Full of valiant guff. Peck took over for dissipated Errol Flynn, playing title role of 19th-century English hero who outwits the French and Spanish during the Napoleonic wars. Alas, Peck's a touch sober for a credible swashbuckler. In another instance of offbeat casting, Mayo plays Lady
Barbara, the Duke of Wellington's sister, and she has a bad fever! Despite miscasting, Walsh's direction has no time to linger. Guy Green's camerawork and Robert Farnon's jolly score are helpful. In the small role of Polwheal is Richard Hearne, who may be remembered as Britain's comic "Mr.
Pastry!"--an acrobatic, often hilarious silent comedian whom Ed Sullivan loved.
Released:
1951
Rated:
NR
Length:
116 mins