Black Magic (1949) is a film noir psychological thriller directed by Gregory Ratoff. The movie follows the story of Dr. Alex Bey, a successful psychologist who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. The plot revolves around Bey's encounter with a mysterious woman named Margaret, who claims to have been the victim of black magic. Intrigued by her story, Bey agrees to help her, however, he soon finds himself questioning her sanity. As the film progresses, Bey becomes more and more immersed in Margaret's world, and he begins to suspect that he himself is being targeted by the same dark forces.
Black Magic was the brainchild of indie producer Edward Small. Contrary to his name, Small is one of the bigger names in independent film production; his knack for recognizing and capitalizing on film trends led to a lucrative and prolific career that spanned half-a-century, from the silent film era all the way through the end of the 1960s. Small had achieved success bringing the swashbuckling adventures of Alexander Dumas to the screen in the 1930s with The Count of Monte Cristo and The Man in the Iron Mask, and work on Black Magic began in 1943. Through a series of cast and director changes, it would ultimately take several more years to realize his vision, and even then, Small is on the record saying that director Gregory Ratoff and star Orson Welles changed his idea considerably. It's even been said that Welles co-directed the film--uncredited, of course. Given the iconoclast's strong personality and intense vision, its undoubted that a lot of Welles the filmmaker can be seen here.
Welles long-time friend and collaborator Akim Tamiroff Touch of Evil appears, as does Frank Latimore 13 Rue Madeleine , Valentina Cortese The Barefoot Contessa , and Margot Grahame 1935 s The Three Musketeers. The film is based Alexandre Dumas novel Joseph Balsamo , a fictionalized account of the life of Giuseppe Joseph Balsamo, alias Alessandro Cagliostro, an 18 th century adventurer, who was notorious as an occultist, alchemist, forger, and swindler.
As the film progresses, Bey becomes more and more immersed in Margaret's world, and he begins to suspect that he himself is being targeted by the same dark forces. Throughout the movie, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats as the tangled web of lies and deception unravels. The suspense is heightened by the atmospheric black and white cinematography, which adds to the eerie atmosphere of the film.
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
The performances in Black Magic are exceptional, with stars Orson Welles and Nancy Guild delivering standout performances as Dr. Alex Bey and Margaret respectively. Welles, known for his iconic role in Citizen Kane, is charismatic and enigmatic as Bey, while Guild brings a vulnerable and captivating presence to the role of Margaret. The film's screenplay, written by Charles Bennett, is intricately crafted and full of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The dialogue is sharp and dialogues provokes thoughts about the nature of good versus evil and the power of suggestion. Overall, Black Magic (1949) is a compelling psychological thriller that captivates viewers from start to finish. With its expert blend of suspense, mystery, and psychological manipulation, it remains a classic example of film noir. Whether you're a fan of the genre or simply looking for a gripping and thought-provoking film, Black Magic is sure to deliver..
Reviews for "The stigmatization of black magic in 1949 society"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Back magic 1949". The storyline felt incredibly predictable and cliché, with no real surprises or twists. The characters were also very one-dimensional, lacking depth and development. The special effects were mediocre at best and the overall production quality felt lacking. I had high hopes for this movie, but unfortunately, it just fell flat for me.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I found "Back magic 1949" to be incredibly boring and uninteresting. The pacing was slow and dragged on, making it feel like a never-ending slog. The dialogue was also poorly written and lacked any meaningful substance. The acting was subpar, with several of the performances feeling forced and unnatural. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this film and would not recommend it to others.
3. Alex - 2/5 - "Back magic 1949" had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The plot meandered and lacked coherence, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. The characters were forgettable, lacking any real depth or memorable qualities. The cinematography and visuals were also lackluster, failing to create a visually engaging experience. I wanted to enjoy this movie, but unfortunately, it left me feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I was expecting a captivating and thrilling experience from "Back magic 1949", but instead, I found myself incredibly bored throughout the entire film. The story lacked originality and failed to hold my attention. The script was poorly written, filled with clichéd and uninspiring dialogue. The performances were lackluster, and it felt like the actors were simply going through the motions. Overall, I did not enjoy this movie and would not recommend it to others.