Kidnapped (1938)

In 1747, young David Balfour's life is threatened by his greedy uncle Ebenezer who wishes to become heir to the considerable Balfour estate.

Directors:

Alfred L. Werker (as Alfred Werker), Otto Preminger (uncredited)

Writers:

Robert Louis Stevenson (novel), Sonya Levien (screen play)

Stars:

Warner Baxter, Freddie Bartholomew, Arleen Whelan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Warner Baxter	...	Alan Breck
Freddie Bartholomew	...	David Balfour
Arleen Whelan	...	Jean MacDonald
C. Aubrey Smith	...	Duke of Argyle
Reginald Owen	...	Captain Hoseason
John Carradine	...	Gordon
Nigel Bruce	...	Neil MacDonald
Miles Mander	...	Ebenezer Balfour
Ralph Forbes	...	James
H.B. Warner	...	Angus Rankeillor
Arthur Hohl	...	Riach
E.E. Clive	...	Minister MacDougall
Halliwell Hobbes	...	Dominie Campbell
Montagu Love	...	Colonel Whitehead
Donald Haines	...	Ransome

Storyline

In the late eighteenth century David Balfour's evil uncle arranges for him to be kidnapped and sent to sea where he meets exiled Breck. The two make their way back to Scotland and justice.

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Plot Keywords:

uncle | scotland | folk hero | minister | swashbuckler | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mary Gordon (Mrs. MacDonald) would later appear in Kidnapped (1948), another adaptation of the 1886 novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.

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Goofs

When Freddie Bartholemew is walking to Edinburgh, he passes a road sign showing "Edinboro" which would be an Americanized spelling of the city.

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Quotes

Duke of Argyle: Better to deal with one martyr than a nation of martyrs.

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Connections

Version of Kraft Theatre: Kidnapped (1954)

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Soundtracks

Rule Britannia
(1740) (uncredited)
Music by Thomas Augustine Arne
Played briefly in the score

User Reviews

Robert Louis Stevenson Romance

In 1747 Scotland, rebellious Warner Baxter (as Alan Breck) leads his men against British rule and becomes an outlawed traitor. Meanwhile, young teenager Freddie Bartholomew (a David Balfour) is at school when he learns his long-absent father has died and left him a letter to deliver to wealthy uncle Miles Mander (as Ebenezer Balfour). On the way to his castle, young Bartholomew witnesses an assassination. Because he knows the assassin's identity, Bartholomew is kidnapped by Mr. Baxter. For another reason, Bartholomew is pursued by Mr. Mander. Danger and adventure continue in earnest...

Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, but significantly altered to play up Baxter's character and his romance with pretty newcomer Arleen Whelan (as Jean MacDonald). Although it's not the first or last time an older star was paired with a much younger mate, it appears ill-fitting here. The script helps, a least, by acknowledging Ms. Whelan's youthful appearance, when she pretends to be Bartholomew's mother. Otherwise, this is an excellently produced adventure story. The scenes involving Bartholomew and Mander are especially well staged. "The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond" will have you humming.

******* Kidnapped, The Adventures of David Balfour (5/27/38) Alfred L. Werker ~ Freddie Bartholomew, Warner Baxter, Arleen Whelan, Miles Mander

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 May 1938 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kidnapped: The Adventures of David Balfour

Filming Locations:

Laurel Canyon, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$750,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min (FMC Library Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA High Fidelity Recording)

Color:

Black and White (Sepiatone)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1