''Captain Blood'' (, ; , ) is a 1960 French–Italian

swashbuckler film A swashbuckler film is characterised by swordfighting and adventurous heroic characters, known as swashbucklers. While morality is typically clear-cut, heroes and villains alike often, but not always, follow a code of honor. Some swashbuckle ...

directed by

André Hunebelle André Hunebelle (; 1 September 1896 – 27 November 1985) was a French maître verrier (master glassmaker) and film director. Master Glass Artist After attending polytechnic school for mathematics, he became a decorator, a designer, and then a m ...

and starring Jean Marais,

Bourvil André Robert Raimbourg (; 27 July 1917 – 23 September 1970), better known as André Bourvil (), and mononymously as Bourvil, was a French actor and singer best known for his roles in comedy films, most notably in his collaboration with Loui ...

Elsa Martinelli Elsa Martinelli (born Elisa Tia; 30 January 1935 – 8 July 2017) was an Italian actress and fashion model. Described by ''The Guardian'' as a "versatile star of Hollywood’s international years whose work spanned romantic comedies, period epi ...

and Lise Delamare.BFI.org
/ref> It is based on a novel by Michel Zévaco. The film has no relation to the American film '' Captain Blood'' (1935).

Plot

The story unfolds in France in the early 17th century, with

Louis XIII Louis XIII (; sometimes called the Just; 27 September 1601 – 14 May 1643) was King of France from 1610 until his death in 1643 and King of Navarre (as Louis II) from 1610 to 1620, when the crown of Navarre was merged with the French crown. ...

just coming of age while his mother,

Marie de' Medici Marie de' Medici (; ; 26 April 1575 – 3 July 1642) was Queen of France and Navarre as the second wife of King Henry IV. Marie served as regent of France between 1610 and 1617 during the minority of her son Louis XIII. Her mandate as rege ...

, continues to rule with her favorite, Concino Concini, who is the prime minister. Concini, aided by his ambitious wife Leonora Dori, seeks to consolidate power through any means necessary, even resorting to crime and treason. He spreads terror across the land, particularly in the southwestern provinces, orchestrating attacks to weaken the nobility. However, high-ranking lords conspire to overthrow Concini and place the Duke Charles of Angoulême, who is excluded from the regular royal succession, on the throne. Among these nobles is François de Capestang, a brave knight determined to fight for justice and protect his king's crown, as well as the life of Gisèle d'Angoulême, whom he owes a debt of gratitude for saving him in battle. The narrative follows François as he sets out for Paris to present his province's grievances to the king. Along the way, he encounters various challenges and allies, including Cogolin, a street performer turned confidant. In Paris, François confronts Concini but refuses to join his corrupt schemes, instead opting to serve as a spy to gather crucial information. With Cogolin's infiltration into the royal court, François learns of Gisèle's whereabouts and embarks on a mission to rescue her from captivity. In the midst of his efforts, François also saves the king from an assassination attempt, earning Louis XIII's trust and support. As the conflict intensifies, betrayals and alliances shape the course of events. Béatrice de Beaufort, initially aligned with Concini, switches sides after the death of her father, warning François and the conspirators of impending danger. In a climactic battle at Saint-Leu castle, François and his allies face off against Concini's forces, ultimately emerging victorious with the timely arrival of King Louis XIII. The story concludes with reconciliation between the warring factions, symbolized by François's impending marriage to Gisèle and Cogolin's opportunity to declare his love. Louis XIII declares his reign with the demise of Concini, ushering in a new era of unity and stability for the kingdom.

Cast

* Jean Marais as François de Capestan *

as Cogolin *

as Gisèle d'Angoulême *

Arnoldo Foà Arnoldo Foà (24 January 1916 – 11 January 2014) was an Italian actor, voice actor, theatre director, singer and writer. He appeared in more than 130 films between 1938 and 2014. Biography Foà was born in Ferrara, Italy, to a Jewish f ...

as Concino Concini * as Giuseppa * Lise Delamare as Marie de Médicis * as Béatrice de Beaufort * Guy Delorme as Rinaldo * as

* Jacqueline Porel as Léonora Galigaï * Jean-Paul Coquelin as Vitry * Raphaël Patorni as Le duc d'Angoulême * as

Duc de Rohan Duke of Rohan is a title of French nobility, associated with the Breton region of Rohan. Duke of Rohan House of Rohan House of Chabot House of Rohan-Chabot ''The title ''prince de Léon'' is used a courtesy title until the succession of t ...

Jean Berger Jean Berger (; September 27, 1909 – May 28, 2002) was a German-born American pianist, composer, and music educator. He composed extensively for choral ensemble and solo voice. Early years Berger was born Arthur Schloßberg into a Jewish famil ...

as Luynes * as Lorenzo *

Paul Préboist Paul Préboist (21 February 1927 – 4 March 1997) was a French actor. He appeared in more than hundred films, mostly in supporting roles, and is best known as a comic actor. Filmography Theater References External links *Paul Préboista ...

as A thief

Release

''Captain Blood'' was released theatrically in France on 5 October 1960. It was released in Italy on 24 November 1960.

References

Bibliography

External links