Introduction
Royal Flash is a 1975 film based on the second Flashman novel (with the same name) by George MacDonald Fraser.
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.
Ne’er-do-well Captain Harry Flashman (Malcolm McDowell) is coerced by Otto Von Bismarck (Oliver Reed) into impersonating a Prince.
Outline
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.
Cast
- 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.
Trivia
- Though it received good reviews for its performances and action scenes, Royal Flash had only a limited release in cinemas.
- The film was shot partly on location in Bavaria.
Production & Filming Details
- Director(s): Richard Lester.
- Producer(s): Dennis O’Dell and David V. Picker.
- Writer(s): George MacDonald Fraser (novel and screenplay) and Thomas Hughes (characters, uncredited).
- Cinematography: Geoffrey Unsworth.
- Editor(s): John Victor Smith.
- Production: 20th Century Fox and Two Roads Productions (uncredited).
- Distributor(s): 20th Century Fox.
- Release Date: October 1975 (UK).
- Running Time: 102 minutes.
- Country: UK.
- Language: English.
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