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In 1620s France, dreaded swordsman Gil de Berault returns from carrying out a mission for Cardinal Richelieu, and finds the Cardinal worried about growing opposition from the Huguenots in the south. The Cardinal also warns de Berault that dueling has been outlawed, and will henceforth be punishable by death. Gil, however, promptly disobeys the law and is indeed sentenced to death. The Cardinal offers to cancel the sentence if de Berault is able to capture the duke who is organizing plans for an uprising. Gil travels to the duke's castle and is allowed to stay as a guest, but the duke's wife and sister immediately suspect that he is a spy. He and his servant still make good progress, until he falls in love with the duke's sister, which complicates everything.
In 17th-century France, the wily Cardinal Richelieu devises a plan to use a common outlaw, Gil de Berault, to seduce and compromise Lady de la Force, a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, whose influence Richelieu fears. Gil, known as 'The Red Robe' for his flamboyant attire, agrees to the scheme, but he soon finds himself genuinely falling for the woman he was meant to betray. This deception sets in motion a dangerous game of loyalty, love, and political intrigue.
Upon its release, 'Under the Red Robe' was generally well-received for its lavish production values, engaging plot, and strong performances, particularly from Raymond Massey as Cardinal Richelieu. While not a groundbreaking film, it was considered a solid historical drama that successfully blended romance and political intrigue for its time.
Praised for its opulent costumes and set designs.
The performances, especially of the lead actors portraying Richelieu and the outlaw, were highlighted.
Appreciated for its engaging romantic drama set against a historical backdrop.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews from 1937 is not readily available.
None notable.
The film is an adaptation of the 1894 novel of the same name by Stanley J. Weyman, which had previously been adapted into a silent film in 1923.
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Raymond Massey always was good at playing a baddie, and here his depiction of Cardinal de Richelieu, the de facto ruler of France during the reign of Louis XIII, is effective. He is determined to put down the Huguenot (protestant) folks in ...