The Sword and the Balance (1963): cast, story & where to watch
1963 · Film · ★ 7.8
Released in 1963, The Sword and the Balance is a thriller, drama and crime film directed by André Cayatte, running about 131 minutes. “A queer, a gigolo, and a brute—who could’ve done it?” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Three young men are suspected of kidnapping and murdering a little boy. Most likely, two of them are really involved, but one is not. All of their pasts are questionable, riddled with violence and controversy. Neither the police nor the court can decide how to solve that puzzle.
Who’s in it. The Sword and the Balance stars Anthony Perkins as Johnny Parsons, Jean-Claude Brialy as Jean-Philippe, Renato Salvatori as François and Pascale Audret as Agnès, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.8/10, The Sword and the Balance has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Sword and the Balance page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Sword and the Balance tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Sword and the Balance (1963)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Sword and the Balance change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Sword and the Balance worth watching?
- The Sword and the Balance holds an audience score of 7.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and crime. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Sword and the Balance?
- The Sword and the Balance stars Anthony Perkins, Jean-Claude Brialy, Renato Salvatori, Pascale Audret and Jacques Monod.
- When was The Sword and the Balance released?
- The Sword and the Balance was released in 1963, with a runtime of about 131 minutes.