Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Mjeteconer Just perfect...

Micransix Crappy film

Taha Avalos The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

HotToastyRag The Vagabond King is an old operetta from 1925, adapted first into a film in 1930 with Jeanette MacDonald, and again in 1956 with Kathryn Grayson. I haven't seen the 1930 version, but I did see the 1938 film If I Were King, the story of which-written first in 1901-was the inspiration for the musical.As much as I like Kathryn Grayson, there's just no comparison to the nonmusical version from 1938. The stories and characters are the same, but the added songs are terrible, the lead actor Oreste Kirkop is ridiculous, and the sets and costumes seemed to have been borrowed from The Court Jester. I didn't last the first five minutes without bursting into laughter, seeing all the ways in which The Court Jester had spoofed the movie. As it was, that comedy was released in 1955, so it wasn't intended to be a spoof of The Vagabond King. Still, it seems to be an incredibly funny coincidence.In case you don't know the story, Oreste plays a Robin Hood type who scorns King Louis XI and is the hero of the poor citizens of France. King Louis, played by Cedric Hardwicke, overhears a conversation of how Oreste would be a better ruler, so to humor him, he lets Oreste be "king for a day". Of course, Oreste falls for Kathryn, a noble lady, even though he has the common Rita Moreno back home.Rita Moreno sings the ridiculous song "Vive La You" and the chorus haphazardly dances behind her. Oreste's voice is much too boisterous, and his ego is even funnier than it is annoying. Kathryn is beautiful and has a lovely voice, but she isn't enough to save this terrible musical. If I Were King is a very good movie, so if you like Robin Hood stories, I highly recommend you rent that one. Leave The Vagabond King on the shelf; stick to The Court Jester instead.

weezeralfalfa This story of 15th century France is based on the 1925 operetta of the same name which, in turn, is based upon the 1901 romantic novel and play "If I Were King". There was a 1930 musical film version by the same title,starring Denis King and Jeanette MacDonald, which I haven't seen. There was also a 1937 non-musical version entitled "If I were King"Kathryn Grayson(as Catherine) technically was the lead female. However, her screen time was limited, mostly devoted to solos or duets with Oreste Kirkop, as Villon: the vagabond king. The younger Rita Moreno, as Hugette, a lively tavern girl, also in love with Villion, also had several songs, and danced for or with the patrons on several occasions. She was much more involved in the doings of the rabble that Villion led, and with aiding Villion when in trouble. In contrast, Catherine was of noble birth and much less animated.Historically, this much is true: There was a long standing conflict between the province of Burgundy and the French crown, Burgundy being nearly autonomous of France. Duke Charles did head Burgundy during the relevant time of the reign of Louis XI. Francois Villon was a well known poet and suspected occasional thief during this time. However, I found no information suggesting he was the leader of a dissident group of Parisians. Indeed, Louis XI seems not to have problems with rebellion. As suggested in the film, he was rather low key, dressing simply and spending much time traveling around the countryside, interacting with the common people. He initiated a system of postal roads, thus much facilitating the communications and transportation throughout France. However, the remainder of the story is purely fictional. Charles of Burgundy wasn't killed as depicted. He was killed in a foolish war with Switzerland. This effectively ended Burgundy as a separate power from the French crown.Through most of the story, the common people of Paris were opposed to Louis, apparently because their rations were too meager, and were prepared to join with Duke Charles in deposing Louis. However, Villon, their leader, decides to take the King's offer of becoming the temporary provost marshal, until Duke Charles was subdued; thereafter being hung as a thief. Villon eventually persuades the common people to support him in a surprise attack on Duke Charles' forces when he attacks the city. Instead of closing the city gates, Villon orders that they be opened, as Charles expected. Then, the combined forces of the common people and Louis's troops would hopefully crush the Duke's forces in the narrow streets.Although this was Oreste's only feature length Hollywood film, he was quite dynamic and had a great singing voice. Mario Lanza was the original choice to play Villon, but Kathryn nixed that idea, as she hated Mario. As things turned out, she didn't like Oreste any better, and audiences weren't familiar with his name. Thus, he wasn't a draw.Nine songs are included, Rudolf Frimi composing all. However, Brian Hooker was the lyricist for those songs taken from the 1925 operetta, while Johnny Burke was the lyricist for the songs composed for the present film. Oreste got the lion's share of singing assignments. However, there are several duets with Kathryn, and Rita Moreno got several songs. "Watch Out for the Devil" was accompanied by a ballet with the combined themes of the Devil and Adam and Eve.This was Kathryn's final Hollywood film, having spent most of her career with MGM, this being a Paramount film. It was also the final film for Walker Hampden, who played King Louis. As mentioned, this was Oreste Kirkop's only appearance in a feature-length film.

TheLittleSongbird The Vagabond King did have the ingredients in the first place to be good. And it was. The story is rather old-fashioned and has a couple of dull spots, but I also think it is quite charming and well-meant too. You do forget that though when you see the lavish production values, the costumes, sets and photography are all gorgeous to look at, and hear the beautiful score and memorable songs that add so much to the film's quality. Song of the Vagabonds is especially catchy. The choreography and direction, apart from a couple of stage-bound moments, are otherwise skillful. The cast also add a lot. Kathryn Grayson is a charmer, Rita Moreno plays her role with both grace and fire and you can never go wrong with Vincent Price as narrator. The real surprise though was Oreste, handsome in looks, dashing in acting ability and ringingly resonant in voice, one does wonder why he like the film was forgotten afterwards. All in all, a very well-done film that is worthy of more appreciation. 8/10 Bethany Cox

williams1809-2 Enjoyable version of Rudolph Friml's operetta.Beautiful score song by Oreste and Kathryn Grayson.This was Oreste's only film.I read somewhere that the moviegoing public did not take to him .I think this because younger movie goers did not have the exposure to this music.If Nelson and Jeanette had startd in the fifties,I doubt they would have enjoyed the success they had in the thirties.Personally ,I considered Oreste a fine tenor and I still enjoy his recording of The Vagabond King.I wish they would show a marathon of operettas, so that the older viewers,such as myself ,could relive the pleasant movie going memories of yesteryear