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Black Magic (1949)
Father, for heaven's sake,
what is this? Night after night. Scribbling as if you've got the very devil in you. I've got the devil in me, or worse. Why, father, this doesn't sound like you at all. This man, this fantastic man... I tell you, he's under my skin. They say he hypnotized half the world. I swear to you, he's got me hypnotized too. What man? That man. That mind menacing mammal. That... Cagliostro. Oh, Cagliostro! The 18th century charlatan. Was he a charlatan? I don't know. I've written books. Pages enough to paper the walls of the Paris Opera House. Characters enough to fill a regiment. "The Count of Monte Cristo," "The Corsican Brothers," "The Three Musketeers," Porthos, Athos, Aramis, "Chicot the Jester," "D'Artagnan. " But I wrote them. This man is writing me. All right, all right. When I left the opera, I thought I was going peacefully to bed, but I inflicted my novel "Camille" on you last week. Now, what was this fellow Cagliostro? How in the name of all the saints would I know? Devil. Mountebank. Fool. I'm still wondering. But his real name was Joseph Balsamo. His mother and father were gypsies. It is in the South of France that we first hear of him. Joseph's mother seems to have had a genuine gift of clairvoyance. At a gypsy fair she looked into the eyes of a farmers baby and foretold its illness. A few days later, the baby died and Joseph and his parents were brought to trial before the prefect of the district, the Vicomte DeMontagne. The charge was that Joseph's mother was a sorceress, and that all three were disciples of the devil. She's the witch that murdered our boy, Excellency. No. Lying, murdering gypsies! That's what they be. Jacob. He never had a sick day in his life, my Lord, 'til she looked at him with those wicked eyes. "You're sick," she says, "you're very sick. " And my grandchild died! It's a lie! My mother had nothing to do with it. She did not, my Lord. Highness, Excellency, if you would let me speak. Maria never hurt a soul. She's a mother herself. It's just she has a... sort of sixth sense which told her this baby felt sick. The baby never had a sick day in his life. If I could be allowed to speak... Father, these people cause nothing but trouble with the devil's practices. Devils have been the business of the church ever since the fall of Lucifer. There have been cases of clairvoyance, second sight... There's no such thing! Then how can you explain the visions of the prophets? The prophets weren't gypsies, Father. I find no evil in this woman. I said I heard enough. It's none of your business. Woman, the bailiff will give you two pieces of silver. Raise another child and keep it away from such as these. And as for the gypsies... Hang them both. You won't hang my mother. Not my mother! No. Take this filth! Excellency, as a priest I must ask... As prefect I must ask you to hold your tongue. Hang them both! Why, you... I've probably contracted rabies. Bailiff, put him on the whipping post. If he survives the whipping... No, no! Put out his eyes! No, not his eyes! Not his eyes. Ugh... Bailiff. He's still conscious. Are you ready? Yes. Joseph. Joseph! Joseph. Huh? Gitano. Joseph, bambino. Gitano. No. No, Joseph. No. Don't look. No, Gitano. I have to remember. They made me watch while they hanged them. Mother took along time to die. I hardly felt a whip after that. Those things are best forgotten, Joseph. No, I want to remember as long as I live. And that man's name, DeMontagne. The Vicomte DeMontagne. There's no time for remembering now. Jacob, cover him. They'll be changing the guard. Hey. After that, very little is known except that the boy, Joseph, grew up into an insolent devil may care Vagabond. When we next hear of him, he was in Vienna with a gypsy caravan presenting a show that was a mixture of black magic and fake cure-alls. Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow sufferers. The great Balsamo is again ready for you. A thousand blessings. From the darkness beyond night, from the forbidden mountains of the secret side of the moon. Behold. A wonder among wonders. Yeeh! But we come not here to trade, or gather wealth, for friends, what use is money without health? Ladies and gentlemen, the elixir of life! The elixir of life. Vitaminicus balsumicus rejuvenatus! Bottled by me alone in the fountain of youth deep in the jungles of Hispaniola. The elixir of life. One bottle for the paltry charge of a silver shilling. Which one of you here is so racked with pain that life has lost its smile? Elixir. Only one shilling. One shilling, please. Elixir of life. - The easy way to live, doctor. - Um-hum. A shilling for a bottle of colored water. And the faculty of medicine won't accept my theories for nothing. You're not flamboyant enough. Elixir of life, one shilling. What more proof do you need, all you lucky people? Give me a shilling. Here, a shilling. Please, you have to sell me a bottle. Sorry, that's the last of them. Oh, just one. You've got just one. For my mother. - Here, I pay double. - But they're all gone. - Five shillings then. - Five shillings? We can't pass up five shillings. Hey. Get one more bottle. - Here is one. - Here is one. Hey! Hey, five shillings. - All right. - I got one, mamma! Oh, here it is, mamma. Not all at once. You're not as sick as that. - Mamma, what is it? - Mother! - Mamma, what is it? - Ah! Mamma, mamma! What is it? They poisoned her. Bambino, that woman drank lamp fluid by mistake. Go help her, but quick. You're the only one that can do it. - No! - Something's going on. Oh, oh, the pain! Listen to me. You have nothing to fear, nothing to fear. You drank too much of the elixir in one dose. It's very powerful, but harmless. The pain you feel is going to last only a moment or two. Already you can feel it going. You can feel the pain going. Tell me you can feel the pain leaving. It's gone. You see, I told you you had nothing to fear. The pain you felt is gone completely. There, ladies and gentlemen. You can see she's perfectly all right. What kind of hocus pocus was that? I don't quite know. But it's very interesting hocus pocus. Hey, somebody stole my watch. Your watch? - Dirty gypsies. - Thieving gypsies! Dirty gypsies. Come on, come on. Gypsies, come on! Now, what else do you remember? His eyes. They seemed like saucers commanding me to be well. Remarkable, it is lamp fluid. And she must have drank enough of it to sicken her for a week. What would you make of that, doctor? The power of the mind, Anton. This man is a natural born hypnotist. This