A secret protector shepherds “enemies of the state” from Nazi Germany to safety. [ Pimpernel Smith credits: Dir: Leslie Howard/ Leslie Howard, Mary Morris, Francis L. Sullivan/ 120 min/ Action-Adventure/ Britain/ Escape from Socialism, Democide] “Although the tone is witty and debonair, this film has its serious side and is considered one of the most important anti-Nazi … [Read more...]
The Mark of Zorro (1940)
When a young Spaniard finds his hometown squeezed by the high taxes of an authoritarian government, he responds in the guise of the masked-hero Zorro. [ The Mark of Zorro credits: Dir: Rouben Mamoulian/ Tyrone Power, Basil Rathbone, Linda Darnell/ 93 min/ Action-Adventure/ Anti-Taxation, Corrupt Government] “This upbeat, enjoyable picture is my favorite Zorro film.” Fresh … [Read more...]
The Sea Hawk (1940)
Will England hold out against the Spanish Armada? It’s up to her private navy—the Sea Hawks. [ The Sea Hawk credits: Dir: Michael Curtiz/ Errol Flynn, Brenda Marshall, Claude Rains, Flora Robson, Donald Crisp/ 128 min/ Action-Adventure/ Voluntarism] “The Sea Hawk has all the elements of greatness—an interesting story, brilliant acting, clever direction, and some of the … [Read more...]
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST PICTURE When an evil prince uses state power to rob his subjects, Sir Robin of Lockesly turns outlaw to defend justice and the poor. [ Adventures of Robin Hood credits: Dir: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley/ Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains/ 102 min/ Action-Adventure, Romance/ Anti-Taxation, Corrupt … [Read more...]
Dr. Syn (1937)
A country vicar leads a band of smugglers in an effort to benefit his parish. [ Dr. Syn credits: Dir: Roy William Neill/ George Arliss, Margaret Lockwood, John Loder/ 72 min/ Action-Adventure/ Britain/ Anti-Taxation, Voluntarism] "There is tremendous craftsmanship to this production, including elaborate sets complete with trap doors everywhere, first-rate acting from … [Read more...]
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS Posing as a useless dandy, an English gentleman secretly risks all to save innocent lives from the guillotine of the French Revolution. Based on the Baroness Orczy novel. [ The Scarlet Pimpernel credits: Dir: Harold Young/ Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, Raymond Massey, Nigel Bruce/ 98 min/ Action-Adventure, Romance/ Britain/ Democide] "Not a … [Read more...]
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
ACADEMY AWARD WINNER: BEST PICTURE Romanticized war ends in tragedy for a generation of German youth. [ All Quiet on the Western Front credits: Dir: Lewis Milestone/ Louis Wolheim, Lewis Ayres, John Wray/ 136 min/ Action-Adventure, Drama/ Anti-War] "This film’s message is so timeless and is delivered with such flair that governments preparing for war have sometimes paid … [Read more...]