Under the Red Robe

I say "uncovered" because the condition of the print is pretty bad, and the soundtrack is so worn that half the subtitles say, "Inaudible". Apparently this is an orphaned film, in the public domain, without a decent print to remaster. Considering that many fine films have disappeared, we are lucky that this one survived at all. Lucky, because we see here what made this movie's era "Golden". Even routine costume dramas/comedies such as this one were blessed with fine production values, interesting scripts, and great directors and actors.You can't have everything, and I wanted to see more of the deliciously ruthless Raymond Massey, who got second billing as Cardinal Richelieu but only a few minutes of screen time. A great discovery for me was Romney Brent. I looked him up, and most of his career was on the stage, so to see this delightful character player on the screen is a real treat. Annabella's heavy accent is hard to decipher, but she's so lovely, who cares, especially when she's framed by Victor Sjöstrōm, who brought us Garbo?The sets are impressive, and the story is an interesting piece of historical fiction. There really is a Chateau Foix (subtitles call it "Fiox"), which did have a connection to Richelieu. If you're a movie lover, then look past the poor print and be grateful for this uncovered gem.

I've purchased two DVD editions and one VHS copy of "Under the Red Robe" from Amazon. The DVDs are the Alpha Video version and the Synergy Entertainment one. Along with this VHS copy, all leave something to be desired.The film transfer on all three is dark, and far softer than even a 1937 film should be, but the VHS copy is superior to the DVDs. The soundtrack is scratchy and noisy, making the dialogue often difficult, though not impossible, to hear on all three versions.Oddly, the Alpha Video version replaces the soundtrack for the opening titles with a rather cheesy score. The proper soundtrack commences after the titles. The Synergy Archive Series edition has the full soundtrack, but their DVD lacks any chapter indexes, or even a menu!I actually got the best video quality, and no-worse audio, by purchasing this $5 used 1987 VHS copy by United American Video Corp (through Amazon) and transferring it to DVD.All that said, this is a wonderful film and is well-worth viewing, even with only these unfortunate choices to choose among. Hopefully, a good clean DVD copy will some day be available.

I've been hooked on Conrad Veidt ever since I read a wonderful article about him in one of my subscribed movie magazines. I got a good copy of 'Under The Red Robe' from Amazon simply because it has a good ending. I say that so as NOT to spoil it for others who plan on purchasing it. I love the 'humor' between Veidt's character, Gil, and his 'sidekick' 'Marius' played by Romney Brent. I do know one thing for sure that Veidt had going for him, he was very tall, 6'4" and he has screen-presence in this film. He also uses his piercing blue eyes (how I WISH the film had been in color) to communicate so well. Off-screen I've read where he loved animals, this certainly comes through in this movie when he picks up some puppies and is gently petting them and remarks, "you big boy you". I just smiled when I saw that, the chemistry between Veidt and Annabella is very good, and so is it between him and Raymond Massey (who is always good). It is a shame that the world lost this actor in 1943, who knows where he could have gone!

I've purchased two DVD editions of "Under the Red Robe" from Amazon: This Alpha Video version, and the Synergy Entertainment one. Both leave something to be desired.The film transfer on the two DVDs is equally dark, and far softer than even a 1937 film should be. The soundtrack for both is scratchy and noisy, making the dialogue often difficult, though not impossible, to hear.Oddly, the Alpha Video version replaces the soundtrack for the opening titles with a rather cheesy score. The proper soundtrack commences after the titles. The Synergy Archive Series edition has the full soundtrack, but their DVD lacks any chapter indexes, or even a menu!I actually got better video quality, and no-worse audio, by purchasing a $5 used 1987 VHS copy by United American Video Corp (through Amazon) and transferring it to DVD.All that said, this is a wonderful film and is well-worth viewing, even with only these unfortunate choices to choose among. Hopefully, a good clean DVD copy will some day be available.

I received my DVD very quickly and it is in good condition. Its an interesting film where Conrad Veidt is the good guy in 17th Century France instead of playing a Nazi. Did you know Mr Veidt was in a concentration camp before World War II? The British ambassador protested and he was released and fled to England. He donated his income to the British war effort in gatitude until his untimely death in 1942. When I discovered this information, I wanted to start watching his films.

A real gem. I love Conrad Veidt. So sorry he died young. This is one of the few films where he is the main character and he shows his humor as well as his acting chops. If you like classics, this is a rare one.

Old fashioned but fascinating. One of the world's classic villain as a hero and Raymond Massey as Richelieu.I enjoyed it though the print is noisy.

Good story! I had never heard of this movie . Enjoyed it...

a master swordsman Gil De Berault who is sentenced to hang for dueling, but the cardinal Richelieu. spares his life and sends him on a mission to capture the duke Edmond leader of the rabbles, Gil certain the job will be easy,but he falls in love with Edmond's sister. and his mission becomes much more complicated. its not a bad film but there is no sword fights and not a lot of action but i enjoyed it.the film has not been remasterd but picture quality and sound not too bad.plays on my region 2 player.