way, doctor. Here they are. You are... Hold on. You are Joseph Balsamo. And you are? Here. Gitano? Yes, Gitano. Never knew the rest of it myself. Who are you? I'm a doctor of the Viennese Faculty of Medicine. My name is Franz Anton Mesmer. I don't need a doctor. Do you need a doctor? Do you need a doctor? We don't need a doctor. Gentlemen, if you escape it'll cost me 200... We don't need a doctor to escape. - And we escape from... - You are released. Released on bail on my own personal security, and on your honor. Honor? Doctor, you flatter us. Joseph Balsamo had captured the interest of Dr. Mesmer who was striving in vain for the scientific recognition of his great discovery, the curative powers of hypnotism. Joseph, without knowing it, for years you have been practicing hypnotism. - Hypnotism? - Yes. I've never even heard of the word. Very few have. But it's an art which was forgotten when the world grew old. Tell me, Joseph, are there many more amongst your people who've got that power of... of healing? - My mother had it. - Yes? They said she was a witch, so they hanged her. And you loved her very deeply? Why talk about it? Because I think that from its strong bond of love and sympathy you've inherited those magnetic powers. Now, this afternoon, that woman with fire consuming her throat, she was in agony until you told her that everything was well and looked into her eyes. And the pain passed. It was only in her mind. But most of the illnesses in this world start in the mind. Joseph, and that is where hypnotism comes in. I don't know how far this power in you is developed. But I think that you can do much more than I ever dreamed of. Wait. By this time, Joseph was thinking and wondering if these things Dr. Mesmer was saying could be true. His cunning gypsy mind was already starting to weigh the possibilities. My dear Baron, forgive me for having kept you waiting so long. Please, do come into the study. I'm very glad you have decided to come at last. - How are you? - How am I? Can't you see that by yourself? I'm shaking to pieces before your eyes. The Baron von Minden is suffering of palsy. I say who, who, who is this fellow? This is my new assistant, Joseph Balsamo. I think he can cure you. He looks like a thief. Yes, but you must look into his eyes. Look into his eyes. He's got the eyes of a thief. Self-assured as always, Joseph was ready to try anything once. What had he to lose? What's wrong with him? I'm shaking. Can't you see it? I'm full of pain, full of ills. How dare you? Sit down, sit down. Be quiet. Look me in the eyes. Forget your palsy. Your palsy. New life, new life. Is coursing up your limbs, up your arms, up your legs. New life, new life, new life. Your head stopped shaking already, Baron. You can feel new life steeling up through your legs. Through your arm, down your hand. They are shaking less and less. And less and less. Until they are absolutely still. Still. See for yourself. They are still! They are still! They are still. Look at them, Mesmer. - I'm cu red. - Yes. I'm cured. Thanks to this remarkable fellow. Here's 500 crowns in this purse. We don't want this kind of payment. Nonsense, nonsense. If there is anything else you want, just let me know. Just let me know. Have you convinced yourself? If it worked on him, it might work on... Anybody. Is it a partnership? What's in it for me? The gratitude of generations unborn. Joseph, no faculty of medicine will give us a read. None. But you and I, we can conquer man's greatest enemy, himself. It can be hard to make such a decision. Oh, I've made my decision. - Good night. - I knew I could count on you. I must get home and show what this remarkable fellow has done for me. Thank you. Thank you, Joseph. Joseph had decided, and now he was thinking... If this power could work with the Baron, it would work with others. And the Baron had paid 500 crowns. A remarkable fellow. My very best to the Baroness. - Goodnight, Baron. - Yes, yes, goodnight. Joseph. Joseph! Joseph. Joseph! Gitano. Gitano, it's Joseph. Oh, Joseph. We've been waiting for you, darling, for hours. Now what's happened, Joseph? What kept you there so long? The gypsies are going south, Joseph, into Italy. - We will stay or go south? - We are not staying. - Our necks, Joseph. - We are not going south either. We are starting over again. Not with a carnival and colored water, but with a carriage and silks and laces and a flood of gold coins. - Where did you get that? - You think I stole it? I earned it. - Earned it? - Oh, is he sick, Gitano? - Are you sick? - No, I'm not sick, but half the world is. What are you getting at, Joseph Balsamo? Joseph Balsamo, no. That was good enough for a gypsy carnival faker, but not for one who will be known as the world's greatest wonder worker. A healer possessed of supernatural powers. Divine, godlike. No. Look. The stars, far out in space, there is a great comet. My mother told me of it. The swiftest comet in the skies. It's called Cagliostro. That night Joseph Balsamo was dead, because Count Cagliostro had just been born. Cagliostro. The eyes that streaked across Europe like a meteor. Cagliostro the healer the legend. Wherever he went, the cripples, the maimed, the blind would flock in the thousands to meet him, to speak with him, to touch the hem of his cloak as he passed. Soon his name had become a byword as he traveled through the great cities of Europe. A magnificent charlatan playing on hysterical faith and emotional instability. Taking full advantage of his little know gift of hypnotism to sell himself as a god. If they cheer you or lash you to death, it's the same emotion. Sometimes I feel we are walking across the world on a tightrope. Don't worry. I won't fall off. I know how to keep my balance. Imperiled by memories of his youth, Cagliostro dared to come back again into France. - Doctor. - Are you, sir, the doctor? Get out! I said get out. There must be a real doctor in this filthy village. Doctor? - Doctor? - But here is the doctor. He is the famous doctor, the Count de Cagliostro. You are a doctor? You look more like a fortune teller, a mountebank. Well, sir, appearances are notoriously deceptive. For example, you look rather... Rather like a gentleman. No offense, but my service as a doctor is at your disposal. Perhaps you'd like to show me your patients. Well, follow me. It seemed that fate had brought about this unexpected meeting with this man of hated memory, the Vicomte DeMontagne. There she is on the bed. She has been lying like that for hours. Well, well, get on with your business. What was