Is Cardinal Richelieu Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Cardinal Richelieu is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Cardinal Richelieu Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1935, Cardinal Richelieu emerges as a significant entry in the History, Romance, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The cunning Cardinal Richelieu must save King Louis XIII from treachery within his inner circle. Unlike standard genre fare, Cardinal Richelieu attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cardinal Richelieu features a noteworthy lineup led by George Arliss . Supported by the likes of Edward Arnold and Maureen O'Sullivan , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Cardinal Richelieu (1935) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Cardinal Richelieu Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cardinal Richelieu is a History, Romance, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Cardinal Richelieu Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cardinal Richelieu resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to history resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cardinal Richelieu reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cardinal Richelieu Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cardinal Richelieu draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, romance, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Cardinal Richelieu adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cardinal Richelieu?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy History films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Cardinal Richelieu
- George Arliss – Cardinal Richelieu
- Edward Arnold – Louis XIII
- Maureen O'Sullivan – Lenore
- Cesar Romero – Andre de Pons
- Violet Kemble Cooper – Queen Marie
Top Highlights
George ArlissCardinal Richelieu
Edward ArnoldLouis XIII
Maureen O'SullivanLenore
Cesar RomeroAndre de Pons
Violet Kemble CooperQueen Marie
Katharine AlexanderQueen Anne
Halliwell HobbesFather Joseph
Francis ListerGaston
Lumsden HareGustavus Adolphus - King of Sweden
Keith HitchcockDuke D'Epernon
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Cardinal Richelieu has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (History, Romance, Drama), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Cardinal Richelieu stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1935 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardinal Richelieu movie hit or flop?
Cardinal Richelieu is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of History, Romance, Drama movies.
Is Cardinal Richelieu worth watching?
Yes, Cardinal Richelieu is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of History, Romance, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Cardinal Richelieu online?
Cardinal Richelieu may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Cardinal Richelieu
George Arliss is the eponymous red clergyman attempting to control 17th Century France. He is the first minister of the ineffectual Louis XIII and as such, is the object of pretty universal loathing from serfs and nobles alike. He is also, however, remarkably astute and thick-skinned, and will manoeuvre and scheme to advance the cause and safety of his nation. Sadly, though - even with all that to work with, neither director Rowland V. Lee, nor Arliss himself really deliver anything particularly exciting or intriguing. The plotting and counter-plotting is all just a bit shallow, the wordy dialogue neuters the characters quite effectively and the pace of the whole thing lurches rather than flows. It has grand set staging, but that seems to suggest it might make for a better play than a movie and although there are plenty of familiar faces propping him up - Cesar Romero, Edward Arnold and quite a jolly contribution from Maureen O'Sullivan, on the whole I was disappointed by this rather dry, procedural drama.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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