Judex is the title of a 1914 silent movie serial created by Louis Feuillade and Arthur Bernède .
Feuillade had made two earlier serials Fantômas and Les Vampires about cunning criminals. Though popular with audiences the serials both drew criticism for glorifying outlaws. Judex answered these concerns by creating a hero who had the sinister trappings of the flamboyant villains so popular at the time.
Judex was a mysterious avenger who dressed in black and wore a slouch hat and cloak. This costume is strikingly similar to the costume of the American pulp hero the Shadow and it is possible that Judex was an influence on the Shadow stories.
Judex anticipated later pulp heroes and superheroes in many respects. He was a masterful fighter, an expert at disguise, and boasted a secret headquarters. In the subterranean passages beneath a ruined castle Judex had a base outfitted with technological gadgets. He also had a secret identity, Judex (the Latin word for judge) is a nom-de-guerre he has adopted in his quest for revenge.
The story is complex and is told in 12 chapters. The basic plot involves a corrupt banker named Favreux who is the target of Judex's revenge. Complicating matters is Favraux's beautiful and innocent daughter Jacqueline, with whom the avenger has fallen in love. A final element comes in the form of Diana Monti and her criminal gang who are working at cross purposes with Judex.
Judex was played by Franch matinee idol René Cresté and Diana was played by Musidora , who had previously played the villainess Irma Vep in Les Vampires.
Though Judex was made in 1914, the outbreak of World War One delayed its release. It was finally shown in 1917-1918. The movie was remade in 1959 by director George Franju . The story was shortened and simplified but remained true to the original. American magician Channing Pollock was cast as the mysterious hero.
