L'homme aux trois masques (1920)

L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920) was a French serial in 12 episodes by the company Eclair. A young and dynamic engineer, Julien Marsac (André Marnay), is innocently judged for murder. He escapes from prison and his only goal is to take revenge. The serial was released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras' and Edicion Union Eclair made a series of 42 collectors cards or mini cards of the serial for Cholate Pi in Barcelona to be a gift in their chocolate boxes.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 2 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 4 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 5 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 6 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 7 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 8 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 9 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 10 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 11 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 12 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 13 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 14 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 15 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 16 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 17 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 18 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 19 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 20 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.

A poor inventor in the clutches of a banker

L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920) was based on a book by Arthur Bernède, who also scripted the film. Some sources indicate René Navarre as co-director. The cinematographer was Marcel Eywinger.

Engineer Julien Marsac (André Marnay) leads a happy life with his wife Pascaline (Elmire Vautier) and their little daughter Huguette (Renée Mercorelli). He is however a poor inventor, in the clutches of the banker Barodin and his nephew Morant (Charles Casella). In a fight about money, Morant strangles his uncle and buys the silence of the employee Fergus (Cauvin-Fassal).

Marsac enters and thinks the banker is asleep but is immediately caught by the police who think he is the assassin. He protests that he is innocent but Morant and Fergus point to him as the culprit. While all appearances are against the poor engineer, his wife Pascaline still believes in his innocence. When the court gives him the death penalty, poor Pascaline faints. M. Morizot (Armand Dutertre), Julian's former teacher and friend, is also convinced of Julian's innocence, protects Pascaline and promises to do all he can to reveal the truth. When his execution is near, his penalty is changed to a lifetime in prison, and he is transported to Guyana.

M. Morizot is keen on unmasking Morant, but when he one day leaves Pascaline's house, he is killed by a big rock. Pascaline is now all on her own. When Julian hears about this, he has no doubt Morant is involved, and fearing for his wife and daughter, he evades. With difficulty, he manages to get back to Europe. Meanwhile, Fergus, Morant's accomplice, is dying and repenting his act he writes Pasqualina a letter. She meets him and he gives her a declaration accusing Morant of the murder.

Morant also hears of this and steals the document from the woman. A struggle follows after which Morant throws Pascaline and her daughter Huguette into the river. Yet, Fergus' loyal dog saves the girl. Morant intends to marry Ms. Sallenave, a rich heiress. Julien visits him and asks about his wife and daughter, and when the other denies seeing them, a new fight follows. Suddenly, the whole abandoned house where they are collapses, but the two enemies survive. Later on, Morant is still keen on Huguette's disappearance. The girl has been picked up by an old army officer widower and mother of little Robert Grisolles (Ellen Hélia).

Years pass. The now adults Robert (Rex Stocken) and Huguette fall in love and are united forever, but the vengeful Morant keeps having sinister intentions towards Huguette. Yet, Santa Fiore is keen on financially ruining Morant. A new opportunity for Morant is offered to avenge himself on Huguette, but again Santa Fiore alias Julien blocks his plans. Julien finally discovers his daughter and hides her at a farm. Robert gets an anonymous letter from Morant that his wife is hiding with a lover. Seeing Muguette embracing another man, and not knowing he is her father, he shoots him. She shouts he is her father, but he doesn't believe her. Tenderly, Huguette takes care of her father.

Soon Julien is back in shape and set on revenge against Morant, the cause of all this misery, by closing down Morant's banking network. On top of this, Morant's daughter Suzanne (Gina Manès) is killed by a fall in a ravine. In addition to his financial downfall, this blow makes Morant realize his hour of confession and pay-up for his crimes has come. Huguette, whose husband hasn't believed her innocence, has withdrawn into a convent, but Santa Fiore discovers the place and visits it with the two children of Huguette, and a reunion is realised with her husband, who has realized the slander of Morant and asks her for forgiveness.

Once all are reunited, Santa Fiore thinks only of revenge and orders his agent to ruin the bank of Morant. The bank is soon assaulted by Morant's shareholders who demand guarantees, which Morant cannot give. Before the police, Santa Fiore, accompanied by his family, declares pointing at Morant: This is the real murderer of banker Barodin. To the general stupefaction, Morant admits. Before he can be arrested by the police, the author of the assassination stabs himself. Engineer Marsac is rehabilitated and freed from so much bitterness. For him and his family, a new era of peace and happiness starts.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 21 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 22 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 23 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 24 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 25 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 26 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 27 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 28 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 29 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 30 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 31 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 32 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 34 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 35 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 36 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 37 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 38 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 39 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 40 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 41 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.


Spanish collector's card (minicard) for Chocolate Pi, Barcelona, by Edicion Union Eclair, card no. 42 of 42. Printed by Plauber, Barcelona. Card for L'Homme aux trois masques (Emille Keppens, 1920), released in Spain as 'El hombre de la tres caras'.

Sources: plot subtracted from the backs of the cards. Additional source: Cinema.encyclopedie.films.bifi.