*By submitting your contribution, you agree to TCM's Terms of Use. TCM will use your personal information consistent with our Privacy Policy

• Terrific acting by Gilbert!

  • RedRain
  • 12/3/12

  John Gilbert was the Cary Grant of his day and no film epitomizes that more than this one. He is dashing, he's funny, he's athletic and he can do more with his eyes than most modern day actors can do period! The bet with Chatellerault turns nearly deadly when Bardelys (Gilbert) assumes a dead man's identity in order to win the bet; however, Bardelys doesn't count on the fact that he actually falls in love with the lady the bet is over. Chatellerault turns out to be a miserable cur who wants to win the bet so badly that he won't recognize Bardelys when he is brought before judges on a treason charge and Chatellerault contends to the other judges that this man is the identity, Lesperon, that Bardelys had assumed. Lesperon/Bardelys is sentenced to the gallows; however, just as he is about to die, the king arrives and confirms his identity. Chatellerault is killed in a duel and Bardelys and his love are together at the end. My ears always perk when I hear of a work by Sabatini and this is not one that is well known. His other works, "The Sea Hawk," "Captain Blood" and "Scaramouche" are all talkies and far more famous but "Bardelys the Magnificent" is a real gem. It is John Gilbert who really makes this film a classic and it's so easy to see why. I vividly recall my Grandmother practically swooning when she spoke of John Gilbert. Unfortunately, Gilbert died when only 38 and it's a shame we couldn't have seen his genius in more films of the talking era. He was one of the greats of film!

• John Gilbert, The Magnificent

  • MARLENE RANTZ
  • 1/13/10

  If there is any one reason to see this movie, other than that it is a well-made, good movie, it is to see the acting of John Gilbert. He is excellent in this movie, not only romantic, but quite good at light comedy, as well! The supporting cast is excellent, too! I enjoyed this movie very much!

• Bardely's the Magnificent

  • Peter Bauta
  • 1/9/10

  Somebody there should do their homework before they make a statement as to whether or not this film is available on DVD. I found a company on Amazon.com that sells it. Also your credits for this movie are not complete this is the first movie that John Wayne appears in and there is also an appearance by Lou Costello. This movie sells for 35.99 plus S & H. In future research should be done before a statement such as "NOT AVAILABLE ON DVD" is made. Respectfully Peter Bauta

• More Reviews