The Master Of Ballantrae (1953)

Set in 18th century Scotland, the two sons (Errol Flynn, Anthony Steel) of a minor lord (Felix Aylmer) clash over the family estate and a lady (Beatrice Campbell). Based on the 1889 novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and directed by William Keighley (THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER). A dull adventure piece light years away from Flynn's best swashbucklers like ROBIN HOOD, CAPTAIN BLOOD and THE SEA HAWK. This was the last film under Flynn's Warner tenure where he had resided since 1935. It's lovely to look at, how could it not be as the Technicolor lensing is courtesy of the great Jack Cardiff (BLACK NARCISSUS) but overall, it's a retread of his more exciting and stylish swashbucklers. The bland love interest (Beatrice Campbell) doesn't help much either. Flynn looks tired but he doesn't embarrass himself. Still, I became bored very quickly. With Roger Livesey (most annoying), Yvonne Furneaux, Jacques Berthier and Gillian Lynne (who would go on to become a successful choreographer with shows like CATS and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA).