Soldat de carrière

Former real-life mercenary Victor McLaglen plays a professional soldier who is hired to kidnap a king, but he gets much more than he bargained for in Freddie Bartholomew. This isn't meant to be a heavyweight film, but it is humorous and sweet and the two main characters are truly enjoyable. I can't wait till I find a copy of my own.

Soldier of fortune Victor McLaglen (as Michael Donovan) is unhappy being employed to watch over playboy Michael Whalen (as George Foster), who frequently gets into trouble with liquor and ladies. When asked by citizens of a small European country to abduct their king, Mr. McLaglen happily agrees. The usurpers don't want their royal ruler harmed during the revolution because he is young Freddie Bartholomew (as King Peter II). At a costume party for royal subjects, Mr. Whalen meets lovely Gloria Stuart (as Countess Sonia), and they are mutually attracted. McLaglen meets young Bartholomew, but balks at kidnapping a mere "kid"...

Bartholomew finds the idea adventurous and insists on going along with the plan...

This isn't the writer's usual setting, but Damon Runyon's "Gentlemen, the King!" feels right at home with McLaglen's presence and Bartholomew's "little king" expressing much fondness for Runyonesque America. The supporting cast is enriched by the presence of Constance Collier (as Lady Augusta) and C. Henry Gordon (as Gino) is an effective lead villain. The black-and-white cinematography by Rudolph Mate is noteworthy. He combines with director Tay Garnett for some striking moments, especially in the castle. Mr. Mate could have given us more footage of beautiful gypsy dancer Rita Hayworth, but he made up for it in her later films.

****** Professional Soldier (12/27/35) Tay Garnett ~ Victor McLaglen, Freddie Bartholomew, Michael Whalen, Gloria Stuart

This story revolves around two people, a king played by Freddie Bartholomew, and an ex marine played by who else, Victor McLaglen. There is trouble in the kingdom and a coup is planned. Not only is his highness about to lose his thrown but also his head. But good ole vic is there to save the day not only carrying the king on his back through a murky forest but also carrying a 50 lb machine gun and firing it from the hip. The king and his kingdom are saved. Besides the machine gun sequence the ending is also exciting with McLaglen marching in to the tune of The Halls Of Montezuma and receiving an award from his highness for his bravery. A mediocre film brought to life by one of hollywood's finest and most underrated actors, Victor McLaglen.

This is a terrific movie , especially for boys. It's about a boy king and an tough old Marine. It's an exciting adventure and better than the junk made today.I haven't seen this movie in years but I vividly remember it. I wish I had a copy of it to watch over and over. I think a lot of "Star Wars" was taken from this movie, although this movie takes place in the 1930's. The last scene in "Star Wars" sure looks like it was copied from 'Professional Soldier. Victor McGlaglen is believable because he was a tough adventurer in real life. McGlaglen once fought Jack Johnson and lost the decision. Today's actors appear to be little boys playing at being men. Wayne F. Wolter