Les Maudits (The Damned) (1947)

86% of users liked it
(2,376 ratings)

This psychological drama is set aboard a submarine carrying Nazi officials fleeing their country just before the end of World War II. They are trying to get to South America, but along the way they meet with many obstacles including a bout with a destroyer where they are depth-charged. When the… More This psychological drama is set aboard a submarine carrying Nazi officials fleeing their country just before the end of World War II. They are trying to get to South America, but along the way they meet with many obstacles including a bout with a destroyer where they are depth-charged. When the count's wife, Marly, (she is also the on-board general's mistress) is wounded the sub lands in France where the Germans snatch a doctor. The doctor knows his life is in danger. To combat the self-exiles he begins manipulating their emotions, getting them to feel despair, defeat, and helping them realize that all their actions are hopeless. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: René Clément
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Sep 19, 1947 Wide
On DVD: Feb 17, 2004
Studio: Warner Home Video

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stefanie C

Based on a family's foray into unadulterated corruption during the third Reich. Initially, the relationships of the various characters were difficult to follow, but their manipulations and depravity slowly and memorably reveal their personalities. Debauchery and decadence are… More
Based on a family's foray into unadulterated corruption during the third Reich. Initially, the relationships of the various characters were difficult to follow, but their manipulations and depravity slowly and memorably reveal their personalities. Debauchery and decadence are intrinsic within the Nazi regime. Helmut Berger's performance is amazing as he transforms from a dandy to a completely evil and ruthless man. The ending is incredible.
Pierluigi P

'The fall of the gods' it's the original and perfect title for this jarring shakespearean/greek like retelling, set in the morbid, decadent days of nazi Germany, told with Visconti's visual richness. Precursor of a whole new and very popular subgenre, the… More
'The fall of the gods' it's the original and perfect title for this jarring shakespearean/greek like retelling, set in the morbid, decadent days of nazi Germany, told with Visconti's visual richness. Precursor of a whole new and very popular subgenre, the "sadiconazista" or "naziexploitation" fashioned/chic nazi erotic movies that pullulated Italy in the 70s (Il portiere di notte, Saló or Salon Kitty to name a few) it later reached America (Ilsa-she wolf of the ss) and even Hollywood (Cabaret). Essential chapter about the insanity of power.

Cast

            Michel Auclair as Willy Morus

            Henri Vidal as The Physician

            Paul Bernard as Couturier

            Anne Campion
            
            Florence Marly as Hilde Garosi

            Jo Dest as Forster

            Fosco Giachetti as Garosi

            Marcel Dalio as Larga

            Dirk Bogarde as Friedrich Bruckmann

            Ingrid Thulin as Baroness Sophie von Essenbeck

            Helmut Griem as Aschenbach

            Helmut Berger as Martin Von Essenbeck

            Charlotte Rampling as Elisabeth Thallman

            Florinda Bolkan as Olga

            Reinhard Kolldehoff as Baron Konstantin Von Essenbeck

            Umberto Orsini as Herbert Thallman

            Renaud Verley as Gunther von Essenbeck

            Nora Ricci as Governess

            Karin Mittendorf as Thilde Thallman

            Peter Dane as Steelmill Cerk

            Jessica Dublin as Nurse

            John Frederick as 2nd Officer Wehrmacht

            Werner Hassleman as Gestapo Officer

            Klaus Hohne as 1st SA Officer

            Michele Scalera
            
            Karl Otto Alberty as 1st Officer Wehrmacht

            Wolfgang Hillinger as Janck

            Richard Beach as 3rd Officer Wehrmacht

            Albrecht Schoenhals as Baron Joachim von Essenbeck
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