The Brigand (1952)

OK, so yes - it's a shameless rip off of the "Prisoner of Zenda" but as that is a pretty solid story, this isn't as dreadful as it might have been. Anthony Dexter takes on the double role as "Capt. Delargo" and "King Lorenzo". When the latter is injured by a backfiring shotgun, his distant cousin has to step in and help keep the ship on an even keel whilst the "Princess Theresa" (Jody Lawrence) arrives for a betrothal ceremony, The king's cousin "Ramón" (Anthony Quinn) is clearly the man behind the plotting - and you just know he isn't going to stop now! It has a few, minor, deviations from the better established story but otherwise it's a dead ringer. Baxter is dapper enough, and the thing looks grand and sumptuous, but there is more gel in Quinn's hair than between the two stars and the ending sees the most sedate sword fight I think I have ever seen. The production is really basic - the opening few scenes with a back-lit screen as they nod and sway on their non-existent horses does raise a smile. I didn't hate it, but it did make me appreciate Messrs. Fairbanks and Granger an whole lot more.