Film Review
A stellar cast and some stunning production values make this adaptation
of Mark Twain's
The Prince and the
Pauper an enjoyable family favourite, although it fares poorly
when compared with the superior 1937 version, which featured Errol
Flynn and a pair of real-life twins in the main roles. Richard
Fleischer directs the film with his customary gusto, and is clearly far
more interested in delivering a pacey adventure yarn in
The Three Musketeers line than a
serious piece of drama. The numerous fight scenes are certainly
well choreographed and compensate for the stilted dialogue and shallow
characterisation, whilst the split-screen sequences (depicting the
prince and the pauper in the same shot) are impressive even by today's
standards. It is almost worth watching the film just for the humorous
coda at the end, which makes a very cheeky allusion to its lead actor's
famous drink problem.
The all-star cast is a mixed blessing which drew the film some
unfavourable criticism when it was first released. Whilst Oliver
Reed, George C. Scott and Ernest Borgnine deliver the goods with their
enjoyably bravura performances, Raquel Welch and Rex Harrison look
horribly out of place and do little for the film's credibility.
Mark Lester's lack of dramatic range is also problematic, although his
slightly inept portrayal of both his characters is more endearing than
annoying (and do we care that he is clearly much older than the nine
year olds he is supposed to be playing?). The most creditable
performances are supplied by the supporting cast, notably Harry
Andrews, David Hemmings and (future
Dr Who assistant) Lalla Ward.
Charlton Heston's interpretation of Henry VIII turns out to be less
sacrilegious than you might think - if you can overlook the American
accent and fairly modest girth, he is surprisingly convincing in the
role. Overall, this screen version of
The Prince and the Pauper is an
amiable romp, the perfect distraction for a wet Sunday afternoon or
dull bank holiday, and nearly as much fun as the original novel.
© James Travers 2011
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Richard Fleischer film:
Follow Me Quietly (1949)
Film Synopsis
In the mid-16th century, Tom Canty is an urchin boy who is abused by
his father and forced to steal to support his family. To evade
capture when his attempt to steal a purse is noticed, he takes refuge
in the gardens of a palace belonging to King Henry VIII. Pursued
by the king's guards, he hides up a chimney and is discovered by the
heir to the throne, Edward, Prince of Wales. Seeing that they
resemble one other perfectly, the two boys swap their clothes for a
lark. But the jokes goes badly awry when the prince, virtually
unrecognisable in the pauper's rags, is expelled from the palace by the
guards. Despite his protestations, Tom is mistaken for the
prince and makes a feeble attempt to accustom himself to court
etiquette. To the annoyance of his older sister Elizabeth, he
neglects his duties and pursues an amorous liaison with Lady
Jane. Meanwhile, Prince Edward comes under the protection of war
veteran Miles Hendon after saving his life in a street fight.
Hendon soon grows weary of his young companion's assertions that he is
the rightful heir to the throne and becomes convinced that he is
mad. When Henry VIII dies, it looks likely that a pauper will be
crowned as his successor...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.