Royal Flash (film)

Plot summary

The film begins with Flashman making a patriotic speech to the boys of Rugby School framed by a giant Union Flag, in a scene which appears to be a parody of the opening sequence in the 1970 film Patton. There is a brief flashback to the events of the original Flashman, with the head of the Rugby School (Michael Hordern) recounting Flashman's exploits in Afghanistan.

The film then follows the plot of the book, which itself largely derives from The Prisoner of Zenda. Flashman is forced by Otto von Bismarck to impersonate a Danish prince, who is about to marry a German princess (Britt Ekland). Bismarck exacts this retribution partly in revenge for his humiliation at the hands of Flashman in London; Flashman stole Bismarck's mistress Lola Montez, then manoeuvred him into boxing against a professional boxer, John Gully (played by Henry Cooper), at a house party. Bismarck does not wish the Princess to marry a Dane, since this may tilt the balance on the Schleswig-Holstein Question and interfere with his plans for a united Germany.

Reception

The Observer said the film "leaves one breathless not so much with enchantment as with boredom". The Wall Street Journal said it was "disappointing".

Home media

Although the film was released on VHS there was no United Kingdom DVD for years, although there was a North American (Region 1) version. A UK DVD and Blu-ray was released on 20 May 2013 by Odeon Entertainment. Twilight Time released the film on a limited edition Blu-ray disc in 2013.