The Master of Ballantrae

**Panache** · 5th February 07, 03:42 PM

I just watched the The Master of Ballantrae a 1953 swashbuckling tale with none other than Errol Flynn. According to the entry on the Internet Movie Database it takes some liberties with the original Robert Louis Stevenson story. It's set during/around the Jacobite rebellion. Lots of kilts, thpugh the mighty Flynn himself doesn't wear one, he does wear trews. Best line was during a party toward the end:

"If they are not wearing kilts, then it isn't dancing"

Flynn is older here, not quite the dashing hero he was. His character, Jamie (great name for a hero

) is a bit less a gentleman than Dr. Peter Blood or Sir Robin of Locksley. In fact he is referred to and self described as a "Devil" throughout the film. Which works with this older more cynical Flynn. The production values are high for the time. It was fun though it doesn't hold a candle to Adventures of Robin Hood, the Sea Hawk, or Captain Blood.
Basil Rathbone is sadly missing as Flynn's foil.

Cheers

**Woodsheal** · 5th February 07, 03:46 PM

The Michael York/John Gielgud/Richard Thomas version is much better; it follows the book quite closely. The book is a great read, by the way...!

**beloitpiper** · 28th July 09, 10:30 PM

I got around to seeing this movie and I loved it! Here are a few screen shots.

Trews!

'45 Rebellion

Marching for Bonnie Prince Charlie

I didn't know they used Thorfinn sporrans...

Errol Flynn doing what he does best: swashbuckling.

Then we take a small break for dancing...

...then more swashbuckling!

**Phil** · 29th July 09, 03:13 AM

I have a terrible admission. I've never seen it. Thanks for posting the screen shots though.

**JolyStNicholas** · 29th July 09, 04:01 AM

He is one of my all time favorite actors. and those movies are some of his best.

He was a bit of a rogue in real life, and played these charactors to the max.

Thank you for posting this.

**Jimmy** · 29th July 09, 04:11 AM

Typical hollywood production but nevertheles enjoyable, I love films like that, You are right his best films were the three that you mentioned, I read recently that Errol done most of his own stunts like the one in Robin Hood where he jumped on to the horse with his hands tied, he was supposed to be a great athlete

**Big Mikey** · 29th July 09, 10:24 AM

Perhaps it does not bode well that he died in Vancouver, BC, after a night of debauchery. Star, keep an eye on that rogue of yours.

**Macman** · 29th July 09, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mikey

Perhaps it does not bode well that he died in Vancouver, BC, after a night of debauchery. Star, keep an eye on that rogue of yours.

That almost happened to me, a few times! Lock him in the hotel room, Star! Well, maybe not!

**Arizona Scot** · 29th July 09, 11:58 AM

Thanks guys I've now had to add another movie to my got to see list. After reading about it here had to go buy Tunes of Glory and that was a special order.