Professional Soldier (1935)

Absolutely Brilliant!

The first must-see film of the year.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Critics have looked at the variety of Tay Garnett's work for the cinema (he was employed in just about every genre) and have thrown up their hands in despair. Yet there was one type of work that Garnett excelled at, namely his special forte, the tongue-in-cheek adventure yarn, ranging from this film (although it is not a prime example) through Seven Sinners to The Black Knight. For this one, production values are first class and they include some mighty impressive sets, attractive photography, smooth film editing and a very pleasant music score. The movie begins very promisingly with a song and dance by Dixie Dunbar, plus a glorious night club brawl with Victor McLaglen (pronounced as I'm sure most of you know, "Ma- clock-len") single handedly beating off a platoon of waiters, and ending with an inventive little shot when a gendarme's cap falls to the floor. McLaglen's nursemaid role is intriguing. And so is the cloak-and-dagger in the hotel bed-room, punctuated by Whalen staggering to the bath-room. The next appearance of our heroes at a masked frolic in the king's palace is visually lavish, although McLaglen's heavy playing as Colonel Donovan is a slight drawback. But he is soon in his element later on, giving lip to Constance Collier and spinning wild tales for the king. As for the rest of the cast, Michael Whalen plays with an agreeable light touch, but the rest of them seems to take their chores much too seriously. At least Gloria Stuart spreads credit on William Lambert's costumes, and Freddie Bartholomew is much less obnoxious here than in his Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer movies. The center of the movie tends to drag a bit, but all is soon redeemed by a don't-spare-the extras action climax, plus a magnificent investiture ceremony with McLaglen advancing and retreating to the tune of "Halls of Montezuma" which is gloriously sent up. All this kidding around is not everyone's cup of tea, I'll admit, so I repeat, if you don't like skits, give it a miss!

Soldier of fortune Victor McLaglen (as Michael Donovan) is unhappy being employed to watch over playboy Michael Whalen (as George Foster), who frequently gets into trouble with liquor and ladies. When asked by citizens of a small European country to abduct their king, Mr. McLaglen happily agrees. The usurpers don't want their royal ruler harmed during the revolution because he is young Freddie Bartholomew (as King Peter II). At a costume party for royal subjects, Mr. Whalen meets lovely Gloria Stuart (as Countess Sonia), and they are mutually attracted. McLaglen meets young Bartholomew, but balks at kidnapping a mere "kid"...Bartholomew finds the idea adventurous and insists on going along with the plan...This isn't the writer's usual setting, but Damon Runyon's "Gentlemen, the King!" feels right at home with McLaglen's presence and Bartholomew's "little king" expressing much fondness for Runyonesque America. The supporting cast is enriched by the presence of Constance Collier (as Lady Augusta) and C. Henry Gordon (as Gino) is an effective lead villain. The black-and-white cinematography by Rudolph Mate is noteworthy. He combines with director Tay Garnett for some striking moments, especially in the castle. Mr. Mate could have given us more footage of beautiful gypsy dancer Rita Hayworth, but he made up for it in her later films.****** Professional Soldier (12/27/35) Tay Garnett ~ Victor McLaglen, Freddie Bartholomew, Michael Whalen, Gloria Stuart

This is a terrific movie , especially for boys. It's about a boy king and an tough old Marine. It's an exciting adventure and better than the junk made today.I haven't seen this movie in years but I vividly remember it. I wish I had a copy of it to watch over and over. I think a lot of "Star Wars" was taken from this movie, although this movie takes place in the 1930's. The last scene in "Star Wars" sure looks like it was copied from 'Professional Soldier. Victor McGlaglen is believable because he was a tough adventurer in real life. McGlaglen once fought Jack Johnson and lost the decision. Today's actors appear to be little boys playing at being men. Wayne F. Wolter

Former real-life mercenary Victor McLaglen plays a professional soldier who is hired to kidnap a king, but he gets much more than he bargained for in Freddie Bartholomew. This isn't meant to be a heavyweight film, but it is humorous and sweet and the two main characters are truly enjoyable. I can't wait till I find a copy of my own.