Kidnapped (1938) in Color — Starring Warner Baxter & Freddie Bartholomew

Kidnapped (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Set sail on a thrilling Highland adventure with Kidnapped (1938), now available to buy as a professionally colorized version. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved novel, this classic film stars Warner Baxter as the dashing Jacobite rebel Alan Breck and Freddie Bartholomew as the young David Balfour, alongside Arleen Whelan, C. Aubrey Smith, John Carradine, and Reginald Owen. Originally released in black and white, this restored adventure drama has been carefully enhanced through frame-by-frame HD colorization. Download your instant, DRM-free copy today for just €15.00 and watch this rousing tale of treachery and friendship across the Scottish Highlands in color.

Plot Summary

Young David Balfour arrives at the forbidding House of Shaws to claim his rightful inheritance from his uncle Ebenezer, only to discover that the miserly old man would rather see him dead than share the family fortune. Ebenezer arranges to have David kidnapped and placed aboard a ship bound for the American colonies, where he would be sold into indentured servitude.

Fate intervenes when the ship picks up Alan Breck Stewart, a charismatic Jacobite soldier smuggling funds for the exiled Scottish cause. When the corrupt Captain Hoseason conspires to murder Breck and steal the gold he carries, David chooses to stand with the Highland warrior, and together they fight off the ship’s crew in a desperate battle. Shipwrecked on the wild Scottish coast, the unlikely pair must traverse the Highlands on foot, evading English redcoats and Highland enemies alike.

Their perilous journey forges a deep bond between the worldly, passionate Breck and the earnest, principled David. Along the way they encounter both treachery and kindness, navigating clan loyalties and political dangers in a Scotland still scarred by the Jacobite defeat. This classic movie brings Stevenson’s immortal adventure to vivid life with sweep, wit, and genuine emotional depth.

Cast & Crew

• Starring: Warner Baxter, Freddie Bartholomew, Arleen Whelan, C. Aubrey Smith, Reginald Owen, John Carradine
• Director: Alfred L. Werker
• Runtime: 93 minutes
• Year: 1938
• Rated: Approved
• Genre: Adventure, Drama
• Country: USA

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized and restored version brings the dramatic Scottish landscapes and period settings of this literary adaptation to vivid life. The colorization process reveals the rugged beauty of the Highland terrain, the rich tartans and military uniforms of the Jacobite era, and the atmospheric contrast between the dark confines of the ship and the expansive freedom of the Scottish countryside. Warner Baxter’s swashbuckling energy and Freddie Bartholomew’s youthful intensity gain additional dimension when experienced in full color, while the period details of 18th-century Scotland become richly immersive. Now also available in colour.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Historical Significance

20th Century Fox’s 1938 adaptation of Kidnapped brought Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic 1886 novel to the screen with the production values and star power of a major studio. The film represented the peak of child star Freddie Bartholomew’s career, pairing him with the established star Warner Baxter in a combination that balanced youthful idealism with adult charisma. Director Alfred L. Werker, with uncredited contributions from Otto Preminger, crafted a handsome production that emphasized the story’s themes of loyalty, honour, and the clash between English authority and Scottish independence. The supporting cast featured some of Hollywood’s finest British character actors, including C. Aubrey Smith and Nigel Bruce, lending authenticity to the Highland setting. The film was part of a golden age of Hollywood literary adaptations that introduced classic literature to audiences worldwide.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1938)
• Colorized: Frame-by-frame HD colorization
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 93 minutes
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase.
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What is Kidnapped about?
A young Scottish heir is betrayed by his uncle and kidnapped onto a ship, where he befriends a Jacobite rebel. Together they escape and traverse the dangerous Highlands to reclaim David’s inheritance.

Q: Is this faithful to the Robert Louis Stevenson novel?
The film captures the spirit and major plot points of Stevenson’s novel while making some adaptations for the screen, including an expanded romantic subplot common to Hollywood productions of the era.

Q: Is this suitable for younger viewers?
Yes, it is a swashbuckling adventure story rated Approved and appropriate for family viewing, with exciting action and a strong moral core.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original black and white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows/macOS computers, and iOS/Android devices.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, this digital download is DRM-free for your personal use.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Captain Blood (1935)
• Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back (1934)
• It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955)
• Barefoot Boy (1938)
• Greed in the Sun (1964)