Judex (1963) [Criterion Collection]

Director: Georges Franju
Writers: Arthur Bernède, Jacques Champreux
Stars: Channing Pollock, Francine Bergé, Edith Scob

Favraux, an unscrupulous banker, receives a threatening note, signed by "Judex", demanding that he pay back the people he has swindled. He refuses, and apparently dies after a midnight toast at his masked ball. However, he is only drugged by Judex and locked away. Judex spares his life when the banker's widowed daughter, Jacqueline, rejects the inheritance. Meanwhile Diana Monti, the former governess, kidnaps Jacqueline to try to get the banker's money. But Judex is hot on her trail.





Extras DVD1:
- None






Extras DVD2:
- Francine Berge - in this video interview, actress Francine Berge recalls how she was approached to play Anna in Judex, and discusses the film's unusual structure and visual style, her performance, Georges Franju's directing methods, and how some of the most memorable sequences were shot. Francine Berge was one of the French director's three favorite actresses. (The other two were Emmanuelle Riva and Edith Scob). The interview was recorded in 2012 for the Cinematheque francaise in Paris.
- Jacques Champreux - in this video interview, scenarist Jacques Champreux discusses his collaboration with Georges Franju on Judex and points out some of the differences and similarities between the film and the serial that inspired it. (Georges Franju's film was a remake of Louis Feuillade's 1916 serial). The interview was conducted in 2007.
- Franju le visionnaire - this documentary program focuses on the life and legacy of Georges Franju. Included in the program are clips from various films directed by Georges Franju and clips from archival interviews with the French director. The program was created by Andre S. Labarthe, and was original broadcast on September 2, 1998, as part of the French television series Cinema, de notre temps.
- Le Grand Melies - this early biographical film directed by Georges Franju in 1952 is a homage to the great George Melies (A Trip to the Moon). It features Madame George Melies and Andre Melies (in the role of his father).
- Hotel des Invalides - this early short film directed by Georges Franju in 1952 focuses on the history of the legendary Hotel des Invalides, which was founded in 1675 by Louis XIV as a retirement home for disabled veterans. Hotel des Invalides also houses some of France's greatest war heroes and dignitaries, including Napoleon Bonaparte. The film is narrated by Michel Simon (L'atalante, Beauty of the Devil). The soundtrack for the short was created by composer Maurice Jarre, who scored Judex.