Royal Flash

Twilight Time

Adapted by George MacDonald Fraser from his novel (the second in the popular 12-book series, “The Flashman Papers”), Royal Flash (1975) gives us that energetic cad, Harry Flashman (Malcolm McDowell), taking reluctant if opportunistic part in 19th-century history. Here, he’s inveigled into a plot engineered by the fearsome Otto von Bismarck (Oliver Reed) and must utilize all his wily talents to emerge unscathed. Directed by Richard Lester (A Hard Day’s Night, Petulia), and also starring Alan Bates, Florinda Bolkan, Britt Ekland, and a host of superb British character actors: Tom Bell, Joss Ackland, Christopher Cazenove, Lionel Jeffries, Alastair Sim, Michael Hordern, Bob Hoskins, and David Jason.