If I Were King is a historical adventure-drama set in 15th-century France. The film tells the story of François Villon, a poet, thief, and rebel who unexpectedly finds himself elevated to high office by King Louis XI. Entrusted with responsibility for the defense of Paris against the Burgundian army, Villon must reconcile his carefree ways with the demands of leadership. The film mixes romance, intrigue, and action against a richly detailed medieval backdrop.
Genre: Historical Adventure / Drama
Director: Frank Lloyd
Frank Lloyd (1886–1960) was a Scottish-American filmmaker and one of the most respected directors of Hollywood’s early sound and silent eras. He began as an actor before moving into directing, where he built a reputation for prestige productions and adaptations of literary classics. Lloyd won two Academy Awards for Best Director: for The Divine Lady (1929) and Cavalcade (1933). Known for his craftsmanship and ability to handle large-scale historical subjects, he directed over 60 films, including Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), which won Best Picture.
Star Cast:
- Ronald Colman as François Villon
- Basil Rathbone as King Louis XI
- Frances Dee as Katherine DeVaucelles
- Ellen Drew as Huguette
- C.V. France as Father Villon
- Stanley Ridges as Rene de Montigny
- Heather Thatcher as Countess de Vaucelles
The film was warmly received, especially for Ronald Colman’s charismatic performance as Villon and Basil Rathbone’s nuanced portrayal of King Louis XI. Critics praised the screenplay, adapted by Preston Sturges, for its wit and literary flair. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Colman and Best Supporting Actor for Rathbone, as well as Best Art Direction. Audiences enjoyed its mix of pageantry, romance, and political intrigue, making it one of the standout historical dramas of the late 1930s.
Fun Facts:
- The screenplay was written by Preston Sturges, who later became famous as a writer-director of classic screwball comedies like The Lady Eve (1941) and Sullivan’s Travels (1941).
- Ronald Colman’s performance as Villon was widely considered one of his finest roles, showcasing both his charm and dramatic range.
- Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of King Louis XI earned him an Academy Award nomination, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s best character actors.
- The film was adapted from Justin Huntly McCarthy’s play of the same name, which had previously been staged and adapted as a silent film.
- If I Were King was a precursor to the swashbuckling genre revival that soon followed with films like The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).
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