Scaramouche (1952)

89% of users liked it
(2,399 ratings)

This delightful adaptation of Rafael Sabatini's swashbuckling novel stars Stewart Granger as Andre Moreau, an 18th-century French nobleman who is publicly humiliated by the Marquis de Maynes (Mel Ferrer). Challenged to a sword duel by the Marquis, Andre, who knows nothing about fencing, runs away,… More This delightful adaptation of Rafael Sabatini's swashbuckling novel stars Stewart Granger as Andre Moreau, an 18th-century French nobleman who is publicly humiliated by the Marquis de Maynes (Mel Ferrer). Challenged to a sword duel by the Marquis, Andre, who knows nothing about fencing, runs away, taking refuge with a theatrical troupe. He hides behind the personality of Scaramouche, a zany clown, and in his spare time romances his sexy leading lady Lenore (Eleanor Parker). Seeking revenge against de Maynes, Andre takes fencing lessons from swordmaster Doutreval (John Dehner). It isn't long before Andre has developed a reputation as the finest swordsman in France--which, as intended, arouses the ire of de Maynes. The two opponents face off in a deserted theater; the ensuing sword duel, running nearly seven minutes, is one of the best ever committed to film. Before he can plunge his blade into de Maynes, Andre discovers that he and the Marquis are half-brothers. The two men instantly forget their differences, and Andre's honor is fully restored. He ends up not in the arms of the sensuous Lenore but with a woman of his own class, Aline de Gavrillac (Janet Leigh)--while a gag ending reveals that Lenore has found herself a new and highly influential boyfriend. Lewis Stone, star of the 1923 silent version of Scaramouche, appears in the remake in the supporting role of Georges de Valmorin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: George Sidney
Written By: Ronald Millar, George Froeschel
Genres: Action & Adventure, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Jun 27, 1952 Wide
On DVD: Jul 1, 2003

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's best remembered for the longest sword duel in cinema history at 6 1/2 minutes.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stella D

'he was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.' one of the best costume epics of the 50s (tbh i hate most of those films.) stewart granger masquerades as an actor until the day he can take revenge for the death of his friend in the early days of… More
'he was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.' one of the best costume epics of the 50s (tbh i hate most of those films.) stewart granger masquerades as an actor until the day he can take revenge for the death of his friend in the early days of the french revolution. famously contains the longest swordfight ever filmed. mel ferrer makes a great haughty villain and janet leigh and eleanor parker look fetching in period garb. from a novel by rafael sabatini, author of some of my pirate faves: the sea hawk, captain blood and the black swan
jay n

Florid costumer with clothes, hairstyles and colors that are almost surreal in their lavishness. Moves at a good clip and every frame is stuffed with pagentry.
hawk l

Delightful adaptation of Sabatini's comic-swashbuckler. Memorable, epic six-and-a-half minute climactic swordfight in a deserted theater between the well-cast Stewart Granger and Mel Ferrer.
Anthony V

Sword fighting and more sword fighting!
Marion R

An interesting film that has a great sword fight scene at the end, it's a good film for an early Saturday morning.

Cast

            Stewart Granger as Andre Moreau/ Scaramouche

            Eleanor Parker as Lenore

            Janet Leigh as Aline de Gavrillac

            Mel Ferrer as Noel Marquis de Maynes

            Henry Wilcoxon as Chevalier de Chabrillaine

            Nina Foch as Marie Antoinette

            Richard Anderson as Philippe de Valmorin

            Robert Coote as Gaston Binet

            Lewis Stone as Georges de Valmorin

            Elizabeth Risdon as Isabelle de Valmorin

            Howard Freeman as Michael Vanneau

            Curtis Cooksey as Fabian

            John Dehner as Doutreval

            John Litel as Dr. Dubuque

            Jonathan Cott as Sergeant

            Dan Foster as Pierrot

            Owen McGiveney as Punchinello

            Hope Landin as Mme. Frying Pan

            Frank Mitchell as Harlequin

            Carolyn Hughes as Pierrette

            Richard Hale as Perigore

            Henry Corden as Scaramouche the Drinker

            Douglas Dumbrille as President

            John Eldredge as Clerk

            Mitchell Lewis as Major Domo

            Anthony Marsh as Capelier

            Ottola Nesmith as Lady-in-Waiting

            Dorothy Patrick as Dorie

            Frank Wilcox as DeCrillion

            Bert LeBaron as Fencing Opponent

            John Crawford as Vignon

            John Sheffield as Flunky

            Elisabeth Risdon
            
See full cast