Échec au roi

Obviously this was not a big enough hit to make it an attraction at Disneyland. Maybe that was down to the fact that RKO,who distributed the film,were at the time in some disarray due to the ownership of Howard Hughes.

It is a reasonably entertaining film,well photographed in Technicolour. It has to be said that Richard Todd doesn't quite make the same impact as Robert Newton did in Treasure Island.

He is supported by lots of familiar character actors, particularly Finlay Currie and Eric Pohlman.. I always find it funny when you see Scots depicted as fighting bare chested. Didnt anyone that it is freezing in Scotland and they would have died of hypothermia before reaching the battlefield.

This Walt Disney (early, when Walt Disney Production was synonymous with wholesome family fare - poor Walt!) film, was actually part of a trilogy contracted with British actors Richard Todd and James Robertson Justice (The Sword and the Rose & The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men were the other two). The lovely Glynis Johns, who plays Rob's wife, portrays a charming Mary Tudor in the Sword and the Rose, but is absent from 'Robin Hood'. Joan Rice is delightful as Maid Marion, but ....

Admittedly, one shouldn't substitute 'Highland Rogue' for a documentary on Scottish history of the period. However, there is more than enough accuracy to explain the attitudes and conflicts of the time.

Richard Todd shows, clearly, why he was one of the top British film stars of his time and why he was a popular North American import for both stage and screen . He was one of the most passionately animated actors to achieve leading man status. His dark good looks, range of expression, and obvious athleticism (he served as a paratrooper in WWII) complemented his energetic performances.

Those who, after watching him, have wondered why he didn't have even greater success in North America, should remember two things: Britain, aflame with patriotic fervor after the war, had a very strong film industry of its own; therefore, many actors felt no desire to join Hollywood's 'British Colony'. Also, Todd fell slightly short, pardon the pun, of North America's standard for romantic leading men.

For those concerned about coarse language, explicit sex, or graphic violence when selecting family viewing - this is a keeper. The historic struggle, warm interaction between the stars, and humour should satisfy the more mature members, while the bright colours and action sequences should appeal to all.

I first saw this movie about 45 years ago and 3 scenes stayed with me until 'my good woman' was able to find a copy for me last year. (Since I watch it every month, she uses it as one of her arguments when she feels a need to remind me why I should appreciate her so much!) I also heartily recommend the other two movies from the trilogy as wonderful family viewing.

I quite like 'Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue', though the bland conclusion knocks it down a peg in my books.

There are a number of familiar faces from 1953's 'The Sword and the Rose', with Richard Todd again teaming up with James Robertson Justice, Glynis Johns and Michael Gough. I enjoyed these cast members in that latter film, so little surprise I rate them here too.

Todd leads as Rob Roy himself, to mostly positive feelings. He continues to work well with Glynis Johns (Helen), I would've actually appreciated extra scenes with those two together. I wanted more screen time for Justice (Argyll) too, though his absence does make sense to be fair. Credit to Jean Taylor Smith also, she's decent as Margaret.

The action sequences still look fairly solid, while the 82 minute run time helps keep things fresh - I never felt like it dragged its heels personally. I just didn't presume such a quick resolution, I expected a bigger finale.

Although not based on Sir Walter Scott's novel of the same name, I found "Rob Roy" a most entertaining effort. Splendidly acted throughout, particularly by James Robertson Justice (as the sympathetic Campbell), Michael Gough and Geoffrey Keen (two wonderful villains), and Eric Pohlmann (a truly charismatic performance – one of his best – as King George), "Rob Roy" emerges as a rousing adventure yarn with plenty of swashbuckling excitement, hair's breadth escapes, and even a bit of humor and romance. French has directed in rousing style. He has an eye for both the pictorial and dramatic possibilities of real locations. Supporting technical credits are absolutely first-class, featuring fine scenic photography and a handsomely atmospheric music score.

The third and last of his British made films with Richard Todd is Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue. As per a Disney family audience it's a lot more upbeat than the Nineties version of this same tale that starred Liam Neeson.

It's after the 1715 uprising and James Robertson Justice as the Duke of Argyll wants to bring peace to Scotland as he's figured out the Stuarts ain't coming back. But his aide Lord Montrose has a wholly different agenda going and it involves a special if unspecified grudge he has against the MacGregor Clan as headed by Richard Todd.

Anyway in many attempts they just can't seem to capture Todd or intimidate the MacGregors. The Earl of Montrose is played by Michael Gough and his bloodthirsty aide is played with special relish by Geoffrey Keen.

Rob Roy is not quite up to the excellence of Robin Hood and The Sword and the Rose, but Richard Todd is earnest and athletic and every inch a Scottish hero. There was definitely a special eye for the customs and mores of Eighteenth Century Scotland in the making of Rob Roy. And it holds up well after over half a century.