Festival du Cinéma muet d'Anères: Iron fist and the escape of the convict of Croze

Step into the roaring silence of early cinema with Léonce Perret’s 1912 thriller, *Iron Fist and the Escape of the Convict of Croze*. In a daring blend of detective drama and sleek visual storytelling, the film follows Inspector Necker—capable and relentless, billed as the Iron Hand—as he hunts the fugitive leader of the white‑gloved gang across France, from the bustling streets of Paris to the sun‑kissed Côte d’Azur. The charismatic Perret not only directs but also stars opposite Émile Keppens and Louis Leubas, delivering a performance that sharpens the tension of his own criminal villain. Technical innovations abound: Perret’s fearless use of a triple‑screen technique and expansive outdoor shots, enhanced by director of photography Georges Specht, push the boundaries of silent film visual impact. Recorded in 53 minutes, the film remains a staple of silent‑era history and a testament to Gaumont’s early commitment to cinematic excellence—tracing back to 1910. A copy survives in the Gaumont Pathé Archives, and you can dive into this extraordinary adventure that still crackles with suspense. View details & tickets.\