If any film could be declared the ultimate swashbuckling film, Scaramouche (1952) would easily qualify as a contender for the title. It is said to have both the longest duelling scene and the greatest number of duels of any movie. Whether this is true or not, the duels are a marvel of fight choreography. Both Stewart Granger and Mel Ferrer [allegedly] performed all of their own duels and stunts, which is all the more remarkable when it is discovered that their duel on the railing of a theatre balcony was executed without a net. The action is spectacular, but the drama and the comedy (essential to a film named after the clown of the Commedia dell'arte) give the film its impeccable balance. Scaramouche is truly one of the great masterpieces of the genre.
Writing: GreatDirecting: Superb
Acting: Good
Cinematography: Great
Stunts: Superb
Swordplay: Superb
Panache: Superb
Overall Rating: Great
Swashbuckling Rank: Superb
[Originally posted in Cuparius.com on 1 February 2010.]
Addendum
Written by: Ronald Millar, George Froeschel, Talbot Jennings (uncredited), and Carey Wilson (uncredited)
Based on: Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini
Directed by: George Sidney
Performed by: Stewart Granger, Eleanor Parker, Janet Leigh, Mel Ferrer, et al.
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