Film Review
This swashbuckling historical adventure is typical a genre of film that was very popular
in France in the late 1950s and early 1960s - almost invariably with Jean Marais playing
the role of an indefatigable, epee-thrusting action hero.
Le
Miracle des loups was directed by André Hunebelle, who was particularly
adept at making this kind of film, and is a remake of a 1924 film by Raymond Bernard.
The excellent production values and solid performances from a great cast (notably Jean-Louis
Barrault as Louis XI) are not quite matched by the script, which is plodding and weak
on character. The film only really comes to life in its second half, which includes
some exciting, well-directed fight sequences.
© James Travers 2007
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Next André Hunebelle film:
Les Mystères de Paris (1962)
Film Synopsis
In 15th century France, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, plans to usurp
the rightful king of France, Louis XI. Crucial to his scheme is his
marriage to the king's goddaughter, Jeanne de Beauvais, but she refuses to
marry him. Undeterred, the Duke has her abducted and, with the connivance
of the Count of Sénac, captain of the king's personal guard, he casts
suspicion on his rival, Robert de Neuville. Set upon by the Duke's men,
Robert is badly wounded and left for dead. Once he has recovered from
this assault, he sets out to rescue his beloved Jeanne, unaware that the
Duke's plans to depose the king are well in hand.
Once the Duke of Burgundy's scheme has become apparent to him, Robert de
Neuville sets off to warn the king, whilst Jeanne departs with her uncle,
the Count of Hesselin, with a message from the king imploring the people
of Liège not to rise up against the Duke. At the Duke's bidding,
Sénac goes in pursuit of Hesselin and kills him, but fails to gets
his hands on the vital missive. Jeanne makes her escape through the
woods which are populated by fierce wolves. Instead of turning on the
young woman, the wolves act as her protector, keeping her safe until her faithful
Robert can join her. By now the Duke's machiavellian plans are nearing
fruition. As war breaks out, with the King's armies linked in fierce
combat with his rival's, Robert has no choice but to enter the fray...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.