Le Miracle des loups (1961)
Directed by André Hunebelle

Film Review

This swashbuckling historical adventure is typical a genre of film that was very popular in France in the late 1950s and early 1960s - almost invariably with Jean Marais playing the role of an indefatigable, epee-thrusting action hero.  Le Miracle des loups was directed by André Hunebelle, who was particularly adept at making this kind of film, and is a remake of a 1924 film by Raymond Bernard.  The excellent production values and solid performances from a great cast (notably Jean-Louis Barrault as Louis XI) are not quite matched by the script, which is plodding and weak on character.  The film only really comes to life in its second half, which includes some exciting, well-directed fight sequences.

Film Synopsis

In 15th century France, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, plans to usurp the rightful king of France, Louis XI.  Crucial to his scheme is his marriage to the king's goddaughter, Jeanne de Beauvais, but she refuses to marry him.  Undeterred, the Duke has her abducted and, with the connivance of the Count of Sénac, captain of the king's personal guard, he casts suspicion on his rival, Robert de Neuville.  Set upon by the Duke's men, Robert is badly wounded and left for dead.  Once he has recovered from this assault, he sets out to rescue his beloved Jeanne, unaware that the Duke's plans to depose the king are well in hand.

Once the Duke of Burgundy's scheme has become apparent to him, Robert de Neuville sets off to warn the king, whilst Jeanne departs with her uncle, the Count of Hesselin, with a message from the king imploring the people of Liège not to rise up against the Duke.  At the Duke's bidding, Sénac goes in pursuit of Hesselin and kills him, but fails to gets his hands on the vital missive.  Jeanne makes her escape through the woods which are populated by fierce wolves.  Instead of turning on the young woman, the wolves act as her protector, keeping her safe until her faithful Robert can join her.  By now the Duke's machiavellian plans are nearing fruition.  As war breaks out, with the King's armies linked in fierce combat with his rival's, Robert has no choice but to enter the fray...