In an attempt to capitalize on Dexter's first film for Columbia, VALENTINO, the studio promptly gave him another assignment in which he would emulate the silent screen star who made his mark in sand and sandal epics. Not only that, they gave him a dual role requiring the actor to carry the film.
It's only half-successful. Dexter looks good in the period costumes, even acquits himself well in a couple of nicely choreographed dance scenes and makes a dashing hero in the Alexander Dumas style. He even makes a distinction between the true King and his giddy laughter and the brave imposter. But somehow, the total effect is lacking, partly due to a lackluster script and the fact that his leading lady is no more than a cardboard heroine.
JODY LAWRENCE exhibits almost no emotion in her role as the Princess who falls in love with the imposter. She speaks all her lines in a dull monotone and rarely changes her expression. This turns out to be a liability for a costume romance to stir up the proper amount of interest.
Dexter carries the main burden, while GALE ROBBINS, RON RANDELL, CARL BENTON REID and even ANTHONY QUINN as the villain Ramon are mere ciphers. It's a shame, because Columbia gave the film the benefit of lavish sets and costumes, obviously expecting a good return for their money. What they got is the same old Dumas story about a commoner impersonating royalty while the villains plot and plan how to win their way to the throne.
Summing up: Moderately interesting and not Dexter's fault that the project fails to become a spirited enough adventure.
It's only half-successful. Dexter looks good in the period costumes, even acquits himself well in a couple of nicely choreographed dance scenes and makes a dashing hero in the Alexander Dumas style. He even makes a distinction between the true King and his giddy laughter and the brave imposter. But somehow, the total effect is lacking, partly due to a lackluster script and the fact that his leading lady is no more than a cardboard heroine.
JODY LAWRENCE exhibits almost no emotion in her role as the Princess who falls in love with the imposter. She speaks all her lines in a dull monotone and rarely changes her expression. This turns out to be a liability for a costume romance to stir up the proper amount of interest.
Dexter carries the main burden, while GALE ROBBINS, RON RANDELL, CARL BENTON REID and even ANTHONY QUINN as the villain Ramon are mere ciphers. It's a shame, because Columbia gave the film the benefit of lavish sets and costumes, obviously expecting a good return for their money. What they got is the same old Dumas story about a commoner impersonating royalty while the villains plot and plan how to win their way to the throne.
Summing up: Moderately interesting and not Dexter's fault that the project fails to become a spirited enough adventure.