The Guillotine
“A Complete History of the Notorious Death Machine.”
Synopsis
The Guillotine examines the fascinating and bizarre history of the "national razor" that started out strictly for execution and then became a source of entertainment and amusement. In Scotland they called it "the Maiden," in England "the Halifax Gibbet," and in France "the Machine," "the Widow," and "the Guillotine." It existed for hundreds of years, but found its home in France during the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror when nearly 20,000 men, women and children died beneath its blade. Through dramatic reenactments and archival documentation of famous executions, the program explores the early technology of the guillotine and its bloodstained career throughout Europe.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
THE GUILLOTINE (1997)
Type: Clip • Published 2021-03-05
Top Cast
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Stacy Keach
Narrator (Voice)
Whitney Alves
Re-creations
Stephen Cornwell
Re-creations
Tommy Elledge II
Re-creations
Nickolena Gibbons-Elledge
Re-creations
Kenneth Sollazzo
Re-creations
Tim Redmond
Re-creations
Jeffrey Scott
Re-creations
Tanya R. Tollefson
Re-creations
Eli Borggraefe
Re-creations
Peggy Doherty
Re-creations
Marsha Gelt
Re-creations
Tracy Johnson
Re-creations
Scott Merrell
Re-creations
Justin Sadoian
Re-creations
Ranger Dan Skoufos
Re-creations
Robert Young
Re-creations
Jan Zvaijler
Re-creations
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 15, 1997
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Hoff
- Screenplay & Story
- Michael Hoff
- Original Score
- John Lawrence, Bill Hendrickson
- Original Title
- The Guillotine
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 50m
- Production Studios
- Discovery Channel, Non Fiction Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Hoff
Michael Hoff
John Lawrence, Bill Hendrickson
Rico Corona
Andres Alegría
Michael Hoff, Sarah Kass, Suzy Geller Wolf
Department Leadership Roster
Michael Hoff
Director
Michael Hoff
Writer
Sarah Kass
Producer
Andres Alegría
Editor
Rico Corona
Director of Photography
John Lawrence
Original Music Composer
Bill Hendrickson
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Guillotine.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Guillotine
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Guillotine about?
The Guillotine examines the fascinating and bizarre history of the "national razor" that started out strictly for execution and then became a source of entertainment and amusement. In Scotland they called it "the Maiden," in England "the Halifax Gibbet," and in France "the Machine," "the Widow," and "the Guillotine." It existed for hundreds of years, but found its home in France during the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror when nearly 20,000 men, women and children died beneath its blade. Through dramatic reenactments and archival documentation of famous executions, the program explores the early technology of the guillotine and its bloodstained career throughout Europe.
Who directed The Guillotine?
The Guillotine was directed by Michael Hoff.
Who stars in The Guillotine?
The principal cast of The Guillotine includes Stacy Keach, Whitney Alves, Stephen Cornwell, Tommy Elledge II, Nickolena Gibbons-Elledge.
When was The Guillotine released and how long is it?
The Guillotine was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 50m.
Who composed the musical score for The Guillotine?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Guillotine was composed by John Lawrence, Bill Hendrickson.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Guillotine?
The Guillotine holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).