The King's Thief

The King's Thief
Directed by Robert Z. Leonard
Produced by Edwin H. Knopf
Written by Robert Hardy Andrews (Story)
Christopher Knopf
Starring Ann Blyth
Edmund Purdom
David Niven
George Sanders
Music by Miklós Rózsa
Cinematography Robert Planck
Edited by John McSweeney, Jr.
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release dates
  • August 5, 1955 (1955-08-05)
Running time
 78 mins.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $1,577,000[1]
Box office $1,549,000[1]

The King's Thief is a 1955 swashbuckling CinemaScope adventure film directed by Robert Z. Leonard. Released on August 5, 1955, the film takes place in London at the time of Charles II and stars Ann Blyth, Edmund Purdom, David Niven, George Sanders and Roger Moore.

Plot

James (Niven), the Duke of Brampton and the richest man in England, is so trusted by King Charles II (Sanders), he is able to have two of the King's loyal friends executed for treason. The second is the father of Lady Mary (Blyth). She travels from France to London to seek justice. While there, she meets Michael Dermott (Purdom), a soldier who fought to restore Charles to the throne.

He and many others were never paid for their services, unbeknownst to the King. He therefore turned highwayman. He and his comrades rob the Duke and come into possession of the Duke's notebook. In it are listed twelve rich and powerful people, as well as details of their possessions. Two names are crossed out; it does not take long for Michael to realize that the other ten are in peril for their lives. Michael first tries to blackmail the Duke, but without much success. A fence named Simon betrays his hiding place. Michael and his comrade Jack (Moore) escape from the Duke's soldiers, though Michael is wounded in the shoulder. Adventure abounds as the Duke tries to retrieve his property before it can be used against him.

Cast

Production notes

The film was based on a story by Christopher Knopf, and was produced by his father Edwin. Robert Taylor and then Stewart Granger were at first announced as the star.[2] Eventually the lead was given to Edmund Purdom who MGM were building into a star at the time.[3]

Michael Wilding was going to play the villain[4] before being replaced by David Niven.

Reception

According to MGM records the film earned only $478,000 in the US and Canada and $1,071,000 elsewhere, resulting in a loss of $707,000.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 The Eddie Mannix Ledger, Los Angeles: Margaret Herrick Library, Center for Motion Picture Study.
  2. ↑ Granger Awarded 'King's Thief' Lead Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 04 Apr 1953: A2.
  3. ↑ Pryor, Thomas (1 Feb 1954). "METRO STRESSING CINEMASCOPE USE: Five of Eight Films to Be Done in April and May Set for Wide Screen". New York Times. p. 19.
  4. ↑ Schallert, Edwin (3 Sep 1954). "Wilding Soon to Delve Into Villainy; New Patty Andrews Film Charted". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.
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