i just watched this film on the TCM "Summer Under The Stars" salute to Freddy Bartholomew, and it is worth watching. There is one very effective scene, where 11 year old Boy King Peter (Bartholomew) is being talked to by Prince Edric (Lester Matthews)and asked "Is a King willing to face death?" and Peter tells a story about what is father said "in the face of death, always remember you are a King." "I have never forgotten that." Beyond that, it is about the relationship between King Peter, and Michael Donovan (Victor McLaglen), an Irish-American mercenary from Chicago, who does whatever is necessary to protect Peter (Including risking his own life). The best part of the film is how both Peter and Michael conduct themselves with honor and dignity in the face of overwhelming odds. Spoilers ahead: The ending involves Peter naming Michael a General (Michael is dressed in full Marine Dress and they played the Marine Hymm as he walks away). There is also a love interest between Michael's assistant George Foster (Michael Whalan), and Countess Sonia (Gloria Stuart), where Michael (Who loves the ladies) will end up married to Sonia, and essentially be on a leash (Although he will not know it). When Sonia asked if he was staying, and George said "I am not a citizen of this country," Sonia said: "You will be, if you are married to me." (How often do you see the woman propose in a movie? Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) to Bill Chandler (William Powell) in "Libled Lady" might be about the only other time). That is the kind of strong woman Sonia was. I give the film 9/10 stars. I deduct a star for George, who is a bit of a weak character (Very much the opposite of Sonia, Peter and especially, Michael).
Review of Professional Soldier
