"Black Magic" is a 1949 American biographical film directed by Gregory Ratoff and starring Orson Welles, Nancy Guild, and Akim Tamiroff. The film tells the story of the famous 18th-century Italian composer and performer, Alessandro Stradella. The film begins by introducing the main character, Stradella, who is a renowned composer and musician. He is shown to be a passionate and charismatic individual, loved by women and admired by men. His music has captivated the hearts of many, but not everyone is happy with his success. One of the central conflicts in the film revolves around a jealous nobleman, who hires a hitman to kill Stradella.
Quite a riveting story of a Rasputin-like character in 17th century France. Based on a story by Alexandre Dumas (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers). Orson Welles plays a Gypsy (now called Roma) who saw his parents hanged as witches and later in life has a gift of "mesmerizing" or "hypnotizing" even though he doesn't know those words. Upon a chance meeting with Dr. Mesmer, he gets a glimpse of how much more he could be doing with his gift, but instead of staying and training with Mesmer and becoming rich and famous, he goes off on his own plan to rule France. Part of this includes mind-control of a young lady who looks just like Marie Antoinette. Trouble is, the Captain of the Guard is in love with the look-alike. Welles is fabulous in the role, and the story moves along at a brisk pace.
Orson Welles plays yet another man of power with a one-track mind who at one point perches himself on a literal high position in order to look down both literally and figuratively on people below like some debased god. The character of Count Cagliostro calls for a bravura performance, and Orson Welles provides it, using his voice and looks effectively in an extravagant performance.
One of the central conflicts in the film revolves around a jealous nobleman, who hires a hitman to kill Stradella. The hitman, named Spadoni, has a reputation for being ruthless and efficient. However, when he is offered a large sum of money to get rid of Stradella, he begins to have second thoughts.
Black Magic
A hypnotist uses his powers for revenge against King Louis XV's court.
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19 Aug 1949
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19 Aug 1949
- Theatrical NR
As the film progresses, Stradella falls in love with a young woman named Carla, who is already engaged to another man. This love triangle adds further complexity to the story and provides a backdrop for the unfolding events. Despite their love for each other, Stradella and Carla must face numerous obstacles, including the vengeful nobleman and Spadoni, who are determined to destroy their happiness. "Black Magic" is not just a biographical film; it is also a dark tale of revenge, passion, and the destructive power of jealousy. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and human frailty. The film is notable for its stunning visuals, particularly during the musical performances. Orson Welles delivers a gripping performance as Stradella, effortlessly capturing the character's charm, talent, and vulnerability. The chemistry between Welles and Nancy Guild, who plays Carla, is palpable, adding depth to their on-screen relationship. The screenplay for "Black Magic" was written by Charles Bennett, who skillfully weaves together historical events and fictional elements, creating a captivating narrative. The film's pacing is well-executed, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. In addition to its compelling story and performances, "Black Magic" also showcases a superb musical score. The film features several of Stradella's compositions, beautifully performed by the cast. The music serves as both a backdrop and a driving force for the narrative, heightening the emotional impact of each scene. Overall, "Black Magic" is a captivating and entertaining film that explores the life and struggles of a talented artist. It artfully blends historical elements with fiction, creating a compelling story that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of classical music, historical dramas, or simply great storytelling, "Black Magic" is a film worth watching..
Reviews for "The dark side of Black Magic 1949"
1. John - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with "Black Magic 1949". The storyline felt weak and unoriginal, and the acting was subpar. The characters lacked depth and the pacing was all over the place. I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the movie. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1 star: I found "Black Magic 1949" to be extremely boring and uneventful. The plot was predictable, and it failed to capture my interest. The performances were lackluster, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I was expecting so much more from this movie, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
3. Mike - 2 stars: I was expecting a gripping and thrilling experience from "Black Magic 1949", but I was sorely disappointed. The story lacked substance, and the characters were not well-developed. The special effects were mediocre, and the overall execution was poor. The movie felt like a wasted opportunity, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 2 stars: "Black Magic 1949" had potential, but it failed to deliver. The concept was interesting, but the execution was lackluster. The pacing was slow, and the story felt disjointed. The performances were underwhelming, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unengaged throughout the movie.
5. Mark - 1 star: I really did not enjoy "Black Magic 1949". The plot was confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to follow along. The acting was stiff and unconvincing, and the dialogue felt unnatural. I was hoping for a thrilling and captivating experience, but unfortunately, this movie fell short of my expectations. I would not recommend it to others.