JEAN MARAIS

Description

This official French release has no English subtitles – PAUL PAGE

1948 · 93 mins · Black & White · France

• Director: Pierre Billon
• Writers: Victor Hugo (play), Jean Cocteau (screenplay and dialogue)
• Release Date: 18 February 1948 (France)

CAST:

• Danielle Darrieux … La reine d'Espagne Marie de Neubourg
• Jean Marais … Ruy Blas / Don César de Bazan
• Marcel Herrand … Le marquis Don Salluste de Bazan
• Gabrielle Dorziat … La duchesse d'Albuquerque
• Alexandre Rignault … Goulatromba
• Giovanni Grasso … Don Gaspar Guritan
• Paul Amiot … Le marquis de Santa Cruz
• Jone Salinas … Casilda
• Gilles Quéant … Le duc d'Albe
• Jacques Berlioz … Un ministre
• Charles Lemontier … Le comte de Camporeal
• Pierre Magnier … Le marquis de Priego
• Armand Lurville … L'archevêque

(Films André Paulvé · Productions Georges Legrand · Martegani Produzione)

Don Salluste de Bazan (Marcel Herrand) disgraced by the Queen of Spain (Danielle Darrieux), seeks revenge. His cousin Don César (Jean Marais) refuses to follow him, so Don Salluste has him arrested and orders his valet, Ruy Blas, to seduce the Queen under Don César’s name.

For Jean Cocteau (La Belle et la Bête, Orphée), screenwriter of the film:

“Avec Ruy Blas, il s'agissait de faire un western, un film de cape d'épée.”

Mission perfectly accomplished by Pierre Billon (Courrier Sud, L'homme au chapeau rond), who delivers a thrilling entertainment while preserving the romantic fire of Victor Hugo. Alongside the sublime Danielle Darrieux, Jean Marais dazzles in a dual role, multiplying daring stunts.

Bon appétit, Messieurs! Presented in remastered high-definition.

Images © Various. All Rights Reserved.

5 STARS OUT OF FIVE