Under the Red Robe

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• 1937
• 1 hr 20 mins
• Action & Adventure, Drama

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The tale of a swashbuckling soldier of fortune in the days of the power of Cardinal Richelieu in France, and of his swift romance while engaged in a dangerous mission for the ruthless Cardinal, this Robert T. Kane production for the 20th Century-Fox English producing subsidiary has a few drawbacks to ready reception in this country, and other features which should more than compensate for them. Starring are three names which are perhaps not too well known among the run of patrons in this country, but which indicate excellent performances. Conrad Veidt is the adventurer, Annabella the subject of his affection and Raymond Massey the highhanded Cardinal Richelieu. The performance of Romney Brent as Veidt's faithful and amusing servant is noteworthy. Adapted by Lajos Biro, Philip Lindsay and J. L. Hodson from the novel by Stanley J. Weyman, the story opens with the condemnation to death of Veidt by the Cardinal despite long and valuable service because of dueling, banned by Richelieu. At the last moment he is given his life if he can bring about the arrest of the leader of an incipient rebellion. With Brent, he makes his hazardous way to the rebel duke's castle, mistakes his sister, Annabella, for his wife, and falls in love with her. Completing his mission through active sequences, he frees the duke, and returns to Paris to take the penalty of failure. But with the rebellion ended by the duke's promise to leave, the Cardinal pardons Veidt and the couple are united. Victor Seastrom's direction is of high caliber.