▶ Misty Brew's Creature Feature- "Black Magic (aka: Cagliostro)" (1949) (Full Movie Episode) +

This episode originally ran on KBSI FOX 23 in 1987.
Alexandre Dumas, Sr. (Berry Kroeger) tells his son Alexander Dumas, Jr. (Raymond Burr) the story of Joseph Balsamo (Orson Welles). Through flashbacks we learn that Balsamo was a French gypsy boy who endured much hardship. He was tortured under the command of Viscount de Montagne (Stephen Bekassy) and his parents were ordered to hang. Some years later, he learns the secrets of hypnosis from Dr. Mesmer (Charles Goldner). Ignoring the doctor's advice that he use his powers for healing, he exploits his new talent to the full, gaining wealth, fame and prestige. After changing his name to Count Cagliostro, he becomes famous all over Europe. Things begin to go downhill when he enters a plot to substitute a young girl called Lorenza (Nancy Guild) for the French queen Marie Antoinette along with gypsies Gitano (Akim Tamiroff) and Zoraida (Valentina Cortese).
The movie was originally known as Cagliostro. Producer Edward Small went through a number of directors and stars in trying to get this film off the ground, starting in 1943.[3] Charles Boyer was to star with Akim Tamiroff, and Irving Pichel directing, then in early 1944 J. Carrol Naish was reported to play Alexandre Dumas, Sr. Later that year, George Sanders was announced as the star with Douglas Sirk directing. [4] Louis Hayward was also at one stage announced to star.[5]
In 1943 Hedda Hopper suggested Orson Welles should play the lead role.[6] He signed in September 1947.[7]
In 1947, Small was to make the film in Mexico, but dropped those plans when it turned out to be more expensive to shoot there than he expected - so the location of shooting was changed to Italy, where Small could use blocked lira.[8] Small borrowed Gregory Ratoff, Frank Latimore and Nancy Guild from Twentieth Century-Fox and took over the Scalera studios in Rome from early October 1947 to late January 1948.[9][10]
Orson Welles said Small ("no mean master of suggestion, by the way") approached him "very cleverly with the role of Cagliostro. He waited til I had reread the Dumas novels and become so "hypnotised" by the scoundrel that I felt I had to play him. Then Small announced casually, 'Gregory Ratoff is going to direct'. That cinched it. Gregory is a great friend, and more fun to work with than anybody I know."[11]
United Artists were so enthusiastic about the film they agreed to distribute the film for 25% of the profits as opposed to their usual fee of 27 1/2%.[12] Welles allegedly directed several scenes in the film, which was released on 18 August 1949.[13]
Reception[edit]
Reviews were mixed.[14][15]
The 2006 film Fade to Black has Welles (Danny Huston) involved in a murder mystery while in Rome for the production of Black Magic.
It is a full movie episode of "Black Magic" featuring Misty Brew as your Horror Host. Black Magic is a 1949 film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's novel Joseph Balsamo. It was directed by the Russian-born Gregory Ratoff and stars Orson Welles in the lead role as Joseph Balsamo and Nancy Guild as both Lorenza and Marie Antoinette. Release date: August 19, 1949 (USA). Directors: Orson Welles, Gregory Ratoff. Music composed by: Paul Sawtell.
Black Magic is a Public Domain Film. (Misty Brew segments however are copyrighted)

[@Harlee172]

You knew it was good movie by 2 simple words Orson Welles

[@DarksaberForce]

And Raymond Burr

[@mugwugthemagnificful]

Absolutely wonderful.

[@clydepiper4046]

It wasn't a "Creature Feature" - but it is a really good movie, and one I've never heard of before : )

[@KNT.63]

I have stumbled across a rare jewel , how I wish I could let Misty know , Oh' how I want to tell her, Thank you. , I don't guess she sees these anymore, I can't believe there's only nine comments ,A Horrifying Shame Truly.

[@Hessian1011]

I saw this movie many years ago and it has remained a favorite. Besides Orson Welles, it also featured Valentina Cortese, who became very famous in the years to come, as well as Akim Tamaroff who was also well known. Stephen Bekassy is terrific as the evil Count de Montaign. The beginning is a real grabber, as we see the innocent gypsies hanged for witchcraft, and the young Joseph whipped almost to death. After that, there is no turning back!

[@jeanstclairdelaroux2992]

un film merveilleux

[@78rpmblues]

In 18th century France Joseph Balsamo's mother is put on trial for witchcraft, both his mother and father are sentenced to hang. The Viscount de Montagne passes the sentence which angers Joseph who bits Montagne on the hand. Montagne orders the boy to be whipped and that if he survives, to put out his eyes. Joseph is whipped and sees his mother and father hung, lucky for him he is rescued before his eyes are put out. The next time we see Joseph is as a man in a gypsy sideshow. He is thrilling his audience with his magic and selling a potion that will heal the sick. After a woman is accidentally poisoned Joseph steps in and hypnotizes her into believing she is well. His powers to hypnotize set him on a journey that will lead him back to the Viscount de Montagne. Black Magic was both intriguing and entertaining. Orson Welles plays the part of a gypsy that can easily hypnotize people to do his bidding. As far as I know this can't be done, but the film was believable in every other aspect. Welles looks handsome in this film and is convincing as a gypsy. This movie is not so much about black magic as it is a man who uses his power for his own selfish reasons. ★★★

[@tigerlillybell75]

Good movie, but where was the black magic?

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

Caliostro tragically loved Lorensia if it anyone to blame it is her! She never even tried to understand Joseph. he even married her out of love even though she was just hypnotized! it is just stupid how his ex girlfriend turned out to be more jealous and bitchy that she would betray him thou she loved joseph. by the law of the church Joseph and lorensia were married legally. no one would ever come between their marriage. That ending is just stupid! Should of pulled a Svengali ending for this movie! this movie NEEDS a remake!

[@ergbudster3333]

"We shall sell no wine before it's time. Er.. cheese.. not so much."