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By
NICK ZEGARAC
"The Prince and the Pauper"
(1937) is based on the much loved Mark Twain
classic. In a nutshell, the plot centers on twins,
one the spoiled heir to the English throne, Prince
Tudor (Bobby Mauch) the other Tom Canty (Bill
Mauch), a beggar with a heart of gold. When the
two accidentally cross paths, they become best
friends and secretly trade places, much to the
chagrin of one of the king's advisors, the Earl of
Hertford (Claude Rains) who is plotting to kill
the heir and take over the throne. Into this fray
of royal intrigue enters fortune hunter Mile
Hendon (Errol Flynn). His wily spirit not
withstanding, Hendon vows to set everything right
for king, country and a healthy financial reward.
It all ends pleasantly enough in a sword and
swashbuckling sort of way and a coronation
sequence that is probably one of the most lavish
bits of spectacle ever put on film. The Mauch
twins never did much in Hollywood after this film
-- a genuine pity since they're one of the reasons
this film has retained its original luster for so
many years since.
Warner Home Video gives us a generally solid
looking transfer that is sure to please. The
grayscale has been balanced with solid blacks and
very nice renderings of fine detail. Certain
scenes exhibit a touch of edge enhancement and a
hint of pixelization, but nothing that will
distract from this visually stunning film
adaptation. The sound elements are somewhat more
disappointing by contrast. The main title sequence
in particular sounds as though the music track was
discovered under a rock. It is muffled and full of
audible imperfections. Nevertheless, dialogue --
for the most part -- is presented at an adequate
listening level with only the slightest of pops,
scratches and hiss.
Apart from an essay on sword play and the film's
theatrical trailer there are no extras! |
