Under the Red Robe (1937) Director: Victor Sjöström Studio: Fox Film Corporation Starring: Conrad Veidt, Annabella, Raymond Massey Release Date: November 6, 1937 (U.S.) Runtime: 119 minutes Format: Black-and-White Country: United States Language: English Genres: Historical Drama, Romance, Adventure Summary: Set in 17th-century France during the reign of Cardinal Richelieu, Under the Red Robe follows the story of Gil de Berault, a skilled swordsman and notorious gambler who finds himself facing execution for his crimes. Instead of death, Richelieu spares his life on one condition—he must undertake a dangerous mission to arrest a suspected traitor. Disguised and operating under the authority of Richelieu, Gil embarks on a perilous journey that leads him to confront questions of loyalty, honor, and love, ultimately forcing him to choose between his mission and his heart. Background: The film is based on Stanley J. Weyman’s 1894 novel Under the Red Robe, a historical romance that had already been adapted to the screen in 1915 and 1923. The 1937 version, directed by Victor Sjöström (credited as Victor Seastrom), was the most ambitious adaptation, featuring lavish sets and strong performances from its European stars. It was produced by Fox Film Corporation, just prior to the 1935 merger that created 20th Century-Fox. Trivia: Conrad Veidt, best known for his roles in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and later Casablanca (1942), played the dashing yet morally conflicted Gil de Berault. Director Victor Sjöström was one of Sweden’s greatest filmmakers, later remembered for his acting role in Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries (1957). This was one of the last major Hollywood films Sjöström directed before returning to Sweden. The story’s themes of intrigue, romance, and redemption made it a popular choice for adaptations across multiple decades. Hashtags: #UnderTheRedRobe #ConradVeidt #VictorSjöström #ClassicHollywood #HistoricalDrama #GoldenAgeCinema #1930sFilm