Over the weekend I watched the silent classic "The Passion of Joan of Arc". It is currently available on the BFI player at https://player.bfi.org.uk/film/watch-the-passion-of-joan-of-arc-1927/. It is regarded as one of the greatest films of the silent era - and relies purely on the gestures and facial expressions to convey the feelings of the characters. It is very powerful. It was based on the transcript of the trial of Joan of Arc, held in Rouen in 1431.
This prompted me to read Helen Castor's excellent book about this incredible character from medieval history. I've almost finished the book, and will probably post some pieces about her life, and the places associated with her. I've made many visits to Poitiers, where she was sent to be questioned after turning up to tell the Dauphin that she had been sent by God to restore him to the French throne and throw the English out of France. Chiron is one of my favourite towns in the world - it is where Joan first met the Dauphin (and has many other important historical connections).
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