Scaramouche (1952)

This is a Keeper

I ordered this from India because it's one of my all time favorites and I just had to own a copy. Got to tell you that I am more than happy with the Scaramouche DVD I ordered. Great print and great sound quality. Couldn't ask for more. September 8, 2008

En garde!

This movie was adapted from the novel by Rafael Sabatini. The music under the direction of Victor Young of that time was quite lovely, as was that in the Jesse James biography on film. The flute music was lilting and easy on the ears. This was a delight to watch as the actors who later became stars were young and willing to try anything. I loved the men's costumes which were bright in my beloved technicolor. This being France during the duel era which we also had in America, that between Stewart Granger and Mel Ferrer was something to satch: "Take him alive."

Those were the glory days of film making after the darkest period of black listing. Andre Marow was clever with sword play leading to a duel. Scaramouche is the name of a stage clown who wore a birk mask with long beak and red-orange wig. He kept asking: "Who am I? Let me introduce myself. A Frencg Charlie Chaplin, he'd ask: "Who is Scaramouche? Where is Scaramouche?" The same things I asked Mark; who are you? Unlike Scaramouche, his face is not defored.

Forget Andre. I shall go on loving you always. Remember that. hese things happen. Opera is out, but they went anyway to a garish red and gold place similar to the Tennessee Theatre. "You have given your last performance." As they dueled on the stage, magically it is immaculate. "Who is my father?" Your mother is a lady; be nice to her, not to me." We see a wedding and a happy ending. "May providence guide and comfort you." August 26, 2008

Scaramouche

For the 3rd time I missed Scaramouche on TV. My husband said try to buy the film. I tried Amazon.com & THANK GOD, this wonderful film was available. This is a beautiful swash buckler in gorgeous color. So rarely
would we ever be lucky enough to see such a wonderful entertaining film again.Stewart Grainger, Eleanor Parker, Mel Ferrer and the beautiful young Janet Leigh. Thank you so much for having this film available. August 17, 2008

"But Who Is Scaramouche? And Why Does He Hide His Face Behind a Mask?"

Red-headed Eleanore Parker asks this question to a masked Stewart Granger onstage, when the latter unintentionally joins a tatty traveling troupe of commedia dell'arte actors. She kisses him; recognizes him; and slaps him in the face! Then the rest of the film focuses upon the quest of Andre Moreau (Granger) not only for revenge upon the Count Noel des Maines (Mel Ferrer)--the greatest swordsman in France--for killing his brother, but also in search for his true identity. During the process, Moreau, who plays Scaramouche in the play-within-the-movie, is such a success that the dubious fortunes of the traveling players improve immensely, and they are finally invited to play in Paris before the King and Queen. Meanwhile, Andre takes fencing lessons, and with hard work, he becomes the greatest swordsman in France. In fact, the last part of the movie (which I saw at least a dozen times as a kid) depicts what I think has to be one of the greatest swashbuckling fencing matches ever choreographed and filmed.

I was fortunate enough to be in Paris when "Scaramouche" was re-released in the theatre in the 1990s, and therefore, I saw it in all its restored glory on the big screen. But it is just as good on your DVD player. "Scaramouche," which also features Janet Leigh and Nina Foche as Marie Antoinette, is elegantly costumed and magnificent to view. It represents the best of the Good Old Big Studio movies! May 25, 2008

Exciting Story!

This was my husband's pick, but we both enjoyed it. Stewart Granger is one of our favorite actors. Men will love this one because it is about a man who is desired by two woman and the swordplay is excellent. May 5, 2008

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