Story of movie Royal Flash Film :
Royal Flash is a 1975 film based on George MacDonald Fraser's second Flashman novel, Royal Flash. It stars Malcolm McDowell as Flashman. Additionally, Oliver Reed appeared in the role of Otto von Bismarck, Alan Bates as Rudi von Sternberg, and Florinda Bolkan played Lola Montez. Fraser wrote the screenplay and the film was directed by Richard Lester.
| Royal Flash | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Richard Lester |
| Produced by | Dennis O'Dell David V. Picker |
| Written by | George MacDonald Fraser |
| Based on | the novel by George MacDonald Fraser |
| Starring | Malcolm McDowell Oliver Reed Alan Bates Florinda Bolkan |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $US4,040,000 |
Though it received good reviews for its performances and action scenes, Royal Flash only had a limited release in cinemas.
Screenplay
The film begins with Flashman making a patriotic speech to the boys of Rugby School framed by a giant Union Flag, in a scene which appears to be a parody of the opening sequence in the 1970 film Patton. There is a brief flashback to the events of the original Flashman, with the head of the Rugby School (Michael Hordern) recounting Flashman's exploits in Afghanistan.
The film then follows the plot of the book, which itself largely derives from The Prisoner of Zenda. Flashman is forced by Otto von Bismarck to impersonate a Danish prince, who is about to marry a German princess (Britt Ekland). Bismarck exacts this retribution partly in revenge for his humiliation at the hands of Flashman in London; Flashman stole Bismarck's mistress Lola Montez, then manoeuvred him into boxing against a professional boxer, John Gully (played by Henry Cooper), at a house party. Bismarck does not wish the Princess to marry a Dane, since this may tilt the balance on the Schleswig-Holstein Question and interfere with his plans for a united Germany.
- Malcolm McDowell as Captain Harry Flashman
- Alan Bates as Rudi Von Sternberg
- Oliver Reed as Otto von Bismarck
- Florinda Bolkan as Lola Montez
- Tom Bell as De Gautet
- Joss Ackland as Sapten
- Christopher Cazenove as Eric Hansen
- Henry Cooper as John Gully MP
- Lionel Jeffries as Kraftstein
- Alastair Sim as Mr Greig
- Michael Hordern as Headmaster
- Britt Ekland as Duchess Irma
- Bob Hoskins as Police Constable
- Arthur Brough as King Ludwig of Bavaria
- Margaret Courtenay as Lady In Honour Duel
- Stuart Rayner as Speedicut
- Leon Greene as Grundwig
- David Jason as The Mayor
- Noel Johnson as Lord Chamberlain
- Ben Aris as Fireman
- Rula Lenska as Helga
- Bob Peck as Police Inspector
- John Stuart as English General
- Frank Grimes as Lieutenant
- Paul Burton as Tom Brown
- Tessa Dahl as 1st Girl
Flashman, the first novel of The Flashman Papers series, had been published in 1968 and attracted the interest of film producers. At one stage Richard Lester was to direct, but the necessary financing could not be secured. However, Lester enjoyed the novel and then hired George MacDonald Fraser to adapt The Three Musketeers for two successful films in the early 1970s. This enabled Lester to obtain finance for a Flashman film.
Royal Flash was the second Flashman novel, and had been published in 1970. The New York Times said "Mr MacDonald Fraser has considerable narrative skill... most ingeniously plotted and often hilariously funny."
The film was one of the first produced by executive David Picker following his resignation from being head of United Artists in 1973.
At one stage John Alderton was reportedly considered to play Flashman.
The film was shot partly on location in Bavaria.
It introduced actors Bob Peck, Bob Hoskins, and Christopher Cazenove.
The Observer said the film "leaves one breathless not so much with enchantment as with boredom". The Wall Street Journal said it was "disappointing".
A UK DVD and Blu-ray was released on 20 May 2013 by Odeon Entertainment. Twilight Time released the film on a limited edition Blu-ray disc in 2013.
.jpg)
.jpg)