it? Shock? I see that's none of my business. I must ask you to leave me alone with my patient. Wen, be quick about it. Cagliostro sensed that this lovely girl was a victim of sudden shock and terror. Now listen. Listen to my voice. You can hear nothing, think of nothing, but my voice. Within your sleep you will hear my voice. And you will answer. You will answer. You will answer. Open your eyes, and look into mine. Open your eyes. Listen to my voice. Listen! You can think of nothing. Hear nothing, but my voice. I am your friend trying to save you. You can talk to me as if you were speaking the words within your own soul. Now you may sleep. Sleep. Sleep. I want you to remember all the events which led to you coming to this inn. Tell me everything. It was at Strasbourg. There was great excitement in the city. Princess Marie Antoinette and her husband, Prince Louis, were staying in the town, after a visit to her native Austria. I had driven in with my chaperone, hoping to catch a glimpse of them. But suddenly a man rode up to our carriage. Beg your pardon, ladies, my mistake. Later I learned that his name was Chambord, and that he was in the employ of the Vicomte DeMontagne. Obviously, he had mistaken me for someone else. And then, a young officer made the same mistake. Really, your highness, this makes it very difficult for us to protect you. I beg your pardon? Look here, young man, we don't know who you are nor what you are talking about. Oh, we'll forgive him, Emilia. Especially since you're the second man in the last two minutes who's made the same mistake. I'm sorry, Madam. I'm deeply sorry. My eyes must be playing tricks. I'm the Chevalier Gilbert DeRezel, captain in the King's guard. At your service, ladies. That afternoon, Gilbert took us to the palace garden's gate where the prince and princess were to appear. You know, I'm still very curious about this woman who looks like me. In fact, I even think I'm getting jealous. Many women are jealous of her, mademoiselle. Do you love her? Well, I'm devoted to her, mademoiselle. I'd give my life for her. Oh, stop pretending and tell me who she is. See for yourself. I just can't believe it. Why, it's like seeing myself as Marie Antoinette. She is the future Queen of France. Then as one of the court officers assigned to protect her highness, I'm forgiven for keeping my secret. Oh, yes. Oh, my darling. Now I know I need have no fear of any princess. Nor of any queen. Keep very still, please. What in blazes? - Gilbert! - Take her away, quickly! Tell me. Did you hear anything of what use they proposed to make of your resemblance of the princess? Anything at all? Only that someone in Paris... Someone in Paris? Some high personage... Some high personage. Some plot... Hmm? That's right. Sleep. Sleep like the dead, until I, and only I, awaken you. Enter, Gitano. The affairs of state, and this girl holds the key to it. Joseph, you don't mean to help Mr. Montagne. The man who hanged your father and mother. He's conspiring to reach new heights of power through this girl. I'll help him, Gitano. The higher he climbs... I called you to save her. I can. If you will only leave her under my care. - That's impossible. - Then she will die. Then she will die and you will never be able to make use of this extraordinary resemblance. Resemblance? To whom? Marie Antoinette. This man would be safer dead. If I die she dies too. I assume you are eager to make use of this likeness with some profit yourselves. Why should I trust you? Because we have one thing in common. We are both men of very high ambitions, and we need each other to fulfill them. What do you suggest? Let her travel with me to Paris to continue her treatments. The charge for my immediate services will be 5,000 francs. Pay him, Chambord. Here. And how much more for the care of the girl? An introduction to the court of Louis the XV. Presentation at court is no easy matter. Even for visiting noblemen with proper credentials. Where are yours? In the power of my mind, Vicomte. And I cannot guarantee complete recovery for a patient unless my fee is paid. In full. Well, I can only promise to do my best. - Where's the innkeeper? - In the tavern, sir. It's Chevalier DeRezel, my Lord. He's just ridden into the courtyard. He mustn't find us here. Get the coaches ready at once. - Landlord. - Good evening, sir. I am searching for a young lady who was injured while traveling this road. Oh, we have such a young lady. Yes, she's in the care of the famous doctor. Jacob. The courtyard. Quick. Have the inn gates open and our carriage ready. We are leaving, for Paris. They're all gone, sir. I went first to the doctor's apartment and then to the room occupied by the sick young lady. But by that time I heard them driving away. I've got to overtake them. Your horse isn't fit to ride, sir. His leg is badly cut, sir. He wasn't limping when I rode him in. Sometimes they don't limp until they've stood awhile. Looks like he might have picked up a bit of broken glass on the rode. Or the edge of someone's knife, huh? Give me some bandage for him. Yes, my Lord. And so Cagliostro came to Paris, taking that world center of power wealth, and cynical culture by storm. Now his acclaim eclipsed anything he had known. Cagliostro, in spite of the scorn and contempt of the Paris doctors who denounced him as a charlatan, was finding the streets of Paris indeed paved with gold. Long live Cagliostro! Moscow, Warsaw, Vienna, and now Paris. Hmm. Are you content, Joseph? The world is at your feet. They cheer me because they hope to get something for nothing. A few of them will. What more do they want? You can't come in here. Let go of me! For Christ's sake. Count Cagliostro. At ease. Chevalier, these men can throw a knife through the eye of a needle. However, since you've forced your way in, what is your ailment? Where is Lorenza? Lorenza? The girl you attended on the road to Paris. I know she left the inn with you. Well, you should know that as a doctor I cannot discuss my patients. Then she is here. Hey. Don't make us be rough, Chevalier. This is a new carpet. It may interest you to know that I believe this lady was abducted from Strasbourg as part of some conspiracy. As captain of the palace guards, it is my duty to report my suspicions to the minister of security, the Vicomte DeMontagne. I'm sure Montagne will take a most sympathetic interest. Goodnight, Chevalier. Goodnight. A very turbulent young man. I'll see nobody tonight. Nobody. Joseph! Don't go to her, Joseph. I love you. She doesn't. Lorenza. What is it you have been waiting for? I've