bug-eyed expressions. He's young and virile here, bringing alot to the role. That doesn't include sword-fighting, it seems, though as his obvious Double fights with his back to the camera the whole time.
Fans of this kind of Old School Film (which looks to have luxurious colors that we don't see in a B&W print) will enjoy this often-overlooked Film. Like I said, it is ALOT to keep track of, so enjoy it. After all, it is apparently the...
A complicated and mostly-worthwhile Film that definitely shines due to Welles. Fans of this kind of Period Drama should love it.
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