Magnet of Doom (1963)
Magnet of Doom (1963) is a French noir film, helmed by Jean-Pierre Melville and adapted from the novel of the same name by Georges Simenon. In Paris, Michel Maudet – an ex-soldier and aspiring boxer – suffers a defeat in his first major match, leading to him being fired by his manager. In need of work, he responds to an advertisement for a male secretary with a willingness to travel and is immediately hired by Dieudonné Ferchaux, the senior partner of a struggling bank who has a criminal background. Without informing his girlfriend Lina, whom he leaves without money, Maudet accompanies Ferchaux on a flight to New York. The next day, Ferchaux retrieves millions of dollars from his safe-deposit box but is unable to access his US bank account due to the French authorities seeking his extradition. With no other options, they embark on a journey through back roads in Louisiana, all while being followed by FBI agents.
While renting a secluded house in New Orleans, Ferchaux falls ill and Maudet grows increasingly frustrated with the unpredictable behavior of an elderly man who only has his attaché case full of money to hold onto. Seeking a break from the tense atmosphere, Maudet visits a local bar where he confides in Jeff, the owner and a known criminal. Later that night at a nightclub, Maudet meets Lou, a dancer whom he becomes infatuated with. Driven by his desires, he takes Ferchaux’s stash of money and runs off with Lou, but ultimately decides to return it before something compels him to go back to the house. Once there, he is confronted by Jeff and an accomplice who are attempting to rob Ferchaux. A fierce struggle ensues between them, resulting in Ferchaux being fatally stabbed and dying in Maudet’s arms despite his efforts to fight off the attackers.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
| Cast: |
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Charles Vanel
Michèle MercierMagnet of Doom (1963) is a French noir film, helmed by Jean-Pierre Melville and adapted from the novel of the same name by Georges Simenon. In Paris, Michel Maudet – an ex-soldier and aspiring boxer – suffers a defeat in his first major match, leading to him being fired by his manager. In need of work, he responds to an advertisement for a male secretary with a willingness to travel and is immediately hired by Dieudonné Ferchaux, the senior partner of a struggling bank who has a criminal background. Without informing his girlfriend Lina, whom he leaves without money, Maudet accompanies Ferchaux on a flight to New York. The next day, Ferchaux retrieves millions of dollars from his safe-deposit box but is unable to access his US bank account due to the French authorities seeking his extradition. With no other options, they embark on a journey through back roads in Louisiana, all while being followed by FBI agents.
While renting a secluded house in New Orleans, Ferchaux falls ill and Maudet grows increasingly frustrated with the unpredictable behavior of an elderly man who only has his attaché case full of money to hold onto. Seeking a break from the tense atmosphere, Maudet visits a local bar where he confides in Jeff, the owner and a known criminal. Later that night at a nightclub, Maudet meets Lou, a dancer whom he becomes infatuated with. Driven by his desires, he takes Ferchaux’s stash of money and runs off with Lou, but ultimately decides to return it before something compels him to go back to the house. Once there, he is confronted by Jeff and an accomplice who are attempting to rob Ferchaux. A fierce struggle ensues between them, resulting in Ferchaux being fatally stabbed and dying in Maudet’s arms despite his efforts to fight off the attackers.