been waiting for you to come to me. Say what I want you to say. I love you, Joseph. I love you. You're all I'll ever need or want in this world. What's wrong? Somehow I seem to want to go from here. - Hmm? - To go away. There is something drawing me. Why is that, Joseph? Memories. Memories will all fade away until none are left. You will never think again of anyone else. Of anyone else. Because you belong to me. You belong to me, Lorenza. You belong to me. Say it. I belong to you, Joseph. Now wake up. Wake up. Wake up. I seem to have been dreaming. Dreaming? What were you dreaming? - Tell me. - No, I can't tell you. You were dreaming that you love me. You do love me, Lorenza. It's true. You're not just dreaming. You're awake and I'm holding you in my arms. - You belong to me. - No, no. Please let me go. Lorenza, you are free to go. The door is open. I... I didn't lock it. Nothing is... Nothing is keeping you from going. Only your eyes. Look into my eyes. Your eyes. Who is it? It's me, Gitano. It's important. But you said the door was unlocked. Someone to see you, Joseph. I'll see nobody, I told you that. - It's DeMontagne. - DeMontagne? DeMontagne with a lady. Now come! Now come! Why do you want to leave me? Why do you want to go? Where is it you want to go? To Gilbert? Hmm? Always to Gilbert. Always Gilbert. Your Excellency. Madam. We find this room unpleasantly crowded, Count. Zoraida. DeRemy. Allow me to introduce Count Cagliostro. Madam. Countess Du Barry. My poor house is glorified by your presence. Where is this woman that looks like the Austrian baggage? She's right behind you. Marie Antoinette. It's unbelievable. You sent for me, Joseph? Yes. But you didn't. Yes, Madam. In a way I did. Very well, Lorenza, you may go back to your room. Yes, Joseph. I'm half afraid. You'd have more cause if the double weren't so perfect. You'll bring her to my house in a closed carriage tonight. - I'm afraid not, Madam. - What? This woman is ill. She needs my help, and so do you. Are you trying to threaten us? I'm nearly pointing out that you've acquired a new partner in this little intrigue, whether you like it or not. I like you. You'll do well at court. At court, Madam? There's a special reception in honor of the Paris Faculty of Medicine. Your name has been included. I'm sure I'll have the honor of seeing the real Marie Antoinette. You can't very well miss her. She sees to that. Really, Monsieur Prophet? You ask a great many questions for one who is supposed to read the future. But I can read the future, Vicomte, and the words are very clear. Well, since you insist on being a partner, I think it only fair to tell you that we are gambling for the highest stakes of all. As high as the throne of France. You'll need me for that. You'll need Lorenza. That's why I've come to you. Old King Louis loves me well enough. The whole world knows that he'd marry me tomorrow except for this prayer reciting Austrian daughter-in-law of his, who stands in the way like an accusing statue. I've talked, I've screamed, but she can twist him around her finger like so much thread. If we can discredit Marie Antoinette, if we can get enough pitch - to stick to her royal skirts... - Using the double, of course. That's all you need to know, for the moment. We'll talk again later at the palace. With the stakes as high as they are, Madam, we three can arrange anything. Having made himself a vital link in this palace conspiracy, Cagliostro's great ambition was achieved: His presentation to the most glittering court in Europe. Always a master of theatrical effect, he'd adorned his court costume with mystic symbols and insignias stolen from secret fraternal societies. Your royal highnesses, Prince Louis and Princess Marie Antoinette. The Dauphin and Dauphine of France. It's Lorenza. Lorenza came to life. That is Marie Antoinette. How did he gain admission to the court, doctor? I understand Madam DuBarry arranged the invitation, your highness. You see, Louis? Now she brings this witch doctor to our court. I'll tell you just once more. That woman is capable of any connivance, which might induce your grandfather to marry her. Surely, my dear, you don't believe in any of this nonsense about witchcraft. His Majesty, Louis the XV, the King of France. And the Countess DuBarry. Good evening, my dear boy. Dear child. Your highness. Oh, a new face. Who is this gentleman? It is Count Cagliostro, Louis. All Paris is talking about him. Oh, of course, we have heard of him. What is this? I have given you my blessing, Majesty. As I have blessed your ancestors for centuries. My ancestors? Oh, yes, I knew you're great great great grandfather pleasantly well. You must be older than you seem. I am older than the pyramids, Majesty. But in somewhat better condition. The medical faculty is resenting your presence at court. I believe they are planning to discredit you. I will survive it. Your Majesty, we're honored tonight by the presence of the renowned healer, Count Cagliostro. And so, knowing your Majesty's insistence about fair consideration and all the matters concerning the health of your subjects, we have taken it upon ourselves to provide a few, shall we say, guinea pigs to test his powers. Admirable, admirable. This will be vastly entertaining. My dear Count, the stage is all yours. Here we have all the afflictions for you, from rheumatism to paralysis. You may cure each case individually, but I feel sure our guests would prefer something a little less tedious. Just cure them all at once, Monsieur. Cure them all at once. That is your Majesty's command. We're agog with impatience, Count. Madam. A king I might keep waiting, but a lady, never. By the red star of Aphesis and the jeweled hand of Copnor, I will command you now to throw away your crutches and arise from your sickbeds. No need for that. One glance from you and we are already cured. It was a trick, Joseph. Now they'll laugh us out of Europe. Yes, but a trick has a double edge, like a sword blade. A most remarkable achievement. My dear Count, with the physicians of Paris, has met our master. Your Majesty, there's one little matter they all forget. If I can cure, I can also afflict. I can also afflict! You. You're the leader of the dance. Down on your knees. Down on your knees. Down on your knees. You'd like to rise, but you cannot. You cannot rise. This shirt is remarkably rich for a beggar. If you'll excuse me, sir? What was your disease? It was supposed to be paralysis, Monsieur. Supposed to be? It is. You are paralyzed. Even now as I speak you can feel the strength ebbing out