Under the Red Robe (1937) Review: A Classic Swashbuckler, But Does It Still Hold Up?

Alright, so “Under the Red Robe” is a proper old-school flick from 1937. If you’re into black-and-white historical dramas, especially with some sword-fighting and political scheming, you might actually enjoy this. It’s got that classic adventure vibe. But, if you need fast pacing and explosions every five minutes, you’ll probably find it a bit of a snooze. 😴

The story throws us into the thick of Cardinal Richelieu’s France. Our main guy, Gil de Berault (played by Conrad Veidt, who we all know from The Man Who Laughs, among others), is this charming rogue. He’s a bit of a gambler, a duelist, and always seems to be on the wrong side of the law. He’s just got that kind of face that says, 'I could be trouble, but in a very dashing way.'

Richelieu, though, is not one to let a good swordsman go to waste. He basically forces Gil into a mission: capture this noblewoman, Anne-Marie, who’s hiding out with her brother. It’s all about squashing rebellions and making sure everyone knows who’s boss. Gil, of course, isn't thrilled but what’s a man to do when a powerful cardinal is breathing down his neck?

What really works here is Conrad Veidt. He brings such a *gravitas* to the role. You believe he’s a scoundrel, but you also see the flicker of a decent man underneath. There’s this scene where he’s trying to be all tough, but his eyes just give away a different feeling. It’s subtle, but it's there.

The romance with Annabella, who plays Anne-Marie, feels a bit rushed. They go from enemies to falling for each other in what feels like a blink. I guess that’s how they did it in movies back then. It’s sweet enough, though. And Annabella has a nice presence, very elegant.

Pacing-wise, it’s definitely a film from its era. Things take their time. Conversations linger. The sword fights are not the flashy, acrobatic ones you’d see today. They’re more about clanging blades and careful footwork. You can almost hear the director yelling, 'And… pose!' ⚔️

There's a moment when Gil is imprisoned, and the way the light falls through the barred window just *sells* the feeling of being trapped. It’s a simple shot but really effective. The black and white cinematography often shines in these small, quiet moments.

I found myself actually quite liking the way Richelieu is portrayed. He’s not a cartoon villain. He’s pragmatic, utterly ruthless, but you understand *why* he’s doing what he’s doing. He wants power, yes, but for a stable France. Raymond Massey, who plays him, is wonderfully cold and calculating. That red robe really does make him look formidable.

Some of the dialogue feels a little stiff now, very formal. But that’s part of the charm, right? It’s like stepping into a time capsule. You get lines like, “My lord Cardinal, I am but a soldier of fortune!” uttered with such sincerity.

One thing that kept me watching was just how much tension they manage to build without relying on constant action. It’s all in the political maneuvering and the personal stakes. Will Gil betray Anne-Marie? Will he escape Richelieu’s grasp? The answers feel genuinely uncertain sometimes.

The sets and costumes are pretty solid for the time. They really tried to make 17th-century France come alive. The castles look like castles, and everyone looks properly dressed for the period. No glaring anachronisms that I spotted, which is always a plus.

It’s not a perfect movie, not by a long shot. Some parts drag a little, and you might occasionally check your watch. But for what it is—an adventure film from the late 30s—it holds up surprisingly well. It's got heart, a great lead performance, and enough intrigue to keep you moderately engaged.

If you're a fan of classic cinema or just curious about how these kinds of stories were told way back when, give it a shot. Otherwise, maybe stick to something a bit more modern. But don't count it out entirely. Sometimes, these old films have a quiet power to them. ✨

Didja Notice?

• The sheer number of times Gil adjusts his cape. Always dramatic.
• Richelieu’s personal guard always looks so serious. Like, *really* serious.
• The sound of the swords clanging is very satisfyingly loud.
• How easily everyone seems to recognize everyone else even with elaborate disguises.
• The dramatic close-ups on Veidt’s face when he’s plotting something. Intense!