Under the Red Robe (1937): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1937, Under the Red Robe is an adventure and romance film directed by Victor Sjöström, running about 80 minutes. “Swashbucker Gil De Berault is bound for the guillotine when he is given one last chance for a pardon.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In 1620s France, dreaded swordsman Gil de Berault returns from carrying out a mission for Cardinal Richelieu, and finds the Cardinal worried about growing opposition from the Huguenots in the south. The Cardinal also warns de Berault that dueling has been outlawed, and will henceforth be punishable by death. Gil, however, promptly disobeys the law and is indeed sentenced to death. The Cardinal offers to cancel the sentence if de Berault is able to capture the duke who is organizing plans for an uprising. Gil travels to the duke's castle and is allowed to stay as a guest, but the duke's wife and sister immediately suspect that he is a spy. He and his servant still make good progress, until he falls in love with the duke's sister, which complicates everything.

Who’s in it. Under the Red Robe stars Conrad Veidt as Gil de Berault, Annabella as Lady Marguerite of Fiox, Raymond Massey as Cardinal Richelieu and Romney Brent as Marius, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Under the Red Robe has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Under the Red Robe page.

If you liked it. Fans of Under the Red Robe tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception, Interstellar and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.