La complainte de Lacenaire

Description

Who does not remember Pierre-François Lacenaire portrayed by Marcel Herrand, alongside Arletty, Pierre Brasseur, and Jean-Louis Barrault in this mythical film by Jacques Prévert and Marcel Carné: "Les Enfants du Paradis"? Anti-hero of the most beautiful film in French cinema, Pierre-François Lacenaire was above all a true human enigma, a moral and social "monster" in the eyes of his contemporaries! Sentenced to death in November 1835 for having committed more than 16 crimes, he was incarcerated at the Conciergerie during the months leading up to his execution in January 1836. It was then that he became a phenomenon, an attraction for all those who wished to approach him, to be close to him, to question him. For Lacenaire would not cease, throughout his imprisonment, to write his memoirs, poetry, and songs. His imminent appointment with the guillotine would inspire him greatly: "La lucarne" (nickname for the guillotine) would be his muse.