If I Were King

"His Love-Making Was as Dangerous as His Sword-Play"

Nov 11 1938 Approved 1h 41m
Adventure, History

King Louis XI masquerades as a commoner in Paris, seeking out the treachery he is sure lurks in his kingdom. At a local tavern, he overhears the brash poet François Villon extolling why he would be a better king. Annoyed yet intrigued, the King bestows on Villon the title of Grand Constable. Soon Villon begins work and falls for a lovely lady-in-waiting, but then must flee execution when the King turns on him.

Plot

In 1463, Paris is besieged by the Duke of Burgundy, arch-rival of the king, who is content to sit tight while the poor starve. But there are traitors in Paris, and King Louis goes undercover to find one, thereby meeting Francois Villon, poet, philosopher and rogue. By chance Villon kills the king's traitor and is ordered to replace him...as Grand Constable of France! But there's a catch...

Written by

Preston Sturges, Justin Huntly McCarthy, Lou Smith

Directed by

Frank Lloyd

Cast

Ronald Colman, Basil Rathbone, Frances Dee

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Paramount

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 4 Oscars. 4 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
1,076
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA