This is another episode of the TV anthology series--one that featured some outstanding directors and actors in some very nice made for TV mini-movies. Generally the show was very impressive--and I looked forward to seeing this one as it starred Errol Flynn shortly before his very premature death--playing one of his most famous sort of roles as a swashbuckler and lover.
The story is about Francis Villon--a real 15th century Frenchman whose exploits Hollywood has fictionalized many times. How true any of this is very doubtful but entertaining. A messenger comes to Villon at night to alert him about a plot to kill the King. Why she seeks out this one man is a bit confusing--a general might seem more useful. Regardless, Villon and his merry men agree to go to a 'fancy dress ball' to foil the evil Count's plans.
Overall, this is far from a great episode (mostly due to poorly written dialog and a cramped feel on the set) but I was happy that it was not bad--Flynn did a fine job and did not embarrass himself. Flynn looked older but pretty healthy here. Although he'd be dead within three years, his puffy and sadly dissipated look he'd soon develop was not all that evident here. His last films, however, were pretty sad to watch due to his drinking and carousing--and they were also pretty poorly written. At least his TV appearance was pretty decent.