MovieChat Forums > Reign of Terror (1949) Discussion > Suprisingly Good

Suprisingly Good

posted 7 years ago by Tin_ear
6 replies | jump to latest

I saw this on TV last night and expected a cheap, little picture, but despite the obvious budget limitations and obscurity this was pretty amazing.

The cinematography, sets, and script were amazing, and Baseheart's Robespierre is convincing yet creepy. Some nice gallows humor and gore too, definitely a shock for a mainstream Hollywood film in 1949. Ending is a tad trite, but still quite good.

*I looked it up. According to Wikipedia, the film sets only cost $40,000. I find it hilarious that it wouldn't even cover a week's catering today.*

[–] Rex9 7 years ago

Indeed....I loved this little known gem, as well. lst time seeing it via YouTube. Robert Cummings was excellent in his role, complemented by the gorgeous Arlene Dahl. So many plot twists and continuous near escapes for Cumming's D'Aubigny, identifying with such it left me feeling anxious not knowing who to trust as he attempts to return the Black Book to the convention, exposing the murderous and tyrannical Robespierre with his henchman, Saint Just, during the French Revolution. Very good film indeed......

[–] Mghamilton 7 years ago

I'm watching it right now. Hearing Robert Cummings voice in the dark, I'm transported back in time to his TV days watching him in "Love That Bob!"

[–] coldturkey30 7 years ago

I had it recorded and watched it tonight. It was GREAT !!!

[–] HarlemEagle42 (16155) 4 years ago

It's pretty solid.

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 3 years ago

Basehart is good as Robespierre. I was thinking that convincing speech he gave at the end may have saved him but he had lost the crowd.

[–] jdforyou1983 (1469) 3 years ago

It's a solid movie