Black Magic

Black Magic

Year: 1949

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Gregory Ratoff

HorrorDramaThrillerRomanceEpic history and literature

…It Will Hold You in its Spell! A hypnotist uses his powers for revenge against King Louis XV’s court.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Black Magic (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Magic (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 18th century

The story unfolds during the waning years of the Ancien Régime, around the time of Louis XV's death and Marie Antoinette's rise to queen. It mirrors the era's grand spectacles, fashion, and scandal, culminating in a courtroom confrontation.

Location

France, Europe

Set in 18th-century Europe with a focus on the French royal court. The opulent settings, political maneuvering, and courtly intrigue provide the backdrop for Cagliostro's rise and the Diamond Necklace-inspired plot.

🏛️ European setting 🏰 French court

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:27

Main Characters – Black Magic (1949)

Meet the key characters of Black Magic (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joseph Balsamo / Count Cagliostro (Orson Welles)

A brilliant yet ruthless con-artist who uses hypnosis and charm to ascend Europe's elite circles. His relentless ambition drives wealth, power, and a dangerous, deceitful path.

🪄 Villain 🧠 Manipulator

Lorenza (Marie Antoinette / Lorenza) (Nancy Guild)

A young woman drawn into a perilous plot, whose perceived innocence makes her a pawn in a larger scheme. Her role tests loyalty as she is manipulated and used in impersonations of the Queen.

🎭 Target 💫 Impostor

Zoraida (Valentina Cortese)

A gypsy woman whose passion and jealousy propel part of the plot. Her loyalties are tested as love, envy, and power collide within the scheme.

💘 Rivalry 🧭 Ally

Gilbert de Rezel (Frank Latimore)

Lorenza’s romantic interest who becomes entangled in the political machinations. His pursuit of Lorenza collides with the broader deception at court.

❤️ Lover 🗡️ Pursuit

Dr. Mesmer (Charles Goldner)

A physician whose hypnotic techniques empower Cagliostro but later become the key to exposing him. Represents the tension between science and manipulation.

🧪 Scientist 🪬 Hypnotist

Viscount de Montaigne / Montagne (Stephen Bekassy)

A mastermind behind the plot, embodying the ruthless political scheming of the era and driving the conspiracy against the Queen.

🏰 Power 🗡️ Intrigue

Marie Antoinette (Nancy Guild)

The queen at the center of the deception, whose reputation and position are challenged by the impersonation scheme and the resulting scandal.

👑 Queen 🧭 Power

King Louis XV (Robert Atkins)

The aging monarch whose death reshapes the court’s dynamics and accelerates the political maneuvers surrounding the palace.

👑 Monarch 🕰️ Era

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:27

Major Themes – Black Magic (1949)

Explore the central themes of Black Magic (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪄 Manipulation

Cagliostro exploits hypnotic powers and charisma to bend others to his will, using illusion to gain wealth and influence. The narrative examines how persuasion and charm can mask true intentions and corrupt moral boundaries.

💘 Love and Jealousy

Romantic ties entangle Lorenza, Zoraida, and Gilbert, fueling jealousy and shifting loyalties. The emotional stakes are heightened by manipulation, making love a tool within political scheming.

💎 Power and Reputation

The plot centers on reputation at the court and the vulnerability of the monarchy to scandal. Ambition and intrigue threaten Marie Antoinette's standing, illustrating how wealth, status, and perception influence governance.

🧭 Deception and Identity

Impersonation and disguise drive much of the action, with Lorenza impersonating the Queen and Cagliostro shaping identities to serve a larger scheme. The line between truth and fabrication is continually blurred.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:27

Unlock the Full Story of Black Magic

Don't stop at just watching — explore Black Magic in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Black Magic is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Black Magic Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Magic, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Black Magic Summary

Black Magic Timeline

Track the full timeline of Black Magic with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Black Magic Timeline

More About Black Magic

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Black Magic: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Black Magic

Explore More About Movie Black Magic

Black Magic (1949) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Black Magic (1949) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Black Magic (1949) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow