THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928)

Cast

Plot

The sufferings of a martyr, Jeanne D'Arc (1412-1431). Jeanne appears in court where Cauchon questions her and d'Estivet spits on her. She predicts her rescue, is taken to her cell, and judges forge evidence against her. In her cell, priests interrogate her and judges deny her the Mass. Threatened first in a torture chamber and then offered communion if she will recant, she refuses. At a cemetery, in front of a crowd, a priest and supporters urge her to recant; she does, and Cauchon announces her sentence. In her cell, she explains her change of mind and receives communion. In the courtyard at Rouen castle, she burns at the stake. “ There is probably quite a small audience for this film now, which is a shame because the performance in the lead role by Renée Jeanne Falconetti is simply astonishing, and the script manages to be both historically authentic and compelling. By all accounts not an easy film to make, it is not an easy film to watch, as it follows Joan's trial and execution. Parallels with show trials through the ages (including our own) are plain to see. Great film-making in any age” review from Neil Jacobs