The King's Thief

The King's Thief is a lively historical swashbuckler film made in 1955, featuring stars like Ann Blyth, Edmund Purdom, and David Niven. The movie is a cinematic delight, blending romance, action, mystery, and a dash of humor to create an entertaining spectacle set against the backdrop of 17th-century England. The film, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, captures the turmoil and intrigue that defined the era of James II, the last king of the Stuart monarchy.

In the film, Edmund Purdom plays Michael Dermott, a debonair and charming adventurer with a love for mischief. He is portrayed as an Irishman who comes to British soil to visit an old friend and become embroiled in a political intrigue that could alter the fate of the entire kingdom. Dermott's clever wit, boldness, and skill with a sword make him an exciting protagonist, effectively acting as both the film's noble hero and its chief source of humor.

Ann Blyth plays Lady Mary, a feisty, brave, and clever heroine whose beauty is matched only by her courage. She is seen as a diamond in a royal court filled with deceit and danger. Mary's character adds more depth to the plot, as her fiery personality and her complex relationships with the characters around her greatly add to the drama and excitement of the film.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing characters in The King's Thief is lecherous Duke of Brampton, played magnificently by the legendary David Niven. A cunning and ruthless man, the Duke is shown as a powerful figure at the court, and his devious plans form the backbone of the film's central conflict. Niven plays the villain to perfection, making the Duke both menacing and oddly charming, a testament to his acting prowess.

The King's Thief offers thrilling sword fights and chases, intense dialogue exchanges, magnificent period costumes, grand sets, and sweeping romantic moments. All these elements combine beautifully under Leonard's expert direction to recreate an era of palace intrigue, political machinations, and grand courtly romance.

Adding to the intrigue is a cleverly woven plot surrounding a delicate game of cat and mouse involving a 'secret treaty' which, if it goes into the wrong hands, could potentially provoke a bloody revolution, threatening the kingdom's peace. Everything revolves around obtaining this treaty, which leads to a string of thrilling events full of deception, fury, and suspense.

The film is aided by a strong supporting cast, including George Sanders as Charles, the Earl of Rochester, and John Dehner as the Captain Herrick. The performances of these exceptional actors add an additional layer to the rich tapestry of characters that populate the movie. The characters have a depth of spirit and an extraordinary persona that transcend the plot, contributing a dose of reality to this historical drama.

Scripted by Christopher Knopf, the film effectively uses its historical setting to weave a tale brimming with action, adventure, and romance. Knopf infuses the script with enough twists and turns to keep the sequences as unpredictable as possible. The dialogues are sharp and infused with a subtle humor that lightens the somewhat heavy historical theme.

MGM's sterling production values are on full display in The King's Thief. The cinematography captures the elegance, grandeur, and filth of 17th-century England in equal measure, offering a visually captivating experience. Whether it's the resplendent interiors of the royal palace, the dingy, grimy streets of London, or the vibrant energy of public gatherings, the film's visuals are as delightful as its story and performances.

The film also scores on its costuming, designed by Walter Plunkett, which is not just visually appealing, but also indicative of the era that the movie is set in. His designs breathe life into the characters and underscore their personalities, thus amplifying the film's period charm.

In conclusion, The King's Thief is not merely a film but a vibrant creation that transports you to an epoch of royal intrigue and gallant heroes. It is packed with thrilling sequences, dramatic turns, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, making this a classic feature that continues to captivate audiences, even over six decades since its release. A film for those who love intrigue, romance, and a dash of sword-fighting, The King's Thief remains a hidden gem of the golden age of Hollywood.