Review of The Master of Ballantrae

Errol Flynn was still a damnably handsome man in 1953.By then he was bringing something extra to his films - a bruised integrity,a face that has had the smooth edges knocked off,eyes that betray a knowledge that he is running out of time.In his close - ups he looks reflective,aware that perhaps his future is all used up as Marlene Dietrich said in "Touch of evil". No longer the superb athlete he once was,his acting is more intense and inner - directed,less extrovert. Teamed with a splendidly silly Roger Livesey in "The Master of Ballantrae",he still cuts a dashing figure nonetheless.He and Mr L carry this rather disappointing production far further than it deserves. Sumptuously photographed by Jack Cardiff with some snappy swordplay,it should be better than it is,but it lacks a strong hand at the helm and becomes a series of unrelated actions totally failing to morph into a satisfying whole. The "pirates ashore" sequence goes on far too long and features a dance by choreographer Miss Gillian Lynne that is possibly unique in cinema history - and I don't mean that in any good way. In 1953 it was still just about enough to have Errol Flynn in a technicolour film with pirates and redcoats - sadly this combination has not improved with age. Within a few years,Mr Flynn will have dissipated himself to death in pursuit of whatever devils haunted him.This was a tragedy not recognised at the time because of the appalling fall - off in, the quality of his final films. 60 years on his career can be viewed much more objectively,and it is possible to acknowledge his grace,charm and athleticism have had few if any equals.