If I Were King (1938) in Color — Starring Ronald Colman & Basil Rathbone

If I Were King (1938) – Buy This Classic Swashbuckler in Color

Experience the magnificent If I Were King (1938) in stunning colorized HD. Directed by Frank Lloyd for Paramount Pictures, this witty and rousing historical adventure stars Ronald Colman as the legendary French poet and vagabond François Villon — a man of extraordinary intellect and reckless courage who talks his way from the taverns of medieval Paris into the inner councils of the king. Basil Rathbone delivers one of his finest performances as the cunning, spider-like King Louis XI, who recognises in Villon both a kindred spirit and a dangerous rival. Frances Dee co-stars as the noblewoman who falls for the brilliant rogue. With sparkling dialogue, magnificent period recreation, and two towering lead performances, this is Hollywood swashbuckling at its most intelligent and entertaining. Now available as a premium digital download for just €15.00 — DRM-free and yours to keep forever.

Plot Summary

Paris, 1463. France is besieged by the armies of Burgundy, the people are starving, and King Louis XI (Basil Rathbone) — one of history’s most devious monarchs — plays an endless, dangerous game of political chess from his palace while his subjects suffer. In the taverns and alleys of the city, the poet François Villon (Ronald Colman) holds court among thieves, beggars, and outcasts, composing immortal verse between bouts of drinking, brawling, and petty larceny.

When Villon publicly mocks the king’s handling of the Burgundian siege in a scandalous poem, he is brought before Louis — who, instead of ordering his execution, is fascinated by Villon’s intelligence, eloquence, and utter fearlessness. On a whim that is part amusement and part political calculation, Louis appoints Villon as Grand Constable of France, giving him one week to break the Burgundian siege or face the gallows.

Villon attacks his impossible task with brilliant improvisation, rallying the common people of Paris with his oratory while outmanoeuvring the corrupt nobles who have profited from the siege. He falls passionately in love with the Lady Katherine de Vaucelles (Frances Dee), a match that crosses every social boundary of medieval France. But the greatest danger comes not from the Burgundians but from Louis himself — a monarch who never makes a move without calculating its political advantage, and who may have appointed Villon precisely so he can watch him fail.

The film builds to a thrilling climax as Villon must simultaneously defeat the Burgundians, survive Louis’s machinations, and prove worthy of Katherine’s love — all while remaining true to the irreverent, freedom-loving spirit that makes him who he is.

Cast & Crew

Director: Frank Lloyd
Stars: Ronald Colman, Basil Rathbone, Frances Dee, Ellen Drew, C.V. France, Henry Wilcoxon, Heather Thatcher

Ronald Colman is perfectly cast as Villon — his cultured voice, natural elegance, and effortless wit make the poet-vagabond utterly convincing as both a tavern brawler and a man who can hold his own with kings. Basil Rathbone’s Louis XI is a masterpiece of subtle menace — every smile concealing calculation, every gesture carrying multiple meanings. The interplay between Colman and Rathbone — charm versus cunning, openness versus secrecy — provides some of the richest duelling performances in 1930s cinema.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The sumptuous medieval settings — the candlelit taverns, the imposing royal chambers, the snow-covered streets of besieged Paris, the rich costumes of the French court contrasted with the rags of Villon’s companions — are magnificently enhanced through expert colorization. The visual contrast between the warmth of tavern life and the cold splendour of the court mirrors the film’s thematic contrasts between authenticity and artifice. Now also available in colour. Own this brilliant swashbuckler for just €15.00 — where poetry meets swordplay in medieval Paris.

Historical Significance

If I Were King received two Academy Award nominations — including one for Basil Rathbone’s extraordinary performance as Louis XI — and remains one of the most intelligent and literate swashbucklers ever produced. The screenplay by Preston Sturges — who would soon become Hollywood’s greatest comedy writer-director — crackles with wit and intelligence, elevating the genre beyond simple adventure into a genuine battle of wits between two brilliantly written characters. The film draws on the real François Villon, one of France’s greatest poets, whose tumultuous life has inspired literature and drama for centuries. Ronald Colman’s Villon became the definitive screen interpretation of the legendary poet. Through colorization, this masterful historical adventure has been preserved for modern audiences in a stunning new visual presentation.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes – professionally colorized from the original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 101 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes – no restrictions on playback
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was François Villon a real person?
A: Yes. François Villon (1431–after 1463) was a genuine French poet whose brilliant, passionate verse and chaotic criminal life have made him one of literature’s most romantic figures. While the film takes considerable dramatic liberties, the character of Villon is rooted in historical reality.

Q: Did Preston Sturges really write the screenplay?
A: Yes. This was one of Sturges’s finest screenwriting achievements before he became a director. His trademark wit, rapid-fire dialogue, and ability to balance comedy with genuine drama are evident throughout the film.

Q: How does Basil Rathbone’s performance compare to his other villain roles?
A: Many scholars consider his Louis XI the finest performance of his career — more nuanced and complex than his famous Sherlock Holmes or his swashbuckling villains. Louis is a villain who is also a genius, and Rathbone plays every facet with mesmerising skill.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in 720p HD resolution, compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM on this download?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free, meaning you can watch it on any device without restrictions or expiration dates.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchasing?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment. You can start watching within minutes of completing your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Champagne for Caesar (1950)
• The Mark of Zorro (1940)
• Captain Blood (1935)
• The Count of Monte Cristo (1934)
• The Prisoner of Zenda (1922)