The Devil's Envoys

Les Visiteurs du soir

19422h 1m Directed by Marcel Carné
6.8
(72 votes)
RomanceFantasyDrama

Overview

At the end of the 15th century, a man and a woman, posing as traveling minstrels, are sent by the Devil to a castle to seduce its inhabitants.

The Devil's Envoys

Seduction and Deception in Medieval France: A Review of "The Devil's Envoys"

Noura Haddad
Noura HaddadDec 7, 2025
"The Devil's Envoys" is a 1942 French film that weaves a complex tale of romance, fantasy, and drama, set against the backdrop of 15th-century medieval France. The movie tells the story of a man and a woman who, posing as traveling minstrels, are sent by the Devil to a castle to seduce its inhabitants. With its unique blend of genres, "The Devil's Envoys" is a fascinating film that explores themes of love, deception, and the supernatural. The film's atmospheric setting and captivating storyline make it a compelling watch, despite some of its outdated elements.

The film's strongest aspect is its ability to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The medieval setting is richly detailed, with stunning costumes and production design that transport the viewer to a bygone era. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a mix of sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups that add to the film's sense of drama and tension. The cast delivers solid performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters as they navigate the complex web of relationships and alliances within the castle. The chemistry between the leads is particularly convincing, making their romance a believable and compelling aspect of the story.

Despite its many strengths, "The Devil's Envoys" is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing to be slow, particularly in the film's first half, where the setup and character introductions can feel a bit laborious. Additionally, the film's themes and characters may feel somewhat dated, reflecting the social attitudes and mores of the time in which it was made. However, these flaws are relatively minor, and the film's many strengths make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic cinema. Overall, "The Devil's Envoys" is a captivating and atmospheric film that explores themes of love, deception, and the supernatural in a unique and compelling way. With its richly detailed setting, strong performances, and sense of drama and tension, it is a must-see for anyone interested in classic French cinema.

CAST

Arletty
Arletty
Dominique, a Minstrel
Marie Déa
Marie Déa
Anne Hugues
Fernand Ledoux
Fernand Ledoux
Baron Hugues, Anne's father
Alain Cuny
Alain Cuny
Gilles, a Minstrel
Roger Blin
Roger Blin
The Monster Showman
Gabriel Gabrio
Gabriel Gabrio
The Executioner
Marcel Herrand
Marcel Herrand
Baron Renaud, Anne's fiancé
Jules Berry
Jules Berry
The Devil
Pierre Labry
Pierre Labry
A Lord
Jean d'Yd
Jean d'Yd
The Playboy

Trailer

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