I think it safe to say that by the time he made this Jean Dréville's best films were behind him. Shot in glorious Eastmancolor by Alekan and Hubert with splendid art design by Maurice Colasson and the always excellent costume design by Rosine Delamare this cannot fail to look good but still somehow misses it.
Having impressed as Tsarina Catherine for the same director in 'Jouer d'Echecs' it is only natural that Francoise Rosay should play Catherine de Medicis and suffice to say, she dominates the screen. As Marguerite de Valois Jeanne Moreau draws upon her stage experience, having been the youngest actress ever to have signed a contract with the Comédie Francaise, as well as being eminently filmic. A great artiste whose iconic roles are still to come. The supporting cast however leaves a lot to be desired.
The St. Bartholemew's Day massacre is as graphic as the censorship of the time would allow and is a stark reminder of the depths to which humankind can sink and how deadly is the combination of religion and politics.
Having impressed as Tsarina Catherine for the same director in 'Jouer d'Echecs' it is only natural that Francoise Rosay should play Catherine de Medicis and suffice to say, she dominates the screen. As Marguerite de Valois Jeanne Moreau draws upon her stage experience, having been the youngest actress ever to have signed a contract with the Comédie Francaise, as well as being eminently filmic. A great artiste whose iconic roles are still to come. The supporting cast however leaves a lot to be desired.
The St. Bartholemew's Day massacre is as graphic as the censorship of the time would allow and is a stark reminder of the depths to which humankind can sink and how deadly is the combination of religion and politics.