Scaramouche (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Scaramouche' (directed by George Sidney) is a delightful adaptation of a popular 18th century swashbuckling novel that centers on Andre Moreau (Stewart Granger), a French playboy nobleman who doesn't know who his father is & is supported by an unknown benefactor. When Andre learns that his actress girlfriend Lenore (Eleanor Parker) plans to wed in Paris to a wealthy sausage manufacturer, he breaks up the marriage by promising to marry her instead. Their plans are postponed, however, when Andre learns that his good pal, aristocrat Philippe de Valmorin (Richard Anderson), is being criminally sought after by the king's army. Philippe's kindly father raised Andre, so the grateful Andre is prepared to do anything he can to help his friend out of this mess.
See, Philippe is believed to have written a radical pamphlet which upsets conservative Queen Marie Antoinette (Nina Foch) so much that she asks her devoted, yet sadistic cousin - and master swordsman - the Marquis de Maynes (Mel Ferrer), to do away with Phillipe. Meanwhile, Andre discovers that his real father is the Count de Gavrillac. He travels to Normandy only to learn that his father just died & that the lovely Aline de Gavrillac (young Janet Leigh) he just met on the road and fell in love with ... is actually his half-sister. When the Marquis de Maynes succeeds in killing Philippe, Andre dedicates himself to exacting revenge.
In the meantime, Andre hides out as a zany masked clown in girlfriend Lenore's local theatrical troupe; taking the name of "Scaramouche". Being a poor swordsman, Andre/Scaramouche studies intensely with an expert fencer; and everything culminates with a big climactic duel btwn. he & the Marquis de Maynes in a packed opera house. All sorts of familial & romantic revelations change the complexity of the outcome of the duel.
As mentioned, I found 'Scaramouche' to be an absolute delight. Director George Sidney keeps the proceedings cheerful. The action is punctuated by the frequent sword play & chases. The theatrical troupe onstage hijinks btwn. Granger & Parker are a real hoot. The script whittles down (from what I understand to be) a very complex novel, but without reducing any wit & vibrancy. 'Scaramouche' overflows with romance, humor, & stellar swashbuckling. An example of that humor? Just wait & see who Lenore winds up romancing in her attempt to live in Paris {haha}. And speaking of swashbuckling, this film is well-known for its climactic sword duel that runs nearly 6.5 minutes. The staging, editing, & choreography of this duel as it weaves up, down, & all around the ornate opera house is just fantastic.
Stewart Granger is simply wonderful as the boisterous, cheeky, agile (he does most of his stunts), romantic Andre/Scaramouche. The character of Andre has to be dashing as well as silly and, well, Granger definitely fills those facets well. I enjoyed Mel Ferrer as the evil Marquis. He shines best in the dueling scenes with Granger. The female stars exude Hollywood glamour. Eleanor Parker is gorgeous. But just like Granger, she also knows how to execute a great self-deprecating pratfall when needed. And Janet Leigh is lovely & affecting as the emotionally-compromised Aline. The look of the film is pleasant; with lush color cinematography, big sets, & period costumes. I liked Victor Fleming's musical score. I could go on & on. Bottom line ... I had a real fun time watching 'Scaramouche'.
See, Philippe is believed to have written a radical pamphlet which upsets conservative Queen Marie Antoinette (Nina Foch) so much that she asks her devoted, yet sadistic cousin - and master swordsman - the Marquis de Maynes (Mel Ferrer), to do away with Phillipe. Meanwhile, Andre discovers that his real father is the Count de Gavrillac. He travels to Normandy only to learn that his father just died & that the lovely Aline de Gavrillac (young Janet Leigh) he just met on the road and fell in love with ... is actually his half-sister. When the Marquis de Maynes succeeds in killing Philippe, Andre dedicates himself to exacting revenge.
In the meantime, Andre hides out as a zany masked clown in girlfriend Lenore's local theatrical troupe; taking the name of "Scaramouche". Being a poor swordsman, Andre/Scaramouche studies intensely with an expert fencer; and everything culminates with a big climactic duel btwn. he & the Marquis de Maynes in a packed opera house. All sorts of familial & romantic revelations change the complexity of the outcome of the duel.
As mentioned, I found 'Scaramouche' to be an absolute delight. Director George Sidney keeps the proceedings cheerful. The action is punctuated by the frequent sword play & chases. The theatrical troupe onstage hijinks btwn. Granger & Parker are a real hoot. The script whittles down (from what I understand to be) a very complex novel, but without reducing any wit & vibrancy. 'Scaramouche' overflows with romance, humor, & stellar swashbuckling. An example of that humor? Just wait & see who Lenore winds up romancing in her attempt to live in Paris {haha}. And speaking of swashbuckling, this film is well-known for its climactic sword duel that runs nearly 6.5 minutes. The staging, editing, & choreography of this duel as it weaves up, down, & all around the ornate opera house is just fantastic.
Stewart Granger is simply wonderful as the boisterous, cheeky, agile (he does most of his stunts), romantic Andre/Scaramouche. The character of Andre has to be dashing as well as silly and, well, Granger definitely fills those facets well. I enjoyed Mel Ferrer as the evil Marquis. He shines best in the dueling scenes with Granger. The female stars exude Hollywood glamour. Eleanor Parker is gorgeous. But just like Granger, she also knows how to execute a great self-deprecating pratfall when needed. And Janet Leigh is lovely & affecting as the emotionally-compromised Aline. The look of the film is pleasant; with lush color cinematography, big sets, & period costumes. I liked Victor Fleming's musical score. I could go on & on. Bottom line ... I had a real fun time watching 'Scaramouche'.