Kidnapped Reviews

Robert Louis Stevenson would turn over, nay, spin in his grave if he were to see the liberties taken with his classic novel; however, this is one of those rare times when the adaptation does the original justice. Just about every British actor living in Hollywood was used in the picture and their presence lent credibility to the story. In the final years of the 18th century, with the British cruelly subduing the forces of Scottish rebellion, David Balfour (Freddie Bartholomew), the young heir to a fortune, is set up by his evil uncle to be kidnaped and sent to sea. However, David meets Alan Breck (Warner Baxter), a fugitive from the British authorities and a rebel against the crown. The two join forces, and after a series of adventures, David is restored to his true position. With its convoluted story and abundance of derring-do, KIDNAPPED is reminiscent of THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, in which the relationship between Errol Flynn's Miles and the prince is similar to the one between David and Breck. Unfortunately, KIDNAPPED isn't quite as exciting or humorous as that classic, but it is a fine film in its own right. Though it was shot in California, the studio's art directors managed to successfully evoke the feeling of Scotland, right down to the heather and the fog.