I thought I was up on all things Fantomas, but I've recently run across tantalizing references to a film called F starring Terence Stamp, based on the Fantomas stories. I don't know when it was made, or where, or even if it was a feature or just a short, and I'm hoping some better informed Fantomas-nut out there can help me out? Any takers?

The film that most springs to mind is the much sought-after HU-MAN (France, 1975), directed by Jérôme Laperrousaz. Around 10 years ago there was a BBC UK TV bio on Stamp, and some incredibly tantalzing clips were shown. I don't know anybody who has seen the movie in full though.

imdb User Comments

F. is one of the great "unproduced" screenplays. It was written by Howard Rodman. For a long time, the screenplay itself - along with an introduction by Rodman about how he came to write it - was available for download. It has disappeared and I've read a few vague comments about the film being made. To the best of my knowledge, it has not. I think Rodman *wanted* Stamp to be in it. Unless there's been some pre-production movement on the screenplay (which might be the reason why it's no longer available online) it's still unproduced.

I have a copy, but I have yet to read it. It sounds interesting. It takes place in modern day LA. Fantomas is living under the name Swann, and takes it on himself to investigate Inspector Juve's murder. I think there are also other master criminal archetypes like Mabuse, Fu Manchu, etc. in the story as well.

D.