Black Magic (1949): cast, story & where to watch

1949 · Film · ★ 6.1

Black Magic poster

Released in 1949, Black Magic is a thriller, drama, mystery and romance film directed by Gregory Ratoff, running about 105 minutes. “...It Will Hold You in its Spell!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A hypnotist uses his powers for revenge against King Louis XV's court.

Who’s in it. Black Magic stars Orson Welles as Joseph Balsamo aka Count Cagliostro, Nancy Guild as Marie Antoinette / Lorenza, Raymond Burr as Alexandre Dumas, Jr. and Akim Tamiroff as Gitano, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.1/10, Black Magic has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Black Magic page.

If you liked it. Fans of Black Magic tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Black Magic (1949)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Black Magic change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Black Magic worth watching?
Black Magic holds an audience score of 6.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama, mystery and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Black Magic?
Black Magic stars Orson Welles, Nancy Guild, Raymond Burr, Akim Tamiroff and Frank Latimore.
When was Black Magic released?
Black Magic was released in 1949, with a runtime of about 105 minutes.