The Exile (1947) in Color — Starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. & Maria Montez

The Exile (1947) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover The Exile, the 1947 historical drama directed by Max Ophüls and starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr., now available as a professionally colorized version. In 17th-century England, Charles II, the rightful heir to the kingdom, is driven from his country by militants working for rogue leader Oliver Cromwell. Charles ends up in the Netherlands, where he falls for local beauty Katie and spends his days happily in the quiet countryside. Unfortunately, Cromwell’s associate Col. Ingram and his men track Charles down, and the would-be monarch must resort to swashbuckling his way to freedom. This historical drama combines romance with political intrigue as a king in exile fights to reclaim his throne. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

In 17th-century England, Charles II, the rightful heir to the kingdom, is driven from his country by militants working for rogue leader Oliver Cromwell. Following the English Civil War, the victorious Parliamentarian forces under Oliver Cromwell have established a republic and forced King Charles I’s son, also named Charles, into exile. The young Charles Stuart, rightful heir to the throne, flees England to escape capture and execution by Cromwell’s forces.

Charles ends up in the Netherlands, where he falls for local beauty Katie and spends his days happily in the quiet countryside. In the Netherlands, Charles finds temporary safety and attempts to live a normal life, far from the dangers of English politics. He meets Katie, a local woman, and falls in love with her. For a time, Charles enjoys the simple pleasures of country life, almost forgetting his royal destiny and the political turmoil that has driven him from his homeland.

Unfortunately, Cromwell’s associate Col. Ingram and his men track Charles down, and the would-be monarch must resort to swashbuckling his way to freedom. Cromwell, determined to eliminate any threat to his regime, sends Colonel Ingram and his soldiers to hunt down the exiled prince. When Ingram tracks Charles to his hiding place in the Netherlands, Charles must abandon his peaceful life with Katie and fight for his freedom. Using his wits and sword-fighting skills, Charles engages in swashbuckling adventures to escape Ingram’s men and continue his quest to reclaim his throne.

As Charles evades capture and plans his return to England, he must balance his love for Katie with his royal duty. The film builds to a dramatic climax where Charles must choose between his personal happiness and his responsibility to his kingdom, leading to a confrontation that will determine the future of England.

Cast & Crew

Director: Max Ophüls

Stars: Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Rita Corday, Elena Verdugo, Henry Daniell, Nigel Bruce

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The Exile was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the elegance of 17th-century European courts and the excitement of swashbuckling action. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the peaceful Dutch countryside to the thrilling sword fights. The colorized version reveals new visual richness in the film’s settings, where the period-accurate 17th-century costumes, palace interiors, and European landscapes gain authenticity that transports viewers to the world of the English Civil War and its aftermath. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s legendary screen presence gains additional dimension in color, his performance conveying both the romance of a man in love and the courage of a king fighting for his throne. Now also available in colour.

Buy The Exile in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1947, The Exile represents the post-war era of historical drama and the distinctive vision of Max Ophüls, one of cinema’s most visually sophisticated directors. Ophüls, known for his elegant camera work and complex visual compositions, brought a distinctive style to this swashbuckling romance, elevating the genre beyond simple adventure to explore themes of duty, love, and political legitimacy.

The film’s premise of a king in exile fighting to reclaim his throne reflects the cinema’s enduring fascination with royal drama and the restoration of legitimate authority. The story of Charles II’s exile and eventual return to the throne spoke to post-war audiences who had witnessed the overthrow of authoritarian regimes and the restoration of democratic governments across Europe. The film’s exploration of political legitimacy and the costs of ambition resonated with contemporary concerns about leadership and governance.

Historical dramas of this period often used the past to comment on contemporary issues, and The Exile is no exception. Charles’s struggle against Cromwell’s forces could be read as commentary on the struggle against tyranny and the importance of legitimate authority. Through modern colorization, this historical drama reaches new audiences who can appreciate Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s performance, Ophüls’ direction, and its place in the history of historical cinema. Now also available en couleur.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Who stars in The Exile?
A: Douglas Fairbanks Jr. stars as Charles II, with supporting performances by Rita Corday, Elena Verdugo, Henry Daniell, and Nigel Bruce.

Q: Is The Exile a historical drama?
A: Yes, the film is a historical drama about Charles II in exile during the English Civil War period.

Q: What is the plot of The Exile?
A: Charles II is driven from England by Cromwell, falls in love in the Netherlands, but must fight to escape Cromwell’s men and reclaim his throne.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Iron Curtain (1948)
• Man on a String (1960)
• The Saint Strikes Back (1939)
• Redemption (1930)
• A Prize of Arms (1962)