In Adventures of Don Juan (1948), Errol Flynn returns to full color swashbuckling as the most famous ladies' man in history. Beginning with one such adventure in progress, the film quickly progresses to more important matters as Don Juan finds himself involved — through no fault of his own — in affairs of the state (ahem) and an alliance with the formidable Queen Margaret (Viveca Lindfors). All is not well in Spain, for King Phillip III (Romney Brent) is weak, and his diabolical advisor, the Duke de Lorca (Robert Douglas), is far stronger than he appears and far more interested in reviving dreams of conquest than pursuing international peace.
Eight years after The Sea Hawk, Flynn proves that his charm, candor, and swordsmanship are as sharp as ever. Regal of bearing and complex of character, Lindfors is more than worthy of her role as queen and provides the ultimate foil for the film's amorous yet well-intentioned hero. Brent is quite capable as the less-than-capable king, and Douglas is everything one could ask for in a devious, torture-minded warmonger. Alan Hale, of course, is suitable as Alan Hale, Loyal Sidekick (or Leporello as he is billed in the credits).
Beautifully filmed in vivid color, and masterfully scored by Max Steiner, Adventures of Don Juan is an adventure film with excitement, humor, and surprising depth.
Writing: GoodDirecting: Great
Acting: Great
Cinematography: Good
Stunts: Great
Swordplay: Great
Panache: Great
Overall Rating: Great
Swashbuckling Rank: Great
[Originally posted in Cuparius.com on 1 February 2012.]
Addendum
Written by: Herbert Dalmas, George Oppenheimer, and Harry Kurnitz
Directed by: Vincent Sherman
Performed by: Errol Flynn, Viveca Lindfors, Robert Douglas, Alan Hale, Romney Brent, et al.
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