If I were king
Movie | |
---|---|
German title | If I were king |
Original title | If I Were King |
Country of production | United States |
original language | English |
Publishing year | 1938 |
length | 101 minutes |
Rod | |
Director | Frank Lloyd |
script | Preston Sturges |
production | Frank Lloyd for Paramount Pictures |
music | Richard Hagemann |
camera | Theodor Sparkuhl |
cut | Hugh Bennett |
occupation | |
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If I were King (alternative title: King of the Vagabonds , original title: If I Were King ) is an American historical film from 1938, which focuses on the fictional adventures of the poet François Villon . Directed by Frank Lloyd , the leading role played Ronald Colman .
action
The poet François Villon led a life of debauchery and adventure around 1450. He does not care about the political circumstances, although the Burgundians are currently besieging the city of Paris. The king is at a loss as to how to defeat the enemy. Chance comes to his aid. Villon killed a Burgundian spy in a fight and was able to secure documents that were decisive for the war. In gratitude for his services in uncovering the Burgundian conspiracy, the king promoted the poet to Grand Marshal of France with unlimited power for a week. But on the eighth day, so Louis XI., Villon would be executed for his murder and the other crimes of the past. Initially in a frenzy of power, François misused his skills for selfish goals. Only the love for the lady-in-waiting Katherine de Vaucelles allows him to recognize the value of patriotism and willingness to make sacrifices, selflessness and courage. With a trick he manages to beat the Burgundians. As the day of execution approaches, Katherine reveals Villon's true accomplishment in saving France. The king sentenced him to a lifelong banishment from Paris. Katherine follows her lover into an uncertain future.
background
The literary source of the film by Justin Huntly McCarthy of the same name could have both a stage adaptation and, under the title The Vagabond King , a version as an operetta. The popular material has already been filmed several times. In 1920 William Farnum (who also plays a supporting role as a general in this film) played the role of rowdy poet François Villon . John Barrymore took on the part under the title Der Bettelpoet ( The Beloved Rogue ) . In 1930, a film adaptation of the operetta The Vagabond King with Jeanette MacDonald and Dennis King was distributed.
Ronald Colman , whose career began in silent film , was one of the first film stars in 1934 to decide, after a long-term studio contract had expired , to only enter into short-term agreements with various studios for a limited number of films at a time. This procedure, known as free-lancing , allowed the stars to negotiate not only higher fees and, under certain circumstances, even a share in the turnover of the box office results. As a rule, the right to have a say in the selection of the scripts, the director and the co-stars were part of these agreements. This approach has been successfully adopted by Claudette Colbert , Barbara Stanwyck , Irene Dunne , Janet Gaynor and Cary Grant , among others . If I were King was the first project of a two-film deal that Colman negotiated with Paramount Pictures at the height of his career in 1937, which guaranteed him a fee of $ 200,000. However, the film flopped at the box office, as did the follow-up project The Light That Failed from the following year.
Awards
At the Academy Awards in 1939 , the film received nominations in the categories
- Best Supporting Actor - Basil Rathbone
- Best production design - Hans Dreier , John B. Goodman
- Best note - Loren L. Ryder
- Best original score - Richard Hagemann
Web links
- If I'd king in the Internet Movie Database (English)
- If I Were King at Turner Classic Movies (English)