A man seeking revenge against a master swordsman goes undercover as an actor and is caught up in the start of the French Revolution.
Scaramouche is based on a historical fiction novel by Rafael Sabatini, whose other works (The Sea Hawk, Captain Blood) were turned into swashbuckling star vehicles for Errol Flynn. It was adapted once as a silent film not long after first release in 1923. The title role of the clown dates back to the 1600's in the early days of comedic theatre.
The film was produced at Metro Goldwyn Mayer with all the prestige trappings of Hollywood's grandest studio, director George Sidney primarily a veteran of their legendary musical division, with titles like Anchors Aweigh, Ziegfeld Follies, Annie Get Your Gun, Show Boat, and Kiss Me Kate to his credit. Originally planned as a musical itself to star Gene Kelly, the large amount of duels in the film were staged by Sidney as dance numbers, making them exciting on a cinematic level as well as for their action.
The cast is headed by English-born actor Stewart Granger (who signed a contract with MGM in order to play the lead role), not as well known as some of his Golden Age contemporaries but a bankable star for over a decade, mainly in adventure/action roles. Joining him is Mel Ferrer (the future husband of Audrey Hepburn), Janet Leigh (Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho), and Eleanor Parker.
Behind the camera was multi-Oscar-winning cinematographer Charles Rosher, and score composer Victor Young. The film had extensive location shooting in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, with some of its notable spots recognizable in the scenes.
While Granger received extensive fencing training during his career on the British stage, Ferrer took six weeks of lessons to appear convincing in the various fights (and his dancing experience helped him with the choreography). The climactic duel is said to be the longest uninterrupted one in cinema history. The two actors did most of their own stunts, with Granger injuring his knee, shoulder, and back over the course of the production
The film was an international success and is considered one of the best swashbucklers. Sidney was nominated for an award by the Director's Guild Of America. Scaramouche is a favorite of former senator and presidential candidate John Kerry, who named his yacht after the title.
Running time is approximately 2 hrs.
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