Royal Flash (1975)

63% of users liked it
(234 ratings)

Novelist George MacDonald Fraser penned the script for this swashbuckling, picaresque adventure tale. The story is based on one of the books in his "Harry Flashman" series, loose sequels to "Tom Brown's Schooldays" that followed that story's central bully character through his checkered… More Novelist George MacDonald Fraser penned the script for this swashbuckling, picaresque adventure tale. The story is based on one of the books in his "Harry Flashman" series, loose sequels to "Tom Brown's Schooldays" that followed that story's central bully character through his checkered post-graduate military career. Malcolm McDowell plays Captain Harry Flashman, a cowardly, lascivious poseur who desperately seeks entry into high European society. Recognizing an opportunity to advance their own sinister political agendas, scheming Otto Von Bismarck (Oliver Reed) and Rudi Von Sternberg (Alan Bates) convince Flashman to masquerade as a Prussian noble and marry a beautiful duchess (Britt Ekland), a flawed plan to which Flashman agrees. Inevitably, the transparent ruse is discovered, and Flashman is forced to try to escape across 19th century Europe, narrowly missing one disaster after another and experiencing first-hand some of history's most momentous events. Director Richard Lester and Fraser used similar baroque settings, tongue-in-cheek characterizations, elaborate stunts and breakneck pacing for The Three Musketeers (1973) and its sequel, The Four Musketeers (1974) with similar efficacy. Fraser would try again with analogous material three years later with Crossed Swords (1978), a lavish version of The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 38 min.
Directed By: Richard Lester
Written By: George MacDonald Fraser
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 1, 1975 Wide
On DVD: Apr 3, 2007

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
A final outburst of the style of filmmaking Richard Lester was largely responsible for creating.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ed Fucking H

Malcom McDowell and Olver Reed, now theres a comedic duo. Really enjoyed this comedy from 1975. A little surprised more people havent seen in it, given the quality. Has a fairly complex plot, but keeps the laughs in regular supply. Several bad ass sword fighting scenes. Malcolm… More
Malcom McDowell and Olver Reed, now theres a comedic duo. Really enjoyed this comedy from 1975. A little surprised more people havent seen in it, given the quality. Has a fairly complex plot, but keeps the laughs in regular supply. Several bad ass sword fighting scenes. Malcolm McDowell is really funny throughout. Alan Bates also definently has his moments. Florinda Bolkan is hot. All in all a really good time. More people need to see this one.
Doctor S

'Royal Flash' Shows Spark Another slow starter, and with a treadbare plot, but still provides enough entertainment to forgive its flaws. Who wouldn't enjoy a roguish Malcolm McDowell attempting to impersonate a German duke against his will after being kidnapped by a… More
'Royal Flash' Shows Spark Another slow starter, and with a treadbare plot, but still provides enough entertainment to forgive its flaws. Who wouldn't enjoy a roguish Malcolm McDowell attempting to impersonate a German duke against his will after being kidnapped by a sinister Oliver Reed? Highlight is a side-splitting attempted rescue of the real duke held prisoner in a castle dungeon which includes a memorable comedic swordfight in the spirit of the Elwes vs. Patinkin throwdown later exhibited in The Princess Bride.
Christopher B

Hilarrious and fast moving, McDowell is brilliant in this incredibly well done film.

Cast

            Malcolm McDowell as Flashman

            Alan Bates as Rudi Von Sternberg

            Florinda Bolkan as Lola Montez

            Oliver Reed as Otto Von Bismarck

            Britt Ekland as Dutchess Irma

            Lionel Jeffries as Kraftstein

            Tom Bell as De Gautet

            Joss Ackland as Sapten

            Christopher Cazenove as Hansen

            Roy Kinnear as Old Roue

            Alastair Sim as Mr. Greig

            Michael Hordern as Headmaster

            Ben Aris as Fireman

            Margaret Courtenay
            
            Leon Greene as Grundwig

            Frank Grimes as Lieutenant

            Roger Hammond as Master

            Bob Hoskins
            
            Richard Hurndall
            
            David Jason as The Mayor

            Noel Johnson as Lord Chamberlain

            Rula Lenska as Helga

            Richard Pearson
            
            Bob Peck as Police Inspector

            John Stuart as English General

            Arthur Brough
            
            Les Weldon as Policeman
See full cast