Captain Blood

Captain Blood

Year: 1960

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: French

Director: André Hunebelle

ActionAdventure

Le Capitan is a 1960 French‑Italian swashbuckler directed by André Hunebelle. Produced as a French‑Italian co‑production, the film stars Jean Marais as the daring captain, with Bourvil, Elsa Martinelli and Lise Delamare in supporting roles. Adapted from Michel Zévaco’s novel, it delivers classic sword‑play and period adventure.

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Timeline & Setting – Captain Blood (1960)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Captain Blood (1960). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1610s

The story takes place in the early 1600s during the reign of Louis XIII, with his mother Marie de' Medici wielding influence through Concini. It is a period of court intrigue, political scheming, and shifting loyalties within a volatile French court. The atmosphere reflects a monarchy attempting to consolidate power amid competing noble factions.

Location

France, Paris, Saint-Leu Castle

The narrative unfolds across early 17th-century France, centering on the royal court in Paris and the surrounding provinces. Key locations include the grand palace, the bustling streets of the capital, and the fortress of Saint-Leu Castle, emblematic of the era's power struggles. The setting captures a nation in political upheaval as Concini seeks to bend the crown to his will.

🏰 Historical France 🇫🇷 Paris & court life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:45

Main Characters – Captain Blood (1960)

Meet the key characters of Captain Blood (1960), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

François de Capestang (Le Capitan) - Jean Marais

A brave knight devoted to justice and the crown. He travels to Paris to present grievances, refuses to join Concini’s schemes, and operates as a spy to uncover crucial information. His courage drives the rescue of Gisèle and helps save the king from an assassination attempt.

🗡️ Knight 🛡️ Justice 💫 Loyalist

Gisèle d'Angoulême - Elsa Martinelli

A noblewoman whose fate is linked to François’s mission. Rescued from captivity, she becomes a central figure in the intrigues at court and in the king’s life. Her alliance with François deepens the plot as they navigate danger together.

🎀 Noblewoman ❤️ Love interest 🗺️ Key figure

Baladin Cogolin - Bourvil

A street performer turned confidant who infiltrates the royal court to aid François and the conspirators. His wit and street-smarts help him navigate dangerous politics, and he forms a bond with François while awaiting his moment to act.

🎭 Entertainer 🧭 Spy 💪 Loyal ally

Concini - Arnoldo Foà

The prime minister whose ambition fuels terror across the realm. He uses treachery and manipulation to try to control the throne, drawing opposition from nobles and forcing others to act against him.

⚔️ Power grab 🗡️ Villain 🧠 Schemer

Louis XIII - Christian Fourcade

The young king who becomes the focal point of factional conflict. His trust is earned through perilous events, including François’s actions to thwart assassination plots and secure the kingdom.

👑 Young King 🤝 Trust 🛡️ Protector

Marie de Médicis - Lise Delamare

The queen mother who governs with Concini, shaping policy and court life. Her position adds tension to the struggle for influence as factions maneuver for power.

👑 Queen Mother 🏛️ Court politics 🕊️ Influence

Béatrice de Beaufort - Annie Anderson

Initially aligned with Concini, she switches sides after her father’s death to warn François and the conspirators. Her change of allegiance shifts the balance of power at a key moment.

⚖️ Loyalty shift 🗡️ Insider 🧭 Ally

Duke of Angoulême - Raphaël Patorni

A noble excluded from regular succession who is placed on the throne by conspirators. His status propels the struggle to determine who should wear the crown and how the rebellion will unfold.

🏛️ Noble status ⚖️ Succession 🗺️ Court politics

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:45

Major Themes – Captain Blood (1960)

Explore the central themes of Captain Blood (1960), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Power & Betrayal

Concini’s bid to consolidate power shows how ambition can destabilize the realm. The plot threads political maneuvering, assassination plots, and shifting loyalties through the royal halls. François and allies strive to secure justice and protect the king from corrupt schemes.

🗡️ Loyalty & Morality

Characters face choices between loyalty to the king and personal or political gain. François refuses to join Concini’s schemes, choosing to spy and resist from within. Betrayals reveal how trust is scarce in a court of spies and treachery.

💘 Love & Rescue

Romance threads through the political drama as Gisèle’s fate ties to François’s mission, and Cogolin’s alliance with the court evolves. Rescue missions and near-fatal dangers heighten emotional stakes. The looming unions hint at reconciliation amid conflict.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:45

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Captain Blood Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Captain Blood, 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.

Captain Blood Summary

Captain Blood Timeline

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Captain Blood Timeline

More About Captain Blood

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