(this review is based on the Kino Video dvd of the 1929 silent film - not the reissued version with a narration by Jr)
this is an typically exuberant Douglas Fairbanks silent - silent except for a couple oratory excerpts by him - the first at the beginning - the second at the transition to part 2 of the story - this movie marks Fairbanks own transition to sound - but he would make only a handful before retiring - shortly before succumbing to a heart attack
this movie is visually lavish - and masterfully directed by the now undeservedly little-known Allan Dwan - who flits effortlessly between the court scheming - the massive sword fighting - and the bit of romance - and comedy
10 years later - the 1939 "The Man in the Iron Mask" used at least one scene from this 1929 film - the crowd scene at the beginning where the King shows his son to the crowd - and used the same actor Nigel De Brulier to play Cardinal Richelieu - this time with his voice
little needs to be said of the storyline - liberties were taken - but the spirit of the story remains - Fairbanks' stunts were swift and graceful - despite being in his mid-40s - that physical vigor and the makeup and lighting made the 20 year age difference between him and his Constance - played by Marguerite De La Motte - seem less
like many of Fairbanks Sr silent films - they can make a good introduction to silent films for those who are uncertain about the experience.
this is an typically exuberant Douglas Fairbanks silent - silent except for a couple oratory excerpts by him - the first at the beginning - the second at the transition to part 2 of the story - this movie marks Fairbanks own transition to sound - but he would make only a handful before retiring - shortly before succumbing to a heart attack
this movie is visually lavish - and masterfully directed by the now undeservedly little-known Allan Dwan - who flits effortlessly between the court scheming - the massive sword fighting - and the bit of romance - and comedy
10 years later - the 1939 "The Man in the Iron Mask" used at least one scene from this 1929 film - the crowd scene at the beginning where the King shows his son to the crowd - and used the same actor Nigel De Brulier to play Cardinal Richelieu - this time with his voice
little needs to be said of the storyline - liberties were taken - but the spirit of the story remains - Fairbanks' stunts were swift and graceful - despite being in his mid-40s - that physical vigor and the makeup and lighting made the 20 year age difference between him and his Constance - played by Marguerite De La Motte - seem less
like many of Fairbanks Sr silent films - they can make a good introduction to silent films for those who are uncertain about the experience.