François Villon, in his lifetime the most renowned poet in France, is also a prankster, an occasional criminal, and an ardent patriot.François Villon, in his lifetime the most renowned poet in France, is also a prankster, an occasional criminal, and an ardent patriot.François Villon, in his lifetime the most renowned poet in France, is also a prankster, an occasional criminal, and an ardent patriot.
Nigel De Brulier
- Astrologer
- (as Nigel de Brulier)
Otto Matieson
- Olivier
- (as Otto Mattiesen)
Tom Amandares
- Man in Crowd
- (uncredited)
Louise Emmons
- Beggar
- (uncredited)
Martha Franklin
- Maid
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis film was considered lost for many years until a copy, with the original tinting, was found in the late 1960s in the personal archive of Mary Pickford.
- GoofsWhen François and others leave the King's presence, they turn and walk away. It was forbidden for any to show their back to the King; they should have departed by backing away until they were out of his sight.
- Quotes
François Villon: Happy is Paris, where fools reign once a year - while everywhere else the fools reign all the time!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood (1980)
Featured review
John Barrymore Is Fit to Be King
In 15th century Paris, poetic lover John Barrymore (as Francois Villon) leads crowds in an extended celebration of "All Fools' Day" which irks King Conrad Veidt (as Louis XI). Consequently, Mr. Barrymore is banished to the outskirts. After Barrymore is caught sneaking back to the city, Mr. Veidt sentences him to death. Barrymore proves himself cleverer than your usual connoisseur of wine, women, and song. He convinces the superstitions Mr. Veidt their deaths are destined to occur within the same day, and becomes a pampered member of the court. Soon, Barrymore risks his life to rescue beautifully figured Marceline Day (as Charlotte), and save France...
This version of "If I Were King" is obviously tailor-made for Barrymore. The United Artists production values are very high.
Barrymore was one of the best actors around through the 1920s. He appeared in relatively few films, but they were carefully selected. Here, he is probably at his "hammiest" - which he admitted upon seeing the film at a crowded premiere. Not to be outdone, Veidt chews a fair share of the scenery. Lucy Beaumont leads an accomplished supporting cast. However hammy, Barrymore is highly appealing. He is also, despite reports to the contrary, still in peak physical form. Not only does Barrymore display boundless energy, he plays the last act in a loincloth. Barrymore was now in his mid-forties. His famed "Great Profile" is also very much in evidence.
******* The Beloved Rogue (3/12/27) Alan Crosland ~ John Barrymore, Conrad Veidt, Marceline Day, Lucy Beaumont
This version of "If I Were King" is obviously tailor-made for Barrymore. The United Artists production values are very high.
Barrymore was one of the best actors around through the 1920s. He appeared in relatively few films, but they were carefully selected. Here, he is probably at his "hammiest" - which he admitted upon seeing the film at a crowded premiere. Not to be outdone, Veidt chews a fair share of the scenery. Lucy Beaumont leads an accomplished supporting cast. However hammy, Barrymore is highly appealing. He is also, despite reports to the contrary, still in peak physical form. Not only does Barrymore display boundless energy, he plays the last act in a loincloth. Barrymore was now in his mid-forties. His famed "Great Profile" is also very much in evidence.
******* The Beloved Rogue (3/12/27) Alan Crosland ~ John Barrymore, Conrad Veidt, Marceline Day, Lucy Beaumont
helpful•41
- wes-connors
- Apr 13, 2011
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Ragged Lover
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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