A farrago of nonsense? The French Revolution in the cinema. (cover story)

REVOLUTIONS in motion pictures; FRENCH Revolution, 1789-1799; POLITICS in motion pictures; MOTION picture industry; NAPOLEON (Film); MADAME Sans-Gene (Film); DANTON (Film)

Discusses how changing times and political climates are reflected in 20th century cinematic depictions of the French Revolution. Interest in the Revolution as a subject for motion pictures; Plot elements of such films as "Madame Sans-Gêne", "Madame Dubarry" and others; International interpretations; Corruption of history in these films; Influence of "Napoleon," directed by Abel Gance; Views of the Revolution in 20th century French film; Political reactions to these films; Plot elements of important films from the 1970s and 1980s, such as "Danton.".