My recent review of Tribute Film Classic’s magnificent new recording of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER sparked my interest in seeing the film for the first time. As I unfamiliar with Mark Twain’s original novel as well, this was a case where I saw the film strictly for the music.
THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER is certainly no ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD but there is enough sword action to appease swashbuckling fans. Billy and Bobby Mauch give convincing portrayals of the title characters, and Errol Flynn is on hand to lend his considerable charm and star charisma to a film desperately in need of it. Warner Bros. lays out the pomp and circumstance of the Tudor court to great effect and the film proceeds pleasantly, if a bit statically at time.
When you’re used to hearing a full-blooded digital recording of Korngold’s music, the original tracks can seem a bit tinny in comparison. No matter. No one conducts with more brio than the Maestro himself.
If you’re looking for escapist entertainment this weekend, you might consider Twain’s tale of mistaken identity in the court of Henry VIII. And if all else fails, just sit back and let Korngold’s music sweep you up in its Golden Age splendor.
