Les Visiteurs du Soir (The Devil's Envoys) (1942)
-
100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
85% of users liked it
(480 ratings)
Originally released in 1942 as Les Visiteurs du Soir, The Devil's Envoys is another masterful collaboration between actress Arletty, writer Jacques Prevert and director Marcel Carne, who would team up one year later for the brilliant Les Enfants Du Paradis. The film is predicated on the 15th… More Originally released in 1942 as Les Visiteurs du Soir, The Devil's Envoys is another masterful collaboration between actress Arletty, writer Jacques Prevert and director Marcel Carne, who would team up one year later for the brilliant Les Enfants Du Paradis. The film is predicated on the 15th century French legend, wherein the Devil, disturbed by the encroaching forces of Good, sends his envoys to Earth to drive the citizens to despair. The Devil, played by Jules Berry in a subtly Hitler-like fashion (a chancy artistic decision in the days of the Occupation), is thwarted when his agents are unable to overcome the power of true love. Even after the lovers are turned to stone for defying His Satanic Majesty, their hearts continue to beat for each other. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Marcel Carné
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Dec 5, 1942 Wide
- Studio
- Criterion Collection
Critic Reviews
-
Tom Milne, Time Out
The dialogue gets increasingly lachrymose, and the slow pace begins to take its toll. Wonderful performances, though, and graced with an undeniable visual splendour.
-
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
An eerie and often beautiful medieval fantasy parable.
-
Sarah Boslaugh, PopMatters
...Les Visiteurs du Soir works equally well whether you buy into the allegorical interpretation or simply take the film at face value.
-
Jordan Cronk, Slant Magazine
Marcel Carné's subversive medieval fable de l'amour remains one of cinema's great paeans to everlasting love, a testament to the allure of allegiance and lengths we oftentimes go to relinquish or realize it.
-
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A lavish spectacle with a very simple love-conquers-all theme.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Arletty
as Dominique
-
Jules Berry
as Devil
-
Marie Déa
as Anne
-
Marcel Herrand
as Baron Renaud
-
Fernand Ledoux
as Baron Hugues
-
Alain Cuny
as Giles
-
Gabriel Gabrio
as La Bourreau
- Roger Blin
- Jean D'Yd
-
Pierre Labry
as Le Gros Seignor
