Scaramouche

The robust Stewart Granger is "Scaramouche" in this 1952 adaptation of the Sabatini novel, and it's a good example of the kind of film MGM excelled at - it's a fast-moving adventure in beautiful color, with great production values.

Granger plays Andre Moreau, who watches a friend killed in a sword fight with the Marquis (Mel Ferrer). Andre, alas, can't go after the Marquis - he can't handle a sword anywhere close enough. Instead, he joins a traveling company of actors and becomes "Scaramouche." He encounters romance, but he has plenty of time to learn how to use a sword. Finally, he and the Marquis meet again, in a long, exciting, swordfight that takes place in a theater, the highlight of the film.

Very exciting movie in spots, gorgeous to look at, with strong performances by the well-cast Granger, Mel Ferrer, and the beautiful Eleanor Parker. A rousing adventure - if you like swashbuckler movies, don't miss this one!