classicsoncall I didn't think I'd enjoy this film given the description on the DVD sleeve and it's setting during the time of the French Revolution, but it quickly got my attention with it's darkness and intrigue. Since my earliest memory of Robert Cummings is from the late Fifties TV series "The Bob Cummings Show" (I saw it as 'Love That Bob'), I can't help but think of him as the slick, sophisticated bachelor hitting on every model who shows up at his photography studio. So it was rather comical to me to see his reaction to the Lady Madelon (Arlene Dahl) impersonating the wife of the man Cummings is himself working undercover as.The story of course is not a comedy, in fact it's full of espionage and intrigue about the historical Robespierre (Richard Basehart) and his attempt to become dictator of France while eliminating potential opposition named in his personal Black Book. I was intrigued by an early description of the man - a fanatic with powdered wig and twisted mind. Indeed, Robespierre spends a good portion of the picture marking adversaries for death with limited patience and a disdain for failure. He'd be a perfect subject for a modern day film treatment.Others on this board describe the picture as noir in style, and even though I don't think I would have come up with that connection myself, it does seem to fit. The picture is dark and confining and presents a host of duplicitous characters with all manner of evil deeds on their mind. An added bonus is the effective use of period costumes, and superb direction under the watchful eye of director Anthony Mann.

bkoganbing The first question I have to ask is why would Maximilien Robespierre, who generally was a pretty smart guy until he overreached, keep a written record of the people he's earmarking for denunciation and death. That's the sort of thing you'd think he'd have just in his head. But he's got it, people know he has it and unfortunately for Richard Basehart the wrong people know he has it.Which brings me to the plot of the story of Reign Of Terror. The famous Marquis De Lafayette who was in exile at that point has sent an agent in the person of Robert Cummings to find the book and expose Robespierre's plans to eliminate possible opponents. The beautiful Arlene Dahl is working for another member of the National Assembly with similar aims and they join forces.If Reign Of Terror had been done at a major studio like MGM or Paramount we might have seen a full blown color production. As it was this film was done at the short lived Eagle-Lion Studios and it was mostly filmed in shadows to disguise the cheapness of the sets. In doing that it gives Reign Of Terror a noir like quality that is the second most effective thing in the film. The atmosphere is one like a Universal Gothic horror film.But the best thing about the film is the way Richard Basehart captures the character of the cold, bloodless, and merciless Robespierre. Robespierre was a man who disdained the pleasures of the flesh and the world had recently been dealing with another fanatic named Hitler who was the same way.If you discount the silliness of Robespierre actually keeping a written list somewhere, Reign Of Terror despite its cheap production values, does effectively capture the mood of France in the middle 1790s. And Basehart is brilliant in his role.

Chris-Berlin Unfortunately a good Copy, good picture quality on DVD is not available in the moment as far as I know.Who could please help me to get one? Maybe the film was shown on TV once in a good quality and someone recorded it? :-) Please email me. Thanks.Best Regards :-)Unfortunately a good Copy, good picture quality on DVD is not available in the moment as far as I know.Who could please help me to get one? Maybe the film was shown on TV once in a good quality and someone recorded it? :-) Please email me. Thanks. Best Regards :-) (I had to repeat due to be forced to fill 10 lines) *smile*

Jem Odewahn Terrific little thriller set in 1700's France. Robert Cummings gets one of his best roles (yes, he CAN act) as the guy who goes undercover to retrieve the black book, in order to topple potential dictator Richard Baseheart. Arlene Dahl is the woman who Cummings has had a past with, and can help on his quest if he chooses to trust her. Anthony Mann directed this taut little film, and it's a gem of a discovery. Plenty of atmosphere, great black-and-white photography, intelligent writing and solid acting from the whole cast. Cummings creates a well-shaded hero, and Dahl is not just beautiful, but also smart and resourceful as the heroine Madeleine. I liked this one a lot.