Robert Holmes Movies
- 1936
The Gay Adventure is a typically verbose and complicated comedy-drama from the pen of playwright Walter Hackett. A gang of American con artists manage to convince gormless Englishman Darnton (Barry Jones) that he's a direct descendent of French swashbuckler D'Artagnan. Their motive is to shake down a French family for inheritance money, but Darnton has no way of knowing this. Enchanted by the notion that one of his ancestors may have rubbed shoulders with the Three Musketeers, Darnton imagines that he's back in the 15th century, crossing swords with the minions of Cardinal Richelieu. In traditional movie fashion, all of the characters who appear in the "modern" portions of the film likewise show up in period garb in the flashback sequences. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Yvonne Arnaud, Barry Jones, (more)
- 1935
Walter Hackett's popular stage farce Hyde Park Corner was smoothly transferred to the screen in 1935. Gordon Harker repeats his stage role as insouciant cockney Cheatie, a central figure in a bit of history that repeats itself. A duel to the death in 1780 turns out to have long-reaching effects for the ancestors of the two participants. When in 1935 it looks as though the duel will be repeated -- under the same circumstances, at the same location -- the outcome is significantly different, and a whole lot happier. Binnie Hale co-stars as Sophie, a role originated on stage by Marion Lorne (yes, the same Marion Lorne who later played dithery Aunt Clara on TV's Bewitched). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gordon Harker, Binnie Hale, (more)
- 1931
In this drama, two half-sisters begin fighting after they fall for the same man. The fight is resolved when one of the girls gets pregnant and must marry and the other ends up in a convent. Later murder, forgery, and extortion ensue. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Margot Grahame, Elizabeth Allan, (more)
- 1931
Comedian Jerry Verno, who played a cabbie in Michael Powell's earlier Two Crowded Hours, is back behind the livery wheel in My Friend the King. King Ludwig Eric Pavitt) is a young Ruritanian prince who is unceremoniously abducted by revolutionaries led by the wicked Count Huelin (Tracey Holmes). Verno is called upon to help in the efforts to save the young ruler, going as far as disguising himself as a countess to effectuate the rescue. After a lengthy car chase, all ends well with the prince restored to his rightful place. My Friend was one of five movies that Michael Powell filmed during his first busy year as a director. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
