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Beat the Devil (1953) | Directed by John Huston

Only Angels Have Wings (1939) | Directed by Howard Hawks

Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) | Directed by John Huston

Four Men and a Prayer (1938) | Directed by John Ford

Lassie in Hills of Home (1948) | Directed by Fred M. Wilcox

Torrid Zone (1940) | Directed William Keighley

Robinson Crusoe (1954) | Directed by Luis Buñuel

Long John Silver (1954) | Directed by Byron Haskin

Spy Hunt (1950) | American adventure film directed by George Sherman

The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952) | American adventure film directed by Henry King

Sea Devils (1953) | British-American adventure film directed by Raoul Walsh

The King of the Khyber Rifles (1953) | An adventure film directed by Henry King

The Most Dangerous Game (1932) | Adventure film directed by Irving Pichel & Ernest B. Schoedsack

Captain Pirate (1952) | Directed by Ralph Murphy

Thunder in the Pines (1949) | Directed by Robert Gordon

Jungle Goddess (1948) | Directed by Lewis D. Collins

Fangs of the Wild (1954) | Directed by William F. Claxton

Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) | Directed by Robert D. Webb

Alaska Seas (1954) | Directed by Jerry Hopper

Blowing Wild (1953) | American adventure drama film directed by Hugo Fregonese

The Son of Zorro (1947) | Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet

Son of Fury (1942) | Directed by John Cromwell

White Woman (1933) | Directed by Stuart Walker

Spoilers of the North (1947) | Directed by Richard Sale

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) | Directed by Harold Young

Beau Geste (1939) | Directed by William A. Wellman

The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946) | Directed by Henry Levin

Mighty Joe Young (1949) | Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack and Merian C. Cooper

Genevieve (1953) | Directed by Henry Cornelius

Elephant Boy (1937) | Directed by Robert J. Flaherty & Zoltan Korda

The Call of the Wild (1935) | Directed by William A. Wellman

The Wild Women of Wongo (1959) | Directed by James L. Wolcott

Hell and High Water (1954) | Directed by Samuel Fuller

Secret of the Incas (1954) | Directed by Jerry Hopper

Kim (1950) | Directed by Victor Saville

Tarzan's Secret Treasure (1941) | Directed by Richard Thorpe

Fortunes of Captain Blood (1950) | Directed by Gordon Douglas

Under Two Flags (1936) | Directed by Frank Lloyd

Thief of Damascus (1952) | A historical adventure film directed by Will Jason

Treasure of the Golden Condor (1953) | Directed by Delmer Daves

Man and His Mate (1940) Alternate title for "One Million B.C." Directed by Hal Roach & Hal Roach Jr.

Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941) | Directed by John English & William Witney

Golden Salamander (1950) | Directed by Ronald Neame

The Black Arrow (1948) | Directed by Gordon Douglas

The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935) | Directed by Henry Hathaway

The Brigand (1952) | Directed by Phil Karlson

Wake of the Red Witch (1948) | Directed by Edward Ludwig

Man-Eater of Kumaon (1948) | Directed by Byron Haskin

Northwest Passage (1940) | Directed by King Vidor

Raiders of the Seven Seas (1953) | Directed by Sidney Salkow

The Jungle (1952) | Directed by William Berke

Mutiny (1952) | Directed by Edward Dmytryk

Return to Paradise (1953) | Directed by Mark Robson

If I Were King (1938) | Directed by Frank Lloyd

The Rebel's Son - The Story of Taras Bulba (1938) | Directed by Adrian Brunel

Appointment in Honduras (1953) | Directed by Jacques Tourneur

Botany Bay (1953) | Directed by John Farrow

White Witch Doctor (1953) | Directed by Henry Hathaway

Prince of Foxes (1949) | Directed by John Frankenheimer

The Four Feathers (1939) | Directed by Zoltan Korda

The Three Musketeers (1948) | Directed by George Sidney

Jungle Book (1942) | Directed by Zoltán Korda

Arabian Nights (1942) | Directed by John Rawlins

If I Were King (1938) | Directed by Frank Lloyd
"If I Were King" is a 1938 historical adventure film directed by Frank Lloyd. The film is an adaptation of Justin Huntly McCarthy's 1901 play of the same name. It stars Ronald Colman as the legendary French poet and rogue François Villon, who is given a chance to implement his idealistic views when King Louis XI (Basil Rathbone) grants him temporary power over Paris. The film blends romance, drama, and swashbuckling action against a richly depicted medieval backdrop.
Set in 15th-century France, "If I Were King" follows the story of François Villon (Ronald Colman), a poet and vagabond known for his rebellious spirit and sharp wit. Villon frequently criticizes the ruling class and dreams of a better world. King Louis XI (Basil Rathbone), disguised and mingling among his subjects, overhears Villon's bold proclamations. Amused and intrigued, the king appoints Villon as the Grand Constable of France for one week, giving him the authority to make his utopian dreams a reality. Villon seizes the opportunity to bring justice to the people, clean up corruption, and confront his enemies. However, he must navigate court intrigue and his own moral dilemmas, especially as he falls in love with the beautiful Lady Katherine (Frances Dee). The film climaxes with Villon's daring exploits and his ultimate confrontation with the king.
"If I Were King" is celebrated for its engaging story, strong performances, and lush production values. Ronald Colman shines in the lead role, delivering a charismatic and nuanced portrayal of François Villon. His chemistry with Frances Dee adds a romantic charm to the film. Basil Rathbone's depiction of King Louis XI is equally compelling, striking a balance between menace and wisdom. The film's direction by Frank Lloyd ensures a brisk pace and a seamless blend of humor, drama, and action. The screenplay effectively captures the wit and poetic nature of Villon's character while providing a gripping narrative.
Upon its release, "If I Were King" received widespread acclaim from critics. Ronald Colman's performance was particularly lauded, earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film's lavish sets and costumes were praised for their historical accuracy and visual splendor. Basil Rathbone's portrayal of the cunning king also garnered positive reviews, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. The movie's blend of adventure, romance, and historical drama appealed to audiences and critics alike, making it a box-office success. Over the years, it has retained its status as a classic of 1930s cinema, appreciated for its spirited storytelling and memorable performances.
Cast:
Ronald Colman as François Villon
Basil Rathbone as King Louis XI
Frances Dee as Lady Katherine
Ellen Drew as Huguette
C. V. France as Tristan l'Hermite
Henry Wilcoxon as Captain of the Watch
"If I Were King" stands out as a vibrant and entertaining depiction of medieval France, brought to life by a stellar cast and an adept director. It remains a beloved film, notable for its adventurous spirit and the timeless appeal of its central characte
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