This film was presumed to be lost to the ravages of time. However, recently most of the film was uncovered and restored. Flicker Alley has just released it on DVD and the product is worth seeing--though far from perfect. First, a portion of the film is missing and this is dealt with by using production stills and intertitle cards. Considering this is a small portion of the movie, this isn't that big a problem and can be overlooked. Second, compared to some other Flicker Alley DVDs, this one is a bit disappointing, as the special features included aren't that special. They aren't bad, but after seeing such a magnificent collection of extras with another recent Flicker Alley release (GARDEN OF EDEN), I was hoping this DVD would be the same. Still, despite these two problems, the DVD is still well worth seeing.
The film is set during the reign of Louis XIII. Bardelys is a nobleman, swashbuckler and lover--much like Don Juan. He is based on the Rafael Sabatini novel, but like all the Sabatini films I have seen based on his books that I have read, the story has been changed quite a bit. Still, it's smashing good.
Bardelys has a fault and that is his pride won't let him back down from any challenge. When his arch-rival challenges Bardelys to either marry an eligible but chaste noblewoman, he accepts--though he is loathe to marry. In a series of events that can only happen in Hollywood, Bardelys' path takes her to this woman and they actually DO fall in love. The problem is that she thinks he's someone else and he is afraid she'll think he won her heart just to win the stupid bet. In the end, everything works out swell and they all live happily ever after.
The film has some exceptional acting, staging and action. I was really surprised late in the film when suddenly the movie looked like a Douglas Fairbanks spectacle. Fairbanks was known for his athleticism and great acrobatics--and in BARDELYS, the action is amazing--though I also think that unlike Fairbanks' films, a stuntman did most of the action in this film. Regardless, it is spectacular and very entertaining. Compared to other silent films of the day, this one compares very well and I heartily recommend it--even with a few minor complaints about the DVD.
The film is set during the reign of Louis XIII. Bardelys is a nobleman, swashbuckler and lover--much like Don Juan. He is based on the Rafael Sabatini novel, but like all the Sabatini films I have seen based on his books that I have read, the story has been changed quite a bit. Still, it's smashing good.
Bardelys has a fault and that is his pride won't let him back down from any challenge. When his arch-rival challenges Bardelys to either marry an eligible but chaste noblewoman, he accepts--though he is loathe to marry. In a series of events that can only happen in Hollywood, Bardelys' path takes her to this woman and they actually DO fall in love. The problem is that she thinks he's someone else and he is afraid she'll think he won her heart just to win the stupid bet. In the end, everything works out swell and they all live happily ever after.
The film has some exceptional acting, staging and action. I was really surprised late in the film when suddenly the movie looked like a Douglas Fairbanks spectacle. Fairbanks was known for his athleticism and great acrobatics--and in BARDELYS, the action is amazing--though I also think that unlike Fairbanks' films, a stuntman did most of the action in this film. Regardless, it is spectacular and very entertaining. Compared to other silent films of the day, this one compares very well and I heartily recommend it--even with a few minor complaints about the DVD.