The Oubliette Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of The Oubliette?

Francois Villon, vagabond, poet and philosopher, and his friend Colin, leave the vagabond camp and start for Paris. En route to that city, Villon's heart is touched at sight of the eviction of an elderly couple from their poor home. Whereupon he empties his own and Colin's purse, pays the Beadle, and then resume their journey. Overcome with the pangs of hunger, they "lift " the purses of a couple of corpulent monks. For this breach of law both Villon and Colin are arrested and thrown into prison. This film and By the Sun's Rays are two of Chaney's earliest surviving films.

Charles Giblyn's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Murdock MacQuarrie (François Villon)'s journey. En route to that city, Villon's heart is touched at sight of the eviction of an elderly couple from their poor home.

How Does Murdock MacQuarrie (François Villon)'s Story End?

• Murdock MacQuarrie: Murdock MacQuarrie's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Pauline Bush (Philippa de Annonay): Pauline Bush's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Lon Chaney (Chevalier Bertrand de la Payne): Lon Chaney's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is The Oubliette Based on a True Story?

Yes — The Oubliette draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Charles Giblyn has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of The Oubliette Mean?

The ending of The Oubliette brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Murdock MacQuarrie's story may not satisfy all audiences.