Even though I was quite entertained by this film, I couldn't help thinking about who the target audience might have been back in the late 1930's, or who, other than old time film nuts like myself might be the slightest bit interested in it today. It's part of an eclectic genre that might appeal to a fan base of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" or any other movie dealing with stories of sixteenth century France, which is to say, virtually non-existent. Still, it's an interesting story on a number of levels, including mystery, intrigue, and romance, with a cast that includes a host of well known professionals.
This was my first look at the actress Annabella, and quite honestly, I think she could have held her own against some of the current greats of the day in the looks department. She's the romantic interest at the center of the story as Gil de Berault's (Conrad Veidt) mission to arrest the Duke of Foix (Wyndham Goldie) is met with one challenge after another. Berault's nick name is 'The Black Death' as regards his skill with the sword, and he's spared his life following an edict against dueling if he brings in the rebel Huguenot leader to Cardinal Richelieu (Raymond Massey). For Berault it would have been a relatively easy task if not for Lady Marguerite (Annabella), but alas, love is blind. His nobility and loyalty is severely tested, to the point of sending the Duke on his way instead of certain death at the hands of the Cardinal. That he himself is spared at the film's finale might be considered almost a twist ending considering the temperament of the power lusting Richelieu. Chalk one up for the romantics.
Actor Romney Brent provides just the right amount of comic relief in an otherwise rather serious enterprise, utilizing a pick pocket routine and clever conversation with his mentor Berault. He's at the center of the old missing bag of diamonds trick, which Berault uses to his advantage when his back's against the wall. It's another humorous diversion that cements the relationship between the undercover swashbuckler and his lady love, and it pretty much works. I guess the only question I would have, given all the subterfuge at the Foix castle, is why was the missing Duke's sister calling all the shots instead of the Duchess?
This was my first look at the actress Annabella, and quite honestly, I think she could have held her own against some of the current greats of the day in the looks department. She's the romantic interest at the center of the story as Gil de Berault's (Conrad Veidt) mission to arrest the Duke of Foix (Wyndham Goldie) is met with one challenge after another. Berault's nick name is 'The Black Death' as regards his skill with the sword, and he's spared his life following an edict against dueling if he brings in the rebel Huguenot leader to Cardinal Richelieu (Raymond Massey). For Berault it would have been a relatively easy task if not for Lady Marguerite (Annabella), but alas, love is blind. His nobility and loyalty is severely tested, to the point of sending the Duke on his way instead of certain death at the hands of the Cardinal. That he himself is spared at the film's finale might be considered almost a twist ending considering the temperament of the power lusting Richelieu. Chalk one up for the romantics.
Actor Romney Brent provides just the right amount of comic relief in an otherwise rather serious enterprise, utilizing a pick pocket routine and clever conversation with his mentor Berault. He's at the center of the old missing bag of diamonds trick, which Berault uses to his advantage when his back's against the wall. It's another humorous diversion that cements the relationship between the undercover swashbuckler and his lady love, and it pretty much works. I guess the only question I would have, given all the subterfuge at the Foix castle, is why was the missing Duke's sister calling all the shots instead of the Duchess?