During the reign of 15th century France's King Louis XI, a young Scottish man is sent by his English Lord to woo a French lady on his behalf. The plan goes awry when the young man falls in love with her. Starring Robert Taylor ("Ivanhoe," "Magnificent Obsession"), Kay Kendall ("Genevieve") and Oscar-nominee Robert Morley ("Marie Antoinette," "Beat the Devil"). Produced by Academy Award-recipient Pandro S. Berman ("Ivanhoe," "Top Hat," "Father of the Bride"). Based on the classic novel by Sir Walter Scott.
M**Z
Not Ivanhoe, but on its own merit enjoyable movie
if you watch this movie on its own merit, it's an enjoyable movie, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. I saw Ivanhoe when I was younger and caught it on TCM earlier this year. That caused me to look it up online, also look up Robert Taylor, and that is when I read about Quentin Durward being part of three movies produced by MGM, Ivanhoe, Knights of the Round Table and Quentin Durward.I actually caught "Quentin" on TCM when I turned on the TV while getting ready for work, so recorded the last 45 minutes of it and viewing it when I returned from work was enough to peak my interest in the movie. I then caught the beginning of the movie on You Tube (about 10 minutes worth), and decided to add to my collection.As I said before, if you don't compare this to anything else, it's a fun movie with a coy sense of humor. The action sequences are well done, and the bell tower sequence over a blazing fire grabs your imagination, especially when Quentin (Robert Taylor) jumps onto a rope one last time--you don't see the outcome until a later scene.Kay Kendall lends coyness and a humorous side in her role as the marquess, and she plays well along side Robert Taylor not knowing why Quentin came over from Scotland. Robert Morley as King Luis does an excellent job and plays his politics with cunning.A great movie for the family to share, or when looking for something with a good balance of action and romance.
W**N
15th Century Comedic Swashbuckler
Warner archives, Good, Not great print, widescreen 16x9, 15th century comedic swashbuckler? An interesting bell tower dual. Roberts Taylor and Morley carry the film, along with Kay Kendall as the romantic interest. Good cast of unusual characters.
A**R
Attention: Robert Taylor fans
Quentin Durward, a Scotsman with chivalry in his blood and soul, but without a title; is commissioned to go forth and view his uncle's future bride. The uncle, old and near penniless is looking for a rich bride and wants his nephew to go and see if she is worthy. Quentin Durward cares about his uncle and feels obligated to his uncle's wishes. Upon arriving in France, he finds himself involved in political intrigue and adventures; thereby using his skills as a knight. If you are a Robert Taylor fan and have Ivanhoe and Knights of The Round Table in your collection, this movie is a must.
L**T
Happy to add this to my collection!!!
This is another great colorful epic from the 50's 60's era! When you purchase Quentin Durward you could be filling a Sir Walter Scot trilogy or a Robert Taylor trilogy. As a Sir Walter Scot books to movies trilogy it would go with "Ivanhoe", King Richard & the Crusaders e.i. (The Talisman) & Quentin Durward. As Robert Taylor's Epic Swashbuckler Trilogy you would be filling "Knights of the Round Table, "Ivanhoe" & "Quentin Durward!" Some consider this one of Robert Taylor's lesser offerings from this trilogy, but I think its a bit more cerebral offering more court intrigue & a little less swashbuckling...but just a little. I think its definitely worth adding to your Sword & sandal/sorcery/history movies! The cinematography, acting & storyline are all top notch with complex character's & conflicting interest that make this a bit different from your standard epic period piece of its time. I am a huge fan of all movies with sword's I enjoy the fantasy aspect of the Sword & Sorcery genre & love the Historic period pieces especially the epic's from the 50's & 60's!!! This period in history is perfect for the big color used in these epic films from the color's representing country's to the elaborate colorful emblem's designating family crest's this was a period of time when Knight's in shining armor were virtually human peacock's & the women were sporting some pretty fantastic wardrobes also! The more opulent the set's the better! Yes there was grit & grime & the not so romantic situation's of the common man that were glossed over back in the 50's & 60's but its easy to forgive the grubby aspect's of this time in history when your just looking for some escapist fantasy. I would argue that what Quentin Durward lacks in physical action it more than makes up for it in political intrigue & the deeper conflict's of human morality! Quentin fall's in love with the woman he is sent to vet for his Uncle to marry! For a man who's whole life has been dedicated to the high moral standard's of the old school code of Chivalry this is a moral dilemma! He is honor bound to protect men that wouldn't make a patch on his ass...again a moral dilemma! Yes I do believe this is under rated & is every bit as good as "Ivanhoe" & "Knights of the Round Table" in its own way. And just because it might not have as many action scenes has Robert Taylor's other two Epic's please don't think it lacks action, there's plenty of clashing sword's and one of the most unique blade battles in the belfry you may ever see!!! I don't hesitate in rating this movie with 5 star's because I believe it deserves all 5 star's!!! I know I am very happy to add it to my D.V.D. collection! I don't rate movies by there budget's but on there ability to entertain & tell a good story & Quentin Durward succeeds on all level's!!
A**R
The end of chivalry and knighthood
A beautifully photographed rendition of Sir Walter Scott's classic story about a Scot trained as a knight at a time when gun powder and firearms was making knightssuperfluous. Acting by Robert Taylor and Kay Kendall is excellent. There is much humor in this film, and both Taylor and Kendall make their relationship fun and romantic. Strongly recommend this for anyone interested in a fast paced, action/romantic film.
D**N
Fun Fun Fun
A great swashbuckler. They don't make them like this anymore. No quite up to Prince of Foxes but vastly superior to Knights of the Round Table. Kay Kendall and Robert Taylor are beautiful. Robert Morley is.... Robert Morley. You can't ask for anything more!
R**N
A very good movie.
I really enjoyed this movie. I love older medieval movies and this one goes in my favs group. Robert Taylor does a very good job in this type of movie, Ivanhoe to mention one. The action is good.
J**W
Very nice but leaves one wanting more
Good not great movie
A**N
One of the Great Adventures
Thanks again Warner Archive. A truly splendid Scope transfer, lovely colour and sound and a fair price (just). The story is well known and covered by other reviewers. Suffice to say this is highly recomended in every department. I must check out availability of "Ivanhoe" and "Knights of the Round Table".
G**T
Not Walter Scott but very entertaining
Enjoyed seeing this again. Great costumes, and wonderful performances from a host of British talent. A young friend seeing it fort he first time was struck by how literate and literary the script was compared with some of today's films.
I**Y
Excellennt
Always loved this movie 😀
K**H
QUENTIN DURWOOD R1 DVD
Great transfer to dvd 16.9 2.35.1 widescreen box says its in mono but it has a stereo soundtrack, shame we cant get warner brothers to release these products in the uk in pal.
J**E
Five Stars
excellent film.
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