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Errol Flynn makes a triumphant return to the genre that made him a star (after Hollywood shelved period action flicks for the duration of WWII). Adventures of Don Juan is splashy, colorful, good-humored, and terrifically entertaining. Despite public knowledge that Flynn’s boozing and whoring were spiraling out of control by this point in his life, he delivers a quintessential Flynn performance as the legendary Spanish womanizer. How many actors can command the screen while wearing tights?

The supporting cast includes a wonderfully villainous Robert Douglass, returning sidekick Alan Hale (in the last of his 13 pairings with Flynn) and Swedish actress Viveca Lindfors as the latest object of Don Juan’s affection — none other than the Queen of Spain. I particularly enjoyed the film’s climax, where Don Juan sneaks into a castle with a troop of student swordsman to rescue the Queen from Douglass’ dastardly Duke. The final swordfight on an epic-sized set of the palace staircase is among the finest moments in Flynn’s filmography (though it’s actually a stuntman who performs Don Juan’s famous leap from the banister). Rounding out the superlatives are another rousing score from Max Steiner and Oscar-winning costume design.

Academy Award: Best Costume Design

Oscar Nomination: Best Art Direction