SPOTLIGHT ON…IF I WERE KING (1938)
In 1463 France, King Louis XI rules with an iron hand. The Burgundians have surrounded Paris,
demanding Louis’ surrender; he suspects one of his counsels as a Burgundian spy.
Poet and Rebel, Francois Villon, who has raided ones of the king’s store houses the night before, distributes the stolen goods at the Fir Cone Tavern.
In disguise at the same tavern, the King observes his counsel receiving an incriminating note.
A brawl erupts during which the traitor to the King is killed by Villon.
Villon and his cohorts are put in the Palace Dungeon
In gratitude for killing the traitor Grand Constable, the King dubs Francois the Count of Montcorbier, his new Grand Constable.
The Burgundians are still demanding surrender but Villon makes an impassioned reply, promising to attack them in one week.
Villon falls in love with the lady-in-waiting Katherine DeVaucelles.
Played by the beautiful Frances Dee.
Villon eventually convinces his generals to stand and fight and urges the people to fight as well.
Despite the death of his former lover, Huguette, the Parisians prevail to defeat the enemy; Paris is saved and the people have food again.
Huguette portrayed convincingly by Ellen Drew.
“If I Were King”, 1938 Full Film
CLICK IMAGES OR TITLES BELOW TO PLAY CLIPS
Including behind the scene stills, scenes with Frank Lloyd daughter Alma, rare 16mm color footage shot by Alma on the set of “If I Were King”
