Errol Flynn was the premiere adventure star of Hollywood's golden age, most famous for his swashbuckling roles in The Adventures of Robin Hood, and the pirate films Captain Blood and The Sea Hawk. Although his career also included war films and westerns, Flynn became quickly stereotyped as an action hero, and was rarely given the opportunity to flex his dramatic or comedic muscles. In Don Juan, Flynn plays the legendary title character, who becomes a fencing instructor to rehabilitate his scandalous image as a womanizer and soon uncovers a conspiracy to overthrow the King and Queen.
By 1948, Flynn's status was very much in decline, with a string of box office failures, legal troubles, and health problems due to years of drinking and carousing weighing him down. Despite these obstacles, Warner Bros. attempted to recapture the old magic by casting Flynn in another costume adventure as Don Juan. Teamed up with his long-standing sidekick Alan Hale (who had co-starred with Flynn in 12 previous films), the story shows the infamous Spanish seducer in a similar condition, his reputation preceding him, the body worse for wear, the attitude humorously cynical. This allowed Flynn's portrayal to ironically comment on his own life, something not necessarily noticeable to the general public, but very recognizable to all of Hollywood, and for anyone watching the films today in context.
The production went through four directors and two music composers before reaching completion, and while Flynn's drinking continued throughout the production, he did almost all of his own stunts, including the swordfighting, which some argue is among the most exciting of his entire career.
Despite being unsuccessful upon its release, the film is now regarded as a late feather in Flynn's cap, a showcase for his charm and energy. Flynn died just over 10 years later of a heart attack at age 50.
Film runs approximately 110 minutes.
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