This British film is a comedy romance that stars Jack Buchanan, a Scottish actor. While he is little remembered in America today, Buchanan was a well-known and loved performer of English stage and screen the first half of the 20th century. The multi-talented Buchanan was an actor, comedian, singer and dancer. He also began directing and producing his own plays early in his career. He starred in most of his musicals. His earliest film was a silent in 1917, but he got his start on the English stage and then crossed the pond to appear on Broadway.
Buchanan is best known in the States for his film role in "The Band Wagon." The 1953 smash musical comedy had a top cast of song and dance stars, and Buchanan danced with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Buchanan's usual persona was similar to Astaire's, except that he was even more so the debonair gentleman, always friendly and upbeat. He also had some big stage and cinema business connections in England, and was known for his charity and aid to down and out performances. He died in 1957 of spinal cancer.
"When Knights were Bold" is a comedy fantasy in which Buchanan does a little soft shoe and sings. His pranks and antics are the source of most of the humor. Fay Wray is a distant cousin whom he has eyes for once they meet. But, she has become almost as frigid as the older stuffy and aloof members of the clan. Can Sir Guy De Vere win the hand of this fair maiden and overcome the entrenched snobbery of Beechwood Castle?
He arrives in Little Twittering, after being discharged from the British Army in India – since his ascension as the De Vere heir. One senses hope in the outcome, and the promise of comedy to come, when the village folk turn out at the railway platform to greet the new heir. A large banner reads, "Welcome to the New Guy."
Buchanan is best known in the States for his film role in "The Band Wagon." The 1953 smash musical comedy had a top cast of song and dance stars, and Buchanan danced with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Buchanan's usual persona was similar to Astaire's, except that he was even more so the debonair gentleman, always friendly and upbeat. He also had some big stage and cinema business connections in England, and was known for his charity and aid to down and out performances. He died in 1957 of spinal cancer.
"When Knights were Bold" is a comedy fantasy in which Buchanan does a little soft shoe and sings. His pranks and antics are the source of most of the humor. Fay Wray is a distant cousin whom he has eyes for once they meet. But, she has become almost as frigid as the older stuffy and aloof members of the clan. Can Sir Guy De Vere win the hand of this fair maiden and overcome the entrenched snobbery of Beechwood Castle?
He arrives in Little Twittering, after being discharged from the British Army in India – since his ascension as the De Vere heir. One senses hope in the outcome, and the promise of comedy to come, when the village folk turn out at the railway platform to greet the new heir. A large banner reads, "Welcome to the New Guy."