This story of 15th century France is based on the 1925 operetta of the same name which, in turn, is based upon the 1901 romantic novel and play "If I Were King". There was a 1930 musical film version by the same title,starring Denis King and Jeanette MacDonald, which I haven't seen. There was also a 1937 non-musical version entitled "If I were King"
Kathryn Grayson(as Catherine) technically was the lead female. However, her screen time was limited, mostly devoted to solos or duets with Oreste Kirkop, as Villon: the vagabond king. The younger Rita Moreno, as Hugette, a lively tavern girl, also in love with Villion, also had several songs, and danced for or with the patrons on several occasions. She was much more involved in the doings of the rabble that Villion led, and with aiding Villion when in trouble. In contrast, Catherine was of noble birth and much less animated.
Historically, this much is true: There was a long standing conflict between the province of Burgundy and the French crown, Burgundy being nearly autonomous of France. Duke Charles did head Burgundy during the relevant time of the reign of Louis XI. Francois Villon was a well known poet and suspected occasional thief during this time. However, I found no information suggesting he was the leader of a dissident group of Parisians. Indeed, Louis XI seems not to have problems with rebellion. As suggested in the film, he was rather low key, dressing simply and spending much time traveling around the countryside, interacting with the common people. He initiated a system of postal roads, thus much facilitating the communications and transportation throughout France. However, the remainder of the story is purely fictional. Charles of Burgundy wasn't killed as depicted. He was killed in a foolish war with Switzerland. This effectively ended Burgundy as a separate power from the French crown.
Through most of the story, the common people of Paris were opposed to Louis, apparently because their rations were too meager, and were prepared to join with Duke Charles in deposing Louis. However, Villon, their leader, decides to take the King's offer of becoming the temporary provost marshal, until Duke Charles was subdued; thereafter being hung as a thief. Villon eventually persuades the common people to support him in a surprise attack on Duke Charles' forces when he attacks the city. Instead of closing the city gates, Villon orders that they be opened, as Charles expected. Then, the combined forces of the common people and Louis's troops would hopefully crush the Duke's forces in the narrow streets.
Although this was Oreste's only feature length Hollywood film, he was quite dynamic and had a great singing voice. Mario Lanza was the original choice to play Villon, but Kathryn nixed that idea, as she hated Mario. As things turned out, she didn't like Oreste any better, and audiences weren't familiar with his name. Thus, he wasn't a draw.
Nine songs are included, Rudolf Frimi composing all. However, Brian Hooker was the lyricist for those songs taken from the 1925 operetta, while Johnny Burke was the lyricist for the songs composed for the present film. Oreste got the lion's share of singing assignments. However, there are several duets with Kathryn, and Rita Moreno got several songs. "Watch Out for the Devil" was accompanied by a ballet with the combined themes of the Devil and Adam and Eve.
This was Kathryn's final Hollywood film, having spent most of her career with MGM, this being a Paramount film. It was also the final film for Walker Hampden, who played King Louis. As mentioned, this was Oreste Kirkop's only appearance in a feature-length film.
Kathryn Grayson(as Catherine) technically was the lead female. However, her screen time was limited, mostly devoted to solos or duets with Oreste Kirkop, as Villon: the vagabond king. The younger Rita Moreno, as Hugette, a lively tavern girl, also in love with Villion, also had several songs, and danced for or with the patrons on several occasions. She was much more involved in the doings of the rabble that Villion led, and with aiding Villion when in trouble. In contrast, Catherine was of noble birth and much less animated.
Historically, this much is true: There was a long standing conflict between the province of Burgundy and the French crown, Burgundy being nearly autonomous of France. Duke Charles did head Burgundy during the relevant time of the reign of Louis XI. Francois Villon was a well known poet and suspected occasional thief during this time. However, I found no information suggesting he was the leader of a dissident group of Parisians. Indeed, Louis XI seems not to have problems with rebellion. As suggested in the film, he was rather low key, dressing simply and spending much time traveling around the countryside, interacting with the common people. He initiated a system of postal roads, thus much facilitating the communications and transportation throughout France. However, the remainder of the story is purely fictional. Charles of Burgundy wasn't killed as depicted. He was killed in a foolish war with Switzerland. This effectively ended Burgundy as a separate power from the French crown.
Through most of the story, the common people of Paris were opposed to Louis, apparently because their rations were too meager, and were prepared to join with Duke Charles in deposing Louis. However, Villon, their leader, decides to take the King's offer of becoming the temporary provost marshal, until Duke Charles was subdued; thereafter being hung as a thief. Villon eventually persuades the common people to support him in a surprise attack on Duke Charles' forces when he attacks the city. Instead of closing the city gates, Villon orders that they be opened, as Charles expected. Then, the combined forces of the common people and Louis's troops would hopefully crush the Duke's forces in the narrow streets.
Although this was Oreste's only feature length Hollywood film, he was quite dynamic and had a great singing voice. Mario Lanza was the original choice to play Villon, but Kathryn nixed that idea, as she hated Mario. As things turned out, she didn't like Oreste any better, and audiences weren't familiar with his name. Thus, he wasn't a draw.
Nine songs are included, Rudolf Frimi composing all. However, Brian Hooker was the lyricist for those songs taken from the 1925 operetta, while Johnny Burke was the lyricist for the songs composed for the present film. Oreste got the lion's share of singing assignments. However, there are several duets with Kathryn, and Rita Moreno got several songs. "Watch Out for the Devil" was accompanied by a ballet with the combined themes of the Devil and Adam and Eve.
This was Kathryn's final Hollywood film, having spent most of her career with MGM, this being a Paramount film. It was also the final film for Walker Hampden, who played King Louis. As mentioned, this was Oreste Kirkop's only appearance in a feature-length film.