of your limbs. Soft, melting wax. You're a cripple. Now, cripple, crawl. Crawl. Crawl, crawl. Now listen, you fool, there's nothing wrong with you. Give me your hand. Leap to your feet. You'll think twice before you mock again the sufferings of humanity. Go. Amazing. Incredible. This man is far more than a charlatan. I believe it's the devil himself. Very amusing, Monsieur. You turned the tables most effectively. You see, your Majesty, there was nothing whatever wrong with the young man except the ailments that inflict the doctors who arranged this little deception. Fear, hypocrisy, and stupidity. And those are incurable, even for me. - Who's there? - Lorenza, don't cry out. Lorenza. You don't know how I've searched for you. I knew you'd come. I've always known it, even when I had those hideous dreams. They're over now, all over. Oh, but there were so many times I thought you were dead. I never knew what happened. Oh, take me away with you. Take me tonight. Get some clothes. Just the things you need. Bring in Burma the jeweler. Monsieur Burma. Madam, such an honor. You brought the necklace. Indeed, Madam. A really exquisite piece of craftsmanship. Magnificent. Truly fit for a queen, Madam. Thank you, Monsieur. I created it for the princess Marie Antoinette. The stones were chosen with particular regard for the whiteness of her royal shoulders. We're not discussing her shoulders. What is the price? One million, Madam. One million? Very little considering its perfection. I know the princess would buy it without hesitation, but which such dire poverty in Paris... The princess will buy the necklace, Burma. She will, Madam? I think I can promise that you'll receive a visit from her. Incognito, of course, within a few days. But the money, Monsieur? I assure you everything has been arranged, secretly. Thank you, Monsieur. That's all. Madam. Excellency. And now what remains is very simple. Madam DuBarry will provide the funds, and you, Cagliostro, have merely to see that Lorenza, impersonating Marie Antoinette, buys the necklace from the jeweler. And to be sure that the people of France learn that Marie Antoinette is spending one million francs of their money. Let the news flash through Paris, down through the dice houses and servant holes. Down into the slums until the people come out howling in their hunger and their hate. The necklace will be found in her rooms before she can make any denials. And the king will be forced to banish her in order to avoid the bloodshed. Is that what you see in the future, Cagliostro? I see bloodshed and a new Queen of France. A new queen. Do you see anything else? I see a new minister to the King in the most important position of all. The minister of finance. Who is it? Who do you see, Cagliostro? I see a tall man with a scar on his left hand. Lorenza. Lorenza. Lorenza? What have you done with Lorenza? Please, Joseph. What have you done with her? You let her escape. You arranged it with him. What I've done, Joseph, I've done for you. - For me? - Yes! Yes, yes! Only for you. Everything for you. Always for you. Oh, I love you, Joseph. Joseph. You still love me? Hmm? Yes, Joseph. Where has she gone? Where has she gone? Within the hour Cagliostro had Lorenza under his hypnotic spell again and out of the convent where Gilbert had placed her for protection. This time he made certain no one could take her from him. Then I do, by the power invested in me, by the Holy father in Rome, and by the laws of the kingdom of France, pronounce you man and wife. And may God bless you both. Lorenza! You have married. Yes. Then I can only widow her. No, Gilbert. You're coming with me. I'm his wife. You mean you married him willingly? Tell him, Lorenza. I loved you, Gilbert, once. You're possessed. He turned on me. A lady is waiting for you a long time. She wants to talk to you. I talk to no one. I've told you that before. But she came in one of the King's own coaches. Go home, my darling. Take Lorenza home. Madam DuBarry brought news that was to stun all of Europe. King Louis had been stricken with apoplexy. The king is dying. He is surrounded by doctors killing him with their administrations, but you could save him, Monsieur. You've got to save him. I'll do my best. There's no one I can trust now. Not even DeMontagne. DeMontagne? If Louis dies, DeMontagne will run with the stream. Oh, I know it. He's already bowing and scraping to that Austrian woman, but Louis mustn't die. Come with me to the palace now. Be quick. Every minute counts. Sire. Louis! I think it's the end of me, Jeanne. No, no. I like living, you know? You're going to live. Count. Open your eyes and look into mine. Open your eyes. Open your eyes, Louis. He can save you if you open your eyes. Well, Mr. Sorcerer, can you raise the dead? He can! He will! He can! Louis! Open your eyes. Madam DuBarry, your grief has been duly noted by all present and you are hereby banished from Paris. You will please leave the palace by morning. Even one night in an Austrian possession is too much for a true French woman, your Majesty. I'll have my coach made ready at once. You insolent fishwife. - And you, Monsieur gypsy. - Gypsy? You have one week to cross our frontier. Your Majesty, it will be more than sufficient for my purposes. They told me you were here at the caf, but I never expected to find you here alone. What's that? What are you celebrating? - The king is dead. - What? Long live the king. Oh, so the old king died? - When, Joseph? - Just now before I left the palace. Sit down. Seven days are one week. One. Two. One. Two. Three. Seven days. Seven days are one week. Which is just what her Majesty has allowed us to leave the country. Bambino. Bambino. And you, Gitano, look... Look there. Tell me what you see. Well, our house, of course. In my house, and in my power there is a girl who is the image of the new Queen. You see the carriage stopping near the door? Yes. That should be our old friend Vicomte DeMontagne paying us a call. He does not hope to find us in. I stayed away in order to encourage him, but see, the hand is quicker than the eye. Come, Gitano. - Where is the master? - What do you want? The King's minister is here to see your master. I'm sorry, Count Cagliostro is out. In a week he'll be out of France. We've come for the girl. If he thinks he'll take her with him he is very much mistaken. - Where is she? - The girl? What do you mean? Would this clarify matters? I'm afraid you're too late, Monsieur. What are you up to now? Lorenza is dead. Obvious it's suicide. She stays with you for burial. I wouldn't trust her with you above ground. I'll arrange for the burial at the chapel. No. She's a suicide. She has no right to sacred ground. Besides, no one else must know. Have a grave dug in your garden at once. The incident is closed, gypsy. But remember, you have only one week to leave France. Wake up, Lorenza. Lorenza. Speak to me. Lorenza. I had a dream. Yes. I dreamed we were home together. We... We were home together. No. - No. - No. Who was in your dream? Gilbert. Alright. Alright, Joseph. It's Gilbert. You've known she's loved him all along. You can make a slave out of her. You can control her mind, but you cannot make a woman love you when she loves another. Don't say it. You know what I see in your eyes, bambino? What are you trying to do? Read my fortune? Gypsy. I see murder. All right, Joseph. Then kill. Kill. - Kill her! - Oh, no. She's killing you. She's now in the grave, bambino. Leave her there. Leave her. - No, no. - Leave her there. Number one, the Vicomte DeMontagne. Why do I hate him, Gitano? Because he... He hanged your mother and father. Number two, Chevalier DeRezel. A gallant little Gilbert, number two, why do I hate him? Because Lorenza loves him. Because she thinks she does. And here is the new Queen of France, number three. Why do the people hate their new queen? Because the poor and hungry people are going to see their new queen with the most costly diamonds in the world glittering on her throat. A necklace paid for with their own money. You mean the Burma necklace? The Burma necklace. Tonight, Gitano, I've been exploring. Hmm. On my way here from the palace, I made a little expedition into the slums of Paris. The people are desperate. How skillfully they could turn this country. Hey, presto! Upside down. And so through his love for one woman and his hate for one man, and driven by his unbridled ambition, Cagliostro set in motion a diabolic plot that was to rock the very throne of France. My wig, Gaston. Now what is it? It wasn't there before, my Lord. - What wasn't there before? - On the stand, by the wig. The royal seal. How did it get here? I don't know, my Lord. What is it? From Marie Antoinette. The Queen. Must be a trap. No, perhaps not. From the Queen. No man can have a secret from his valet. It seems she likes me, Gaston. She wants me to meet her in the Bois de Boulogne. My wig, Gaston. Is that the royal carriage? No, but she would hardly dare. Of course not. Lorenza. Lorenza, look. The Vicomte DeMontagne, he saw you buried in the grave so now he must believe that you are the Queen of France. You are, Lorenza. You are the Queen of France. Watch closely. If any attempt is made on my life, shoot to kill. Yes, my Lord. You r Majesty. Not on your knees before me. But this great honor. Monsieur, I am a woman. Your Majesty, your lips have a kindness I never dreamed they could wear. A queen has to play a part. Command whatever you will. Even a queen cannot command love. Love? You love me, Madam? Would I be here now if I didn't? Give me your hand, Monsieur. Never lose it, for that ring is my heart. It will always live next to mine. What can I give in return? Very little. Two small things. Ask anything. Then come to my apartment tomorrow at midnight. The guards will be withdrawn. I'll be waiting for you. And the other? As proof of your love for me, if you love me, bring me the diamond necklace from the vault of Burma the jeweler. The necklace? It would cost a million francs. What is a million francs to the King's minister when it means the Queen's happiness? But, Madam, you are the Queen and you know if I use public funds I can die. You cannot die, Monsieur, not while I am the Queen. Tomorrow night then, at midnight. I'll be your servant. The Paris mob stormed Burma's jewelry shop, aroused to fury by the story Cagliostro had spread through the slums. That DeMontagne had bought the necklace for Marie Antoinette with funds from the public treasury. Police! Police! Monsieur le Capitan, there is a lady to see you. She said that it's urgent, sir, and that her name is Lorenza. Lorenza? Thank you, Sergeant. Hey, he is coming. Gilbert, huh? What are you going to do with him? Well, when our precious DeMontagne is caught in the real Queen's antechamber. Gilbert must be trapped with them. - Trapped? - Yes. - And Lorenza is the bait? - Yes. Gilbert will believe anything Lorenza tells him and she, she will say anything I will her to say. Lorenza. Gilbert. What's happened? He made me pretend I was the Queen of France. The Queen? Then he sent me to see Vicomte DeMontagne. And tonight DeMontagne is going to the Queen's apartments taking her the Burma necklace. The Burma necklace? It's a plot to ruin DeMontagne, to ruin the Queen. And I thought that you could save us all. You can move in the court, Gilbert. Tonight at midnight DeMontagne will come alone through the antechamber. You could stop him at the Queen's own door. There are lives at stake, Gilbert. Mine is only one of them. While at the palace, the Vicomte DeMontagne started out to keep what he believed was a romantic twist with the young Queen. You r Majesty. Who's there? Just the captain of the guard. Man, what do you want here? The Burma necklace. What makes you think I've got the Burma necklace? I can't tell you my reasons, Monsieur, but I do know you have it and I intend to take it from you. I'm really saving your honor and your life. And I am taking yours. Your majesties. Oh, the thieves seem to have fallen out. Thieves, sire? Oh, we were warned that you would both come here tonight. The guards were withdrawn to let you pass. Your Majesty, I am bewildered. I'm... You seem to have lost your power of speech, my dear minister. Perhaps the captain can reply more easily. What are you doing here? I, I cannot tell you, sire. Someone else is involved. Someone I thought I loved very dearly. So you chose to be mysterious? What is your report? Sire, the Vicomte DeMontagne came stealthily into the antechamber. He was met by the captain who demanded a necklace. He speaks of a necklace, Monsieur. Where is it? Inconceivable, DeMontagne a thief. Worse than that, a traitor. It's the Count Cagliostro, sir. Your Majesty sent for me. I did not, Monsieur. Majesty, waves of thought travel faster than any messenger. I believe you need my help. Your Majesty, don't listen to him. I see it all now. He planned it to ruin me, to ruin you. Is it true that you can read my mind? Madam, like the pages of a book. Then it should come as no surprise to you to hear that you are under arrest. All three of you. And the charges? Treason against the throne of France. To