JUDEX (1916) PROLOGUE
Judex is a 1916 silent French film serial concerning the adventures of Judex, who is a pulp hero predating The Shadow, created by Louis Feuillade and Arthur Bernède.
In May 1916, novelist Arthur Bernède pitched director Louis Feuillade a concept for a 12-part cinematographic novel, which would be simultaneously serialized in text and film, with story revisions by Feuillade.
Feuillade had made two earlier serials, Fantômas and Les Vampires, about cunning criminals. Though popular with audiences, the serials drew criticism for glorifying outlaws. Judex, by contrast, was a heroic persona, but one who had all of the sinister trappings of the flamboyant villains who were popular at the time.
The term "Judex" is a Latin word that means "judge" or "one who decides." It refers to a person appointed in Roman law to hear and determine a case, similar to a modern referee or arbitrator. The term is derived from the Latin root "jus," meaning "law" or "right," and signifies someone with the authority to interpret and apply laws. In ancient Rome, a judex was chosen from a panel of qualified individuals and later became a magistrate. LSData+2
Wikipedia Judex (1916) - IMDb 7'2
Recomended article:_Judex_ (1916 film) — Grokipedia
Pay close attention to the unfolding characters in the prologue who will lead you into the first episode.
WATCH THE PROLOGUE BELOW...
LINK https://youtu.be/T0DDLXkhpbo?list=PLRDH2PxPKp1-KdmULBJgoWVPImdgl7rEr
Ok https://ok.ru/video/6631942982270
Calling herself Maria Verdier, Diana Monti had been hired as a governess.
In the next scene, we see the Banker Favraux with his scretary, Vallieres. They are are momentarily interrupted by Favraux's only duaghter,Jacquiline Audry, who coquetishly brings in some flowers in a vase. She has been widowed for 4 years and has a son.
Jacqueline's son, Jean.
In his office Favraux receives a note...
indicating that the purpose of the visit by Mlle. Marie Verier is to claim her post as governess. Immediately upon her arrival into his office, Favraux clears the office and locks the door.
Favraux shows Marie a letter of marriage proposal for his duaghters hand telling her that she will soon be the mistress of the house and immediately Favraux seeks his daughter, acompanied by Marie, who is in her son's room. Favraux shows his daughter the marriage proposal by Amoury de la Rochefontain. She accepts, tired of being a widow and to please her father,
Marquis Amaury de la Rochefontaine, Jacqueline's fiancé, a ruined, debt-ridden noble.
Banker Favraux "Hello! Dear marquis, my daughter has accepted your proposal. "I wanted to inform you immediately."
The Marquis with one of his pressing creditors listening in.
Pierre Kerjean
A man in the vicinity of Sablons château, owned by Favraux, was going to trouble this scheming and thwart these intrigues.
The town hall secretary recognised Pierre Kerjean.
Pierre Kerjean, who was born in the village, and had been sentenced to twenty years of hard labour for forgery. "I only want to know "what has become of my son, "Robert Kerjean, "who is now thirty years old."
"Your son followed your example..."He turned to crime "and was sentenced several times. "He changed his name. "We do not know what has become of him."
At the entrance gate of Sablons château, residence of the banker Favraux.
Many guests were gathered at Sablons château.
Pier Kerjean to Favraux secretary "Tell Mr Favraux that I want to speak to him."
The secretary offering some coins to Pier "I haven't come begging! "I really must speak to Mr Favraux."
The secretary to the banker who was in the garden of the Chateua accompanied by Marir Verdier, the governess and mistress "The poor devil insists on seeing you. "He says it is important. He is waiting at the gate."
Kerjean to Favraux at the gate of the chateau "You don't recognise me?" My name is Pierre Kerjean. I was an honest man taken in by the financial pamphlets that you distributed in France, I trusted you with my money. Not only did you ruin me, but I was obliged to resort to dishonest schemes that resulted in a sentence of 20 years of hard labour. My wife died of chagrin and shame. My son became a good-for-nothing. I am not seeking revenge. I simply want you to help me find my son Robert and save him from evil. Kerjean.
Favraux tells Kerjean "Go your way, and if you have rights to assert, "take your case to court."
"Damn you, Favraux!"
Shortly after, the banker left for Paris on urgent business.
Favraux on his way to Paris and driving his car runs over Kerjean.
frenchSILENT B&W2431V2026-06-04JUDEX EPISODE 1 THE MYSTERIOUS SHADOWDir. Louis Feuillade1916
#2431-mprm#french#silent#b&w#series#prologue#judex#1916#Dir. Louis Feuillade
