We’ve come to the last of the Richard Todd films for Disney. With this last adventure, we travel to the Scottish Highlands and then all the way to London, England. For this project, I’m focusing on the story itself, including dialogue, character development, any subplots, how a story presents itself, the speed at which it moves, if it slows down unnecessarily, etc.
Update: In February 2022, I started a video version of the DFP on Tiktok. You can find the video below. Thoughts expressed in the video may be different than what are expressed in the blog post, due to the time difference in posting.
A Brief Summary
After King George I takes the English throne, the Scottish Highlanders try to reclaim the throne for Scotland’s own James Stuart. War quickly ends these attempts save for one group of rebel Highlanders. Led by Rob Roy, the rebels soon find themselves at odds with the English court. After their clan name is banished and tragedy occurs, the rebels fight to take back the fort held by the English. Helen Mary, Rob Roy’s wife, convinces the men to cease fighting. Rob Roy travels to London to finally end the battle between his clan and King George I. Includes bagpipes, a rolling boulder and lots of kilts.
What works
- With these period films, it helps so, so, SO much to have text at the beginning of the film. With Treasure Island, it wasn’t necessary but because this is based/inspired by real-life people, it centers and establishes the setting of the film. As the opening scene is a battle scene, I really appreciate understanding who’s actually fighting (The English and the Highlanders) and which side to root for (it’s the Highlanders).
- During the course of watching the movie, I noticed that for the most part, there were three ‘tone ranges’ used by the characters. So I followed several of the main and supporting characters to see what worked and what didn’t.
- High tone – While some of the characters’ dialogue is at a level volume, there is far too much heat behind the words to remain at that level. Characters at this level either exhibit that heat in words or actions.
- Rob Roy
- The title character, Rob does have some relaxed, fun moments but more often (as in every battle scene) than not, he is racing to escape, racing to fight, yelling in Gaelic or snapping at others. It was fun watching him interact with the Duke of Argyll or his mother because they were able to stay one or more steps ahead of him in the argument/creative discussion.
- Killearn
- The snobby, hot-headed underling of the Duke of Montrose, Killearn has some power (as ordered by Montrose) but tries to add his own cruel flair to his tasks.
- Rob Roy
- Steady tone – The characters at this level are the wisest in the film, whether for good or bad. They understand that to keep a level head, while sometimes losing their temper, is better in the larger political game that they are playing.
- Duke of Argyll
- The smartest character in the film (just beating out Lady Margaret by a smidge). While Rob Roy is the title character, the Duke is the master by which all the pieces start to move. His unique position allows him access to the Highland clans and all the way to the English court (though not really welcome there for part of the film). He wears so many hats throughout the film and never loses his motivation for what he believes must be done.
- Lady Margaret
- Quite possibly the smartest woman in this movie, her Ladyship is intelligent, witty and keeps a level head even when she gets shot. She’s entertaining to watch, especially during scenes with just her son, Rob Roy, and helps keep the story moving forward.
- King George I
- For someone who is still working on learning the English language (he’s German), the few scenes that he makes an appearance, he holds command over whatever room he’s in.
- Duke of Montrose
- Part of Montrose’s charm (not to me, but to others) is that he’s able to keep a calm, considerate head around those in power. Until he’s around those that serve beneath him, then he shows his hot-blooded, cruel intentions.
- Duke of Argyll
- Low tone – Characters who fit this range (not just the one listed)
- Helen Mary
- The night Rob Roy proposes, we see this fun, witty woman. She tells and acts out her uncle’s old war story, with this bright, energetic voice. As Rob tries to propose, she shows off this droll sense of humor, presenting herself as an equal match for Rob. But after the wedding, it’s as if she reduces herself to this quiet, demure woman, a pale comparison to how she acted earlier.
- Side note in Helen Mary’s favor: Her speech before Rob Roy journeys to London returns her to the initial woman seen in the film. I literally stand and clap for her at this moment.
- The night Rob Roy proposes, we see this fun, witty woman. She tells and acts out her uncle’s old war story, with this bright, energetic voice. As Rob tries to propose, she shows off this droll sense of humor, presenting herself as an equal match for Rob. But after the wedding, it’s as if she reduces herself to this quiet, demure woman, a pale comparison to how she acted earlier.
- Helen Mary
- High tone – While some of the characters’ dialogue is at a level volume, there is far too much heat behind the words to remain at that level. Characters at this level either exhibit that heat in words or actions.
- Throughout portions of the film, there is this delicious feeling of a political thriller. The diplomacy, the struggle for power over Scotland, it’s wonderful.
- A great example is the constant verbal battles between the Duke of Montrose and the Duke of Argyll. They do not physically attack each other, only using words to try to outdo the other. Unfortunately, Montrose’s upper hand is quickly lost and he loses his place of power.
What may or may not work
- One thing that bugged me about any and all of the battle scenes (or immediate post-battle scenes) or in non-battle scenes (so basically throughout the movie) is the forced anger/excitement that was shown. An example would be right after the opening scene battle. General Cadogan had brought 4,000 mercenaries to aid General (and Duke) Argyll. He wants to fight and almost throws an adult version of a temper tantrum when Argyll won’t let him fight. Now the underlying emotion, the desire to wipe out the enemy, have a solid English victory, that I understand and appreciate. It works with the level of animosity already exhibited between both countries in the movie thus far. Unfortunately as presented here, it’s over the top. Honestly, it reminded me of a fire-and-brimstone sermon I listened to in college. None of the substance but all the passion.
- The final two of Rob Roy’s main escapes, the first right after his wedding, and the second, after he snuck into Inversnaid Castle to see Helen Mary, both feel fake. More tall tale than equal to the capabilities of Rob. In both cases, he attempts (and succeeds) very dangerous, could-have-died stunts to escape the English soldiers. They’re too grand of a stunt for such a short time spent viewing the escape.
- There’s a fire burning an upper room of Inversnaid, filling the castle with smoke yet only Lady Margaret coughs. True, she had been shot, but neither Helen Mary or Rob even act as if there’s smoke, just weird gray colored stufffloating around the room.
- The very ending was a tad lacking. It was fine in general, it just had this weird tone, as if it was rushed. But that could just be me.
Honorable Mentions
- Every time I hear the music during the opening credits, I think of the Scottish dancers during ‘Portobello Road’ in Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
- Rob Roy, trying to propose to Helen Mary
- “You’re wondering how matters lie between us, what do you mean?”
- “What I mean is you’re not a bad looking girl.”
- “It’s good of you to say so.”
- King George I conducts his own “study” of what was happening in the Highlands by reading Daniel Defoe’s tale of ‘The Highland Rogue’. Quite different from what his foolish advisors would believe.
Side Questions
- What is this great tiff between the Campbell clan (led by Argyll) and the MacGregor clan (led by Rob Roy)? Is it just because Argyll fights for the English, which is a valid reason, or is there some deeper battle?
What I learned from watching this film
- The basic storyline of Rob Roy was a good idea but the execution was a little lacking. Watching and rewatching this movie, I tried to figure out where it had gone wrong. Was it the dialogue, the characters, the balance of action scenes versus more character scenes? I’m still not sure. I’m glad I watched it but I kept feeling that there was something more that it could be. Maybe nothing more can be done with it, that it just has to exist as is. In which case, I guess I learned that sometimes ‘fine’ or ‘mediocre’ is the highest level that can be achieved in a story. Goodness knows I’ve read plenty that fit that category.
If you’ve seen Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue, what are some of your thoughts? Share in the comments below!
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