Royal Flash is a British historical comedy film released in 1975, directed by Richard Lester and based on the novel of the same name by George MacDonald Fraser. The movie, set in the late 19th century, follows the adventures of Harry Flashman, a cowardly charmer who constantly finds himself in trouble with women, enemies, and authorities.
Harry Flashman is an officer in the British Army who is sent to Germany to steal a letter that contains damaging information about the British monarchy. However, he is intercepted by Otto von Bismarck, who recognizes him as the notorious Flashman, a womanizer and card cheat who has caused trouble in various parts of the world. Bismarck blackmails Flashman into impersonating the long-lost nephew of a Prussian nobleman, so that he can marry the beautiful Duchess Irma, whom Bismarck wants to use to gain political power.
Flashman reluctantly agrees and travels to Germany, where he is welcomed by the wealthy and influential Rudi von Starnberg and his duplicitous wife, Lola. Flashman quickly realizes that he is in over his head, as he has to navigate the complex social hierarchy of European nobility, avoid Lola's seductive advances, and fend off the jealous suitors who want to marry the duchess and inherit her wealth.
As Flashman tries to woo the duchess, he discovers that she is not as innocent and naive as she appears to be, and that her brother, Count Carl Gustaf, is also plotting to overthrow Bismarck and seize power for himself. Flashman's attempts to stay alive and escape with the precious letter lead him into a series of misadventures, including a brutal sword fight, a daring escape from a castle, and a hilarious chase through a disastrous village festival.
The film stars Malcolm McDowell as Harry Flashman, Alan Bates as Otto von Bismarck, Florinda Bolkan as Lola Montez, Oliver Reed as Rudi von Starnberg, and Britt Ekland as Duchess Irma. Royal Flash was not a critical or commercial success, but it has gained a cult following over the years for its irreverent humor, swashbuckling action, and colorful depiction of 19th-century Europe.
