If I Were King

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Audience Member Ronald Colman and Basil Rathbone, two wonderful actors having the time of their careers playing wittily written opposites who are also spiritual soulmates -- Francois Villon, the poetic rebel, born into poverty with a noble soul, and Louis XI, King of France, born into privilege but with a rebel's iconoclasm. Add a witty script by that poetic comedic rebel Preston Sturges, who hits all the crowd-pleasing buttons without condescension and no-nonsense direction by Frank Lloyd, and you have a top Hollywood product -- a crowd pleaser with intelligence. Rathbone is a particular delight. Pre-Holmes, he revels in playing an unprepossessing cynic to whom everyone must bow because he happens to be the king. Colman is doing what he does best, playing an intelligent, superior man, without losing the common touch. A delight all the way around. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member A medieval film with great performances from Colman and Dee. The plot surrounds a French poet Villon being tasked by Louis XI to defeat the Burgundians surrounding Paris. The production session and costumes are really impressive for this film and the last battle is also well shot and directed. Colman's interactions with Rathbone are amusing. However, Rathbone's portrayal of King Louis is pretty cartoonish and sometimes laughable. Rathbone was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role which I don't think was deserved (even though I haven't seen the other nominees). Another aspect that was a bit ridiculous was that no one recognised François in the castle, except his father for some reason. Overall, the film is rarely boring and continues on at an entertaining pace with some great direction and good performances. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Frances Dee is the personification of femininity in the movie as Lady Katherine. No actress has ever appeared lovelier and enchanting as Frances Dee in this movie. Her subtle facial gestures and delicate and feminine movement of her hands display an actress truly skilled and trained. She is the perfect foil for Ronald Colman. This is one of the best movies to have come out of Hollywood, largely attributed to the writing of Preston Sturges and an excellent cast. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review steve d The supporting staff makes it fun. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Ronald Coleman is the every-man critic of the King in the middle ages, and the real king (Basil Rathbone) decides to follow his advice. The great Coleman gives a memorable performance, and to listen to the greatest voice in movie history is a treat for the senses. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Falls in BORING category. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Read all reviews

If I Were King

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