some it might have seemed that by encouraging his own arrest, Cagliostro had put his neck beneath the headsman's axe. But the game was going exactly as he had planned it. Cagliostro still knew that he had dealt himself all the trumps. Hey, anything wrong here? Tell him. Everything's all right. What are you doing in there? You gypsy devil! - If I could get my hands on you... - You won't! You'll stand as you are now and hear me. Stand. You're helpless. You cannot move a hand or foot. Let me take you back many years to a little court room in your native province. To a pair of harmless, wandering gypsies. You hanged them, hanged them before their son's eyes. My eyes. The eyes that hold you helpless now. Do you remember? Do you? Do you? I remember. Let the memory live with you tonight. Sleep, DeMontagne. Sleep and dream of the rope tightening about my mother's neck. And you'll know what you must do. The rope, DeMontagne, the choking rope. Your blanket. Your blanket torn in strips will do as well. The rope. That choking rope. The choking... rope. Your majesties, the minister of justice and the crown prosecutor request an audience. Admit them. Louis, you heard? What's that, my turtle? The minister of justice and the prosecutor are here. Oh, will you stop meddling with that ridiculous clock? I'm not meddling, dear, I'm just trying to fix the cuckoo so his poor little tail feathers won't get hurt. A lot more than my tail feathers will get hurt unless my good name is cleared. - Your majesties. - Your majesties. Why, good morning, gentlemen. You have news? Yes, Madam. Vicomte DeMontagne hanged himself in his cell last night. Without making any confession, of course. Exactly, Madam. Our one hope of forcing the truth from him died with him. His accomplice, Chambord, has escaped to England. Now, the troublemakers are busy telling the people that DeMontagne died rather than expose your part in this affair, Madam. You see, Louis? But I told the people in a proclamation that the Queen had no part in this affair. I am afraid that many of them don't believe you, your Majesty. But that's impossible, Monsieur. They must believe their king or where are we? Precisely, Louis. Where are we? It's beyond me, Marie. You take care of it. Then there is no hope of proving this conspiracy against me? There is still hope, your Majesty. With your permission, bring in the two women. This is Madam Cagliostro. We owe our thanks to the gypsy girl for discovering her hidden in an secret room in Cagliostro's house. Why are you informing against him? Because I love him and he once loved me, Madam. I see. Why is she veiled? For her and your protection, Majesty, while driving through the streets, as you will see. Gypsy, lift her veil. Incredible. I might be looking in the mirror, she's so like me. It is evident that Cagliostro made her impersonate your Majesty in order to deceive DeMontagne. It's hard to believe that this girl would stoop to anything so infamous. It seems, Madam, that the girl is truly innocent at heart. She is, your Majesty. Cagliostro has a strange power to make people act against their will. My dear, all France is in danger of an explosion because of this conspiracy in which you were used. Would you save me and the throne of France if you could? Oh, gladly, your Majesty. But would you be prepared to appear in court as a witness for the crown and testify against Cagliostro? Oh, yes, of course. Then you have no love for this man you married? I loathe him, your Majesty. Even our marriage was no wish of mine. But when he talks to me and looks in my eyes, my will leaves me and I'm helpless. He will be in the courtroom. Do you feel strong enough now to face him and tell what he did? Yes, I'm sure I can. I must, not only for France, but to save Gilbert DeRezel, the man I love. Cagliostro had not underrated his popularity. The people came swarming out of the slums. With Paris as the tinderbox France teetered on the very edge of a revolution. It seemed that Cagliostro had only to win the trial and nothing could stop his seasoned, supreme power over all of France. And, my Lord's justices, I propose to produce evidence which I am convinced will satisfy this court that a final conspiracy has been hatched against the people of France and against the Queen's Majesty. And so, by the powers vested in me, by his most sacred Majesty, King Louis the XVI, I hereby charge these two wicked men with treason against the most exhorted person of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France. Monsieur President, the prosecution is prepared to present its evidence. Let the prisoner come forward. Chevalier DeRezel. Monsieur, you have heard the indictment. Are you prepared to plead guilty or do you wish to reserve your defense? I have nothing to say, my Lord. You understand what course we must take if you persist in a policy of silence? I understand, my Lord. Chevalier has nothing to say. Let the second prisoner come forward. The Count Cagliostro. Count Cagliostro, we presume you have nothing to say either. Is that a statement or a question? I merely point out that the Queen wishes this case concluded by nightfall. It would pain me very much to counter her Majesty's wishes. But it would also pain me very much to lose my head. Levity is hardly in keeping with the gravity of this case. - Count Cagliostro. - My Lords. I intend to prove my innocence. Have you counsel? No, I should defend myself and I will prove out of the mouths of any witnesses the prosecutor may produce, that the Vicomte DeMontagne purchased the necklace now glittering in its case before this court. Not to bring her Majesty into shame and infamy, but to bring her into his arms. That man must die. Monsieur, you have forfeited all her clemency from this court unless you can indeed prove your vicious words. The prosecutor may produce his witnesses. My Lord, in view of the prisoner's slanderous insinuations and his boast that he can prove his own innocence out of our witnesses' mouths, we propose to present only one. The most important of all, and to that end, I call the Countess Cagliostro. The Countess Cagliostro. And now, Madam, you are the Countess Cagliostro? A wife of the prisoner Cagliostro? I am, Monsieur. Thank you, Madam. Lift your veil. Queen! An amazing resemblance, my Lords. The very image of her Majesty, the Queen. Is it not true that the prisoner sitting there, the Count Cagliostro, your own husband, compelled you to impersonate the sacred person of the Queen? Answer me! Madam, the court is waiting. We insist on the truth. I know nothing, Monsieur. The