Let's watch.. ..Errol Flynn

~ “Let’s watch..” will be a series of short film reviews for those of you who like to get some help to decide what to watch.. Monty and me will present some films to each star (or topic) of the month – so you can collect some ideas – or maybe be reminded of some films you might like to re-watch.. ~

Suppose you’d like to watch a film with Errol Flynn – but not “too much” of Errol Flynn in it? And the story also should arise from classic literature?

Then I have one film for you: You’ll have to wait about 50 minutes until Mr. Flynn appears – and it’s based on Mark Twain’s book:

THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER (1937)

England, 1547. Per chance crown prince Edward and the urchin Tom Canty (frequently changing their parts: twin brothers Billy and Bobby Mauch) exchange their clothes – and of course are mistaken for each other:

Tom is now about to be crowned as king after king Henry VIII. (Montagu Love) dies. The mean Earl of Hertford (Claude Rains) knows about the misunderstanding but wants to use the “prince” for his own vicious plans..

Meanwhile Prince Edward has to live the life of the lowest English citizens. – Telling everyone that he is the king doesn’t help him at all.. Tom’s abusive father John Canty (Barton MacLane – again as a wonderful heavy..) wants to make him steal – and the royal guards (lead by Alan Hale – for once not a sidekick of Errol Flynn..) are about to kill him by order of Hertford. The only friend Edward has got is the adventurous soldier Miles Hendon (Errol Flynn)..

"This is not a history, but a tale of once upon a time. It may have happened. It may not have happened. But it could have happened."

Marvellous cast – and some joy to watch. I think also (not too young) children will have fun watching it for the heroes are children and there isn't sooo much kissing - but of course some sword fighting..

A very young Errol Flynn - doing all the classic Errol Flynn stuff: fighting, (a wee bit of) loving, (a lot of) smirking and being pretty bold. Just the stuff that makes you hero of so many little (and not so little) boys and tomboys..

I hope you're enjoying THE SHOW..

Yours

Irene