Knight Without Armour

Knight Without Armour (1937)

Genres - Drama, Romance, Action, Adventure, Spy Film  |   Sub-Genres - Melodrama, Period Film, Romantic Drama  |   Release Date - Jul 23, 1937 (USA - Unknown)  |   Run Time - 107 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Review by Craig Butler

Although Knight Without Armour has a few small flaws, it is on the whole a gripping, exciting adventure story-cum-romance that will delight most viewers. Surprisingly, the film is not especially well known, despite the presence of Marlene Dietrich and Robert Donat, and those that stumble upon it may wonder at its relative obscurity. There's a little something for just about everyone here, from historical epic to espionage thriller to romantic melodrama -- even a bit of humor thrown in now and then. While those with little familiarity with the Russian revolution may find themselves lost in a couple of places, for the most part Knight does a fine job of utilizing its historical aspects in such a way as to make things clear. Jacques Feyder directs with a sure hand and a fine eye, providing a number of beautiful and/or exciting visual touches, such as the stunning moment when Dietrich's estate is suddenly overrun with revolutionaries. Dietrich herself does a very fine job, coming across as much more vulnerable and innocent than is often the case and creating a countess who is noble without being imperious. Donat does even better; faced with a character whose motivation doesn't quite ring true (i.e. he seems to have no ideology at all, yet is willing to work as a revolutionary spy for the English government), he makes him believable throughout. Add in a good supporting cast, excellent cinematography, and some excellent sets and costumes, and the result is a winner.