Angélique, marquise des anges (1964)
Directed by Bernard Borderie

Film Review

Angélique, marquise des anges is the first, and easily the best, in a series of five films that chronicle the implausible adventures of a beautiful 17th century noblewoman-turned-royal agent, Angélique. These were adapted from a series of popular historical novels written by Anne and Serge Golon, who generally felt that the films failed to do justice to their original concept. Making her debut in the role that would stick to her for the rest of her career, is the magnificent Michèle Mercier, who makes Angélique a strong-willed heroine with an enticing sensuality that apparently no man could resist. The Angélique films are not well known outside Europe but they represent an important part of French culture and were hugely popular in their day.

With its stunning production values and alluring mix of swashbuckling adventure, court intrigue and blatant eroticism, it's not hard to see why the films were so successful. Director Bernard Borderie had already scored some box office hits, notably with his Lemmy Caution and Gorille thrillers - La Môme vert-de-gris (1953), Le Gorille vous salue bien (1958) - but he is best remembered for the five Angélique films that bear his name. Borderie was best suited for action-oriented films, not serious drama, so whilst Angélique, marquise des anges impresses with its action set-pieces, it lacks real dramatic tension and has an irksome tendency to wallow in slushy sentimentality. It's still an enjoyable romp, however, and the films would become increasingly risqué as the series progressed, with Mercier providing erotic thrills of an ever-more Sadean nature.

Film Synopsis

France, in the mid-1600s.  On leaving a convent at the age of 17, Angélique de Sancé de Monteloup learns that her father is ruined and has affianced her to a nobleman, Joffrey de Peyrac.  Angélique despises her future husband, not least because he is somewhat older than she is, lame and ugly - and he is also known to dabble in sorcery.  Against her wishes, the marriage goes ahead but gradually Angélique grows to love her husband and appreciate his many artistic accomplishments.  She is shocked when Joffrey is arrested for witchcraft on the orders of the young Louis XIV.  To save her husband from being burned at the stake, Angélique is prepared to do anything, even if that means becoming the king's mistress...