Jump to content

Judex (1916 film)

From Alfawiki
Judex
Company typeFilm serial
IndustryFilm
Founded1916; 110 years ago (1916)
FounderLouis Feuillade, Arthur Bernède
Headquarters
France
ProductsSilent film serials

Judex is a 1916 silent film French film serial centered around the pulp hero Judex, conceived by director Louis Feuillade and writer Arthur Bernède. This character predates similar figures such as The Shadow and blends themes of mystery with vigilante justice.

Plot

The serial, divided into twelve chapters, chronicles Judex's mission to seek retribution against the dishonest banker Favraux, who destroyed his family. Judex’s actual identity is Jacques de Trémeuse. The story also features Favraux’s blameless daughter Jacqueline, who becomes the object of Judex’s affection, alongside the antagonist Diana Monti and her criminal associates who stand against Judex’s objectives.

Cast

Development

On May 16, 1916, novelist Arthur Bernède suggested to director Louis Feuillade the concept of a twelve-part cinematic novel that would be released both as a film series and serialized text, with Feuillade adapting the storyline.

Feuillade, recognized for earlier serials such as Fantômas and Les Vampires, which featured criminals as central characters, introduced Judex as a heroic figure who retained the captivating qualities of those flamboyant villains but pursued a righteous cause. This change was intended to attract viewers while responding to critiques about glamorizing criminals.

Casting

The role of Judex was undertaken by French matinée idol René Cresté, while the part of Diana was performed by Musidora, famed for her portrayal of the villainous Irma Vep in Les Vampires.

Episodes

The twelve installments, each approximately 25 minutes long, bear French titles along with their English equivalents:

  1. L'ombre mystérieuse (The Mysterious Shadow)
  2. L'expiation (Atonement)
  3. La meute fantastique (The Fantastic Hounds)
  4. Le secret de la tombe (The Secret of the Tomb)
  5. Le moulin tragique (The Tragic Mill)
  6. Le môme réglisse (The Licorice Kid)
  7. La femme en noir (The Woman in Black)
  8. Les souterrains du Château-Rouge (The Dungeons of the Chateau Rouge)
  9. Lorsque l'enfant parut (When the Child Appears)
  10. Le coeur de Jacqueline (The Heart of Jacqueline)
  11. L'Ondine (The Water Sprite)
  12. Le pardon d'amour (The Forgiveness of Love)

Sequel Episodes

The follow-up serial also consists of twelve chapters, each running about 25 minutes, titled as follows:

  1. Le mystère d’une nuit d’été (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
  2. L’adieu au bonheur (Farewell To Happiness)
  3. L’ensorcelée (The Bewitched)
  4. La chambre aux embûches (The Treacherous Room)
  5. La forêt hantée (The Haunted Forest)
  6. Une lueur dans les ténèbres (A Glimmer In The Darkness)
  7. La main morte (The Dead Hand)
  8. Les captives (The Captives)
  9. Les papiers du Dr. Howey (Dr. Howey's Papers)
  10. Les deux destinées (The Two Destinies)
  11. Le crime involontaire (Unintentional Crime)
  12. Châtiment (Retribution)

Release

The initial text installment of Judex was published in the January 12, 1917 edition of Le Petit Parisien, preceding the cinematic release which premiered on January 19, 1917. The serialized text continued until April 6, while the film episodes wrapped up the following day, effectively sustaining audience interest.

Its international distribution was postponed until late 1917 across Europe, and it was not until February 1965 that North American viewers had the opportunity to see it at a National Film Theatre presentation.

A follow-up serial titled La Nouvelle Mission de Judex ("New Mission Of Judex" or The Further Exploits Of Judex) was serialized in Le Petit Parisien from January through April 1918, with the corresponding film episodes released simultaneously.

See also

References


External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Judex_(1916_film)&oldid=41499"