“Royal Flash 1975” is a swashbuckling adventure film. It follows the escapades of Captain Harry Flashman as he attempts to pass himself off as a royal prince. Along the way, he battles enemies and woos ladies, all with his trademark charm and roguish energy. With plenty of action and humor, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
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Review
When it comes to period dramas, it’s easy for them to become a little stuffy or pretentious. But then there’s “Royal Flash,” the 1975 film directed by Richard Lester that manages to be both charming and exciting from start to finish. Based on the novel of the same name by George MacDonald Fraser, “Royal Flash” stars Malcolm McDowell as Harry Flashman, a cowardly British soldier who finds himself caught up in all sorts of dangerous situations.
But what sets “Royal Flash” apart from other historical films is its irreverent tone and sense of humor. From the very first scene, where Harry is caught trying to cheat at cards and ends up being chased out of town by a group of angry gamblers, you know you’re in for a wild ride.
The plot follows Harry as he bumbles his way through various adventures, including getting involved in a plot to overthrow the Bavarian monarchy (led by Alan Bates), getting kidnapped by a group of Amazonian women, and even impersonating a member of royalty himself. Along the way, he meets various colorful characters, including Rudi Von Sternberg (Oliver Reed), an old friend turned enemy who becomes his main antagonist throughout much of the film.
One thing that really stands out about “Royal Flash” is its attention to detail when it comes to historical accuracy. From the elaborate costumes and set designs to the dialogue and references made throughout the film, you really feel like you’re transported back in time. And yet, despite this meticulousness, there’s never a sense that the filmmakers are taking themselves too seriously. It’s clear they’re having fun with this world they’ve created.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights of “Royal Flash” is its cast. McDowell is absolutely perfect as Harry Flashman; he plays him with just the right amount of cowardice and charm. Bates is also great as Otto von Bismarck, the real-life historical figure who is one of the film’s main villains. And Reed is always a delight to watch, even when he’s playing a character you love to hate.
But perhaps the most surprising thing about “Royal Flash” is how little-known it is today. Despite being directed by Richard Lester, who also helmed classics like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “The Three Musketeers,” and featuring a stellar cast, it never quite found its audience. It’s a shame, really, because it’s such an enjoyable movie.
One possible reason for its lack of popularity could be that it was released in 1975, right in the middle of the Golden Age of Hollywood blockbusters. Films like “Jaws,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” were dominating the box office at the time, leaving little room for smaller films like “Royal Flash.”
But even if it didn’t make much of an impact at the time of its release, there’s no denying that “Royal Flash” still holds up today. Its wit and charm are timeless, and its action scenes are still thrilling to watch. And with so many big-budget period dramas out there now that take themselves far too seriously (*cough* Mary Queen of Scots *cough*), it’s refreshing to revisit one that doesn’t take itself too seriously at all.
In conclusion, “Royal Flash” may not have been a box office hit when it was released in 1975, but it remains a gem of a film that deserves more recognition today. Its irreverent tone and attention to detail make it stand out from other period dramas, while its talented cast brings all the characters to life in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re a fan of historical films or just looking for something fun and entertaining to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon, “Royal Flash” should definitely be on your list.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 102
- Release : 1975-10-10
- Genre : Adventure, Comedy, Romance
- Cast : Malcolm McDowell as Captain Harry Flashman / Prince Karl Magnus, Alan Bates as Rudi Von Sternberg, Florinda Bolkan as Lola Montez, Oliver Reed as Otto von Bismarck, Tom Bell as De Gautet
- Crew : Barrie Melrose as Production Manager, Geoffrey Unsworth as Director of Photography, Mary Selway as Casting, Terence Marsh as Production Design, George MacDonald Fraser as Screenplay
- Popularity 7.871
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : 20th Century Fox, Two Roads Productions
- Summary : Cowardly rogue Harry Flashman’s (Malcolm McDowell) schemes to gain entry to the royal circles of 19th-century Europe go nowhere until he meets a pair of devious nobles with their own agenda. At their urging, Flashman agrees to re-create himself as a bogus Prussian nobleman to woo a beautiful duchess. But the half-baked plan quickly comes unraveled, and he’s soon on the run from several new enemies who are all calling for the rapscallion’s head.
- Tagline : See Capt. Harry Flashman surrender his way to victory!
