Professional Soldier (1935) User Reviews

The U.S. Marines Have Done It Again

[joelmcrea · 6/10 · 4 November 1999]

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.

Damon Runyon in Scotland

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 21 August 2012]

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

The big soldier and the little king

[gboozer · 8/10 · 14 August 2000]

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.

A terrific movie, especially for boys. An exciting adventure.

[wayne_f_wolter · 10/10 · 26 February 2005]

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

Good Film

[David_Brown · 9/10 · 19 August 2012]

i just watched this film on the TCM "Summer Under The Stars" salute to Freddy Bartholomew, and it is worth watching. There is one very effective scene, where 11 year old Boy King Peter (Bartholomew) is being talked to by Prince Edric (Lester Matthews)and asked "Is a King willing to face death?" and Peter tells a story about what is father said "in the face of death, always remember you are a King." "I have never forgotten that." Beyond that, it is about the relationship between King Peter, and Michael Donovan (Victor McLaglen), an Irish-American mercenary from Chicago, who does whatever is necessary to protect Peter (Including risking his own life). The best part of the film is how both Peter and Michael conduct themselves with honor and dignity in the face of overwhelming odds. Spoilers ahead: The ending involves Peter naming Michael a General (Michael is dressed in full Marine Dress and they played the Marine Hymm as he walks away). There is also a love interest between Michael's assistant George Foster (Michael Whalan), and Countess Sonia (Gloria Stuart), where Michael (Who loves the ladies) will end up married to Sonia, and essentially be on a leash (Although he will not know it). When Sonia asked if he was staying, and George said "I am not a citizen of this country," Sonia said: "You will be, if you are married to me." (How often do you see the woman propose in a movie? Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) to Bill Chandler (William Powell) in "Libled Lady" might be about the only other time). That is the kind of strong woman Sonia was. I give the film 9/10 stars. I deduct a star for George, who is a bit of a weak character (Very much the opposite of Sonia, Peter and especially, Michael).

If you don't like skits, give it a miss!

[JohnHowardReid · 8/10 · 1 October 2016]

Critics have looked at the variety of Tay Garnett's work for the cinema (he was employed in just about every genre) and have thrown up their hands in despair. Yet there was one type of work that Garnett excelled at, namely his special forte, the tongue-in-cheek adventure yarn, ranging from this film (although it is not a prime example) through Seven Sinners to The Black Knight. For this one, production values are first class and they include some mighty impressive sets, attractive photography, smooth film editing and a very pleasant music score. The movie begins very promisingly with a song and dance by Dixie Dunbar, plus a glorious night club brawl with Victor McLaglen (pronounced as I'm sure most of you know, "Ma- clock-len") single handedly beating off a platoon of waiters, and ending with an inventive little shot when a gendarme's cap falls to the floor. McLaglen's nursemaid role is intriguing. And so is the cloak-and-dagger in the hotel bed-room, punctuated by Whalen staggering to the bath-room. The next appearance of our heroes at a masked frolic in the king's palace is visually lavish, although McLaglen's heavy playing as Colonel Donovan is a slight drawback. But he is soon in his element later on, giving lip to Constance Collier and spinning wild tales for the king. As for the rest of the cast, Michael Whalen plays with an agreeable light touch, but the rest of them seems to take their chores much too seriously. At least Gloria Stuart spreads credit on William Lambert's costumes, and Freddie Bartholomew is much less obnoxious here than in his Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer movies. The center of the movie tends to drag a bit, but all is soon redeemed by a don't-spare-the extras action climax, plus a magnificent investiture ceremony with McLaglen advancing and retreating to the tune of "Halls of Montezuma" which is gloriously sent up. All this kidding around is not everyone's cup of tea, I'll admit, so I repeat, if you don't like skits, give it a miss!