Review of Royal Flash (1975) by Stephen C — 27 Sep 2010

While not as good as Lesters own Musketeers films ,this period romp still has plenty going for it,most notably Lesters eye for the absurd and the down right funny.

Malcom McDowell is on top form as the cowarldy and roguish Flashman who find himself drawn into the world of shady european politics by Oliver Reed and Alan Bates .

Lester packs his cast with cracking cameos including Lionel Jeffries as a metal handed villain(Who gets some of the films best laughs) A befuddled Alistair Sim and early appearances from Bob Hoskins and David Jason.

The film also has some top notch action including a duel on a Bridge and a final Swordfight between Flashy and one of the villains.

Its a shame that Lester retired from directing as I for one am a huge fan of his films and I feel its time to reappraise his work as a director.