Bardelys the Magnificent (1926)

Set against the flamboyant backdrop of King Louis XIII's French court, Bardelys the Magnificent takes you on an exhilarating journey of gallantry, romance, and intrigue. Our protagonist, Bardelys, is a dashing courtier with a reputation that precedes him. Known for his irresistible charm and ability to woo any woman he sets his sights on, his amorous exploits are legendary. When Chatellerault, another influential figure in the court, fails in his attempt to win the hand of the enchanting Roxalanne - a young woman whose vast family fortune has caught the king's covetous eye - Bardelys arrogantly suggests that he could easily succeed where Chatellerault has failed. Thus, a high stakes wager ensues, setting Bardelys on a thrilling pursuit of love and wealth. However, this isn't just a simple tale of courtly love and ambition. As Bardelys delves deeper into his quest, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. A case of mistaken identity threatens to topple his world, transforming his pursuit of Roxalanne into a perilous adventure. Rafael Sabatini's Bardelys the Magnificent masterfully combines the swashbuckling era's vivacity with a captivating love story. This film promises a journey where pride, love, and danger intertwine, pulling you into a world where a braggadocious courtier's pursuit of a woman becomes a fight for survival. With each moment, Bardelys the Magnificent draws you deeper into its richly woven narrative, leaving you on the edge of your seat, eager for the next twist in the tale.

Bardelys the Magnificent is an action movie featuring John Gilbert and directed by King Vidor.

Bardelys the Magnificent is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Bardelys the Magnificent on Amazon Video.