If I Were King
“His Love-Making Was as Dangerous as His Sword-Play”
Synopsis
King Louis XI masquerades as a commoner in Paris, seeking out the treachery he is sure lurks in his kingdom. At a local tavern, he overhears the brash poet François Villon extolling why he would be a better king. Annoyed yet intrigued, the King bestows on Villon the title of Grand Constable. Soon Villon begins work and falls for a lovely lady-in-waiting, but then must flee execution when the King turns on him.
Top Cast
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Ronald Colman
François Villon
Basil Rathbone
Louis XI
Frances Dee
Katherine de Vaucelles
Ellen Drew
Huguette
C. V. France
Father Villon
Henry Wilcoxon
Captain of the Watch
Heather Thatcher
The Queen
Stanley Ridges
Rene de Montigny
Bruce Lester
Noel de Jolys
Alma Lloyd
Colette
Walter Kingsford
Tristan l'Hermite
Sidney Toler
Robin Turgis
Colin Tapley
Jehan LeLoup
Ralph Forbes
Oliver le Dain
John Miljan
Thibaut d'Aussigny
William Haade
Guy Tabarie
Adrian Morris
Colin de Cayeulx
Montagu Love
General Dudon
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 28, 1938
Wide Cinema Exhibition
May 23, 2014
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Frank Lloyd
- Screenplay & Story
- Preston Sturges
- Original Score
- Richard Hageman
- Original Title
- If I Were King
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Production Studios
- Paramount Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Frank Lloyd
Preston Sturges, Justin Huntly McCarthy
Richard Hageman
Theodor Sparkuhl
Hugh Bennett
Frank Lloyd, William LeBaron
Department Leadership Roster
Frank Lloyd
Director
Edith Head
Costume Design
Frank Lloyd
Producer
Hugh Bennett
Editor
Theodor Sparkuhl
Director of Photography
Richard Hageman
Original Music Composer
Preston Sturges
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for If I Were King.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring If I Were King.
Medieval
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Missing Mine
Oscar Best Sound Nominees
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Oscar Best Score Nominees
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Oscar Best Art Direction/Production Design Nominees
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Oscar Best Supporting Actor Nominees
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Frequently Asked Questions About If I Were King
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is If I Were King about?
King Louis XI masquerades as a commoner in Paris, seeking out the treachery he is sure lurks in his kingdom. At a local tavern, he overhears the brash poet François Villon extolling why he would be a better king. Annoyed yet intrigued, the King bestows on Villon the title of Grand Constable. Soon Villon begins work and falls for a lovely lady-in-waiting, but then must flee execution when the King turns on him.
Who directed If I Were King?
If I Were King was directed by Frank Lloyd.
Who stars in If I Were King?
The principal cast of If I Were King includes Ronald Colman, Basil Rathbone, Frances Dee, Ellen Drew, C. V. France.
When was If I Were King released and how long is it?
If I Were King was released in 1938 with a total runtime of 1h 41m.
Who composed the musical score for If I Were King?
The original motion picture soundtrack for If I Were King was composed by Richard Hageman.
What is the age rating and content advisory for If I Were King?
If I Were King holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).