woman is lying! This is an outrage! Outrage, yes, but it's not the witness who is lying. - It's the prosecution. - Silence! It's not the witness who stands here accused. - Silence! - Nor is it I. Count Cagliostro, you will resume your seat. This witness is not only my wife, she is my patient. She is ill. Dangerously ill. - I ask for a recess. - I object. This is not much to ask for from her husband and a doctor. My Lord, the prisoner has a very strange influence over this woman. And just as strange an influence over the mob. My wife is ill! I plead for a recess! - I must object. - I demand. Count Cagliostro this is a court of law. Court of law? Whose law? Your law or the Queen's? What is this mess, dear? Justice or vengeance? Is this a trial or an inquisition? The court is recessed. The court is recessed! Clear the court. Order. Get the mob into the streets. She'll be quite herself in a moment. Sleep, my darling. Sleep. Sleep. Until I, and only I, awaken you. They thought they could force you to destroy me, but they failed. They will fail in everything. For I'll tear down this royal house of cards, the Queen and all the others. I'll set up a new dynasty with you as my queen. Long live Cagliostro! Please, Joseph. Please. There may still be a chance for you to escape. Escape? From what? Hear them, Gitano. In the courtroom. Long live Cagliostro! In the streets, outside. In hovels and in palaces. They're all mine to play God with. Play God, did I say? Play. Joseph, you are mad. Play. Joseph! Joseph, you can't hear what you're saying. Why not? Why else have I this power? This power. No, no, Joseph. Those are the lies you told the others. Lies? Perhaps not. The Lord God came to the world once before as a man. Perhaps this time he will remold that world to his own liking. - Joseph. - Take your hands away from me. Joseph, you are mad. Take your hands away from me. Monsieur, the court is reconvened. Gitano! No, no! That won't help us, Gitano. It's the only thing that might save his mind. It's too late for that. Nothing can save him now. My Lord justices, I will now prove to this court that I am not the instigator of a conspiracy, but a victim of one. Gilbert DeRezel, you up to now refuse to say one word in your own defense. And you know why, Cagliostro. A woman's good name, isn't that it? You will answer now, as I want you to answer. I don't understand this power of yours, Cagliostro, but you can't bend me to your will. You can't... bend... me to... your will... It is your will I seek to arouse. Your will to answer my questions, to speak out no matter whom it hurts. It has been stated that I made my wife impersonate the Queen. You know that to be a lie. I know that to be a lie. You will speak up! I know that to be a lie. The woman whose name you are trying to protect is the Queen of France. The Queen of France. This is monstrous. There must be some way to stop this witch doctor. It was the Queen herself who induced DeMontagne to purchase the necklace out of public funds. It was the Queen herself. And you were to kill that poor wretched, power sick fool, DeMontagne. Kill him and take the necklace to the Queen. In return for which you were to have the Queen's love. You were to have the Queen's love. I was to have the Queen's love. There you have it at last, my Lords. Out of his own mouth. My coach. Your Majesty, my name is Dr. Mesmer and I've come to help you, to save you if it's not too late. Please, you r Majesty. Trust me. Nothing can stop me. Because I was born not only to heal the sick, but to guide and to lead and to rule! And nothing can stop those that follow me. Good evening, Joseph. My Lord justice, with your permission an interrogation will be made by a distinguished visitor, who has volunteered to assist the case for the crown. I present Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer. My Lord justice, the Count Cagliostro and I are very old friends. Isn't that correct? We spent one evening together, doctor. Yes. It was long enough for you to learn a great deal, wasn't it, Joseph? I learned much, doctor. Too much to be trapped by your eyes. Of course. You learned much, Joseph. And you profited much by what you've learned. Isn't that correct, Joseph? My Lord justice, for your confirmation I'd like to ask the defendant a few questions in connection with this... this necklace. Beautiful, isn't it? Joseph. Beautiful, isn't it? Joseph. Very beautiful. I don't see what that has to do with me. It has a great deal to do with you, my friend. It fascinates you. Like the Baron's money fascinated you. Your gaze is locked upon its beauty. You can't take your eyes off it. Try as you may, Joseph. You can't take your eyes away from it. You can't take your eyes away from it. Poor, Joseph. If you only stayed a little longer with me, you would have known that there are other ways to catch and hold a man. You are finished, Joseph. You are finished. Your mind is like wax. Soft, melting wax. Soft, melting wax. Melting wax. My Lord, people of Paris, this man is guilty of every charge leveled against him. Is that true? It is true. You are Joseph Balsamo. Carnival faker. Is that true? Joseph Balsamo, carnival faker. As a child, you hated the Vicomte DeMontagne. Is that true? I hated him. So your hate grew into a mania against all people in high places? That is true? It is true! You dragged the woman you loved into a villainous plot to defame the Queen of France. Is that true? I would have made Lorenza Queen of France. Speak up! I would have made Lorenza Queen of France! You betrayed the people that believed in you. Climbed to power across the banks. Power. Power. In your madness you thought you could rule the world? Power! Is that true? I can still do it! Out of his own mouth. You heard it. Out of his own mouth. Joseph, you will now wake up. Wake up, Joseph. Wake up! Silence! Silence! People of Paris! They'll never listen to you again. People! Thank you, bambino. Joseph! Joseph! Lorenza! - Joseph! - No. Jo... Lorenza! Lorenza! Lorenza! You go through that door, through the corridor to the gate below. To the Tour d'Argent. I'll join you. I've only one bullet left. I should be sorry to have to use it. That way! Up the steps to the tower above. Up the steps! Apparently you don't realize, Chevalier, I have a gun. And I've aimed it at your Queen. You don't want to be responsible for her death. You young fool, you can't fight me! You can't fight my eyes. I'm looking at your sword point. Lorenza! Gilbert. Gilbert! Gilbert! - Lorenza! - Gilbert! |
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