Watch Royal Flash

In the 1975 movie Royal Flash, Malcolm McDowell plays Captain Harry Flashman, a charming and conniving soldier in 19th century Britain who seeks wealth and status at any cost. Flashman sees an opportunity when he is accidentally mistaken for a Prussian nobleman and aims to use the mix-up to his advantage. Flashman becomes embroiled in a plot to steal a valuable document from the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (Oliver Reed) that could change the course of European history. Along the way, he falls in love with the beautiful Countess Caroline (Florinda Bolkan) and encounters numerous obstacles and enemies.

The movie features a cast of talented actors, including Alan Bates as the sinister Rudi von Sternberg and Tom Bell as the treacherous Lieutenant Pottinger. McDowell delivers a standout performance as Flashman, a character who is both charismatic and cunning. He is often the cause of his own problems, but always manages to think his way out of them. His interactions with the Countess Caroline are especially entertaining, as he tries to win her over with his quick wit and smooth talking.

Royal Flash is based on the novel of the same name by George MacDonald Fraser, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie is a satirical take on Victorian-era politics and society, with plenty of humor and action. The costumes and set design are impressive, transporting the viewer back in time to a different era.

One of the highlights of the movie is the dueling scene, which is both thrilling and comedic. McDowell and Bates play off each other well in this scene, and their characters' animosity towards each other is palpable.

Overall, Royal Flash is an entertaining and well-made film that blends humor, action, and satire into a memorable experience. It is a great showcase for McDowell's talent as an actor, and the supporting cast is excellent as well. Fans of historical fiction and satire will find plenty to enjoy here, as will anyone looking for a fun and entertaining movie.

Royal Flash is a 1975 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.