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Quentin Durward

1955, Movie, NR, 101 mins

Quentin Durward: Review

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It's 15th-century France and King Louis XI (Morley) is worried that the Duke of Burgundy (Clunes) may be scheming to gain power. Meanwhile, Taylor is sent from Scotland by his uncle (Thesiger) to check on the uncle's bride-to-be (Kendall). Taylor falls for Kendall himself, but remains loyal to his uncle and hides his feelings. Morley wants Kendall kidnaped because of her prior connections with Clunes, and he has Taylor unknowingly escort her into a trap. Morley's plot involves Taylor taking Kendall to Williams, but en route she is to be kidnaped by Lamont, a count known as "the Wild Boar of Ardennes." Taylor foils the kidnaping, however, and Williams, a powerful bishop, is murdered by Lamont. Taylor then engages in an exciting battle with the Wild Boar as the two swing back and forth on bell ropes in a burning church tower. The bells loudly clang as the pair slash at each other with knives. Lamont finally falls to his doom and Taylor flees with the terrified Kendall. Word comes that Thesiger has passed on, leaving Kendall free to marry Taylor; meanwhile, Morley has come up with more plans to win Clunes over to his cause. He rides to Clunes' castle courtyard and plays on the man's sense of loyalty. Any plot to lessen the king's power is quickly squashed and Taylor marries Kendall. The plot is a little confusing towards the end, but otherwise this is a fun adventure. Taylor had done several films of this nature and clearly enjoys himself in a neatly played role. The direction ably choreographs the different elements of color, costumes, location, and actors for a fine period look. It was filmed on location in English and French countryside castles, which add to the realistic flavor. Of course, there's lots of swashbuckling action, nicely played; the bell tower sequence is a real thrill. The supporting cast isn't bad, with Morley a wonderful standout in his role. Kendall, alas, is merely passable, registering the proper emotions but little else. She was to die in 1959. This is based on one of Sir Walter Scott's lesser-known novels. leave a comment
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