I recently learned about a theatrical production based on the story of Don Juan, the famous Spanish libertine. Every version of this story puts a different twist on the tale of the fictional ladies’ man. This particular stage work employs a plot element used in both of the movies old Hollywood made about this character: After years of going through countless conquests, Don Juan falls in love with one special woman. However, in the play, that woman is a harlot who shows that she “loves” Juan by not charging him for her services! Meanwhile, one particular classic film features a much more respectable version of the tale.
Today’s moment of movie wisdom is from “Adventures of Don Juan” (1948). The scene takes place 63 minutes into this 110-minute film. The title character (Errol Flynn) ends up being sent back to his native Spain in disgrace after one of his escapades in England goes wrong. The queen (Viveca Lindfors) denounces his behavior and, amazingly, inspires him to change his ways. When she happily comments on his amazing reformation, he confesses that he was inspired to turn over a new leaf because he finally found his ideal woman, the lovely queen.
The Film
Don Juan de Maraña is one of the best swordsmen in Europe, and one of the greatest lovers, too. Accompanied by his faithful companion Leporello (Alan Hale), he travels from one romantic adventure to the next, often getting into unwanted duels with jealous men. When fleeing from one angry husband (Tim Huntley) in England, he pretends to be a Spanish duke coming to London for a politically advantageous marriage. The bride-to-be (Helen Westcott) turns out to be a former sweetheart of his, but his cover is blown when the real duke arrives. Don Jose (Robert Warwick), the Count de Polan and the Spanish ambassador, gives Juan a letter of recommendation to Queen Margaret because his father was Jose’s friend.The Scene
This scene is the third meeting between Don Juan and Queen Margaret. After her stern warning at the royal court, Don Juan doesn’t see the queen again for quite a while. However, he can’t stop thinking about her. The next time he sees her is when she and the king visit the Royal Academy for a demonstration of the students’ swordsmanship. As Juan takes the queen on a little tour of the academy, they have a pleasant conversation. The magnetism between them is palpable.However, the scene in question is the first time when they really are alone together. Don Juan is having an audience with the queen and remains the only one in the room after two attendants ask to be excused to take a stroll in the garden. Queen Margaret commends him for the notable change in his lifestyle, behavior, and even his personality. The once cocky playboy is now subdued, polite, and respectful. She admits that she didn’t think he could change but that he has proven her wrong.
Its Significance
This scene is a pivotal moment in the story. In fact, it’s one of the best scenes in the whole film. The dialogue is a powerful testament to the fact that love for a good woman can transform any man. It also gives deeper insight into the character of Don Juan and why he was a ladies’ man in the first place, since he explains, “Like most other men, there has always been an imaginary woman in my life. I endowed her with all the virtues; I clothed her in perfection. Naturally, I search for her in vain. I thought she could never exist except in my mind. Now I find she does.”Queen Margaret innocently asks, “Who is this woman?” Juan confesses that he keeps her identity secret “only because she doesn’t know how deeply I care for her.” The queen argues that he’s never hesitated to express his love for other women, to which he replies, “She’s not like other women.” “Well-spoken,” she acknowledges, asking, “What is she like?” Don Juan reverently describes his ideal: “Beautiful, but strangely unaware of her beauty. Passionate, too, but without any real knowledge of passion, and ... afraid of love, because I don’t think she’s ever known love. But, she’s taught me virtue and dignity and wisdom.”
“You seem to have chosen a paragon among women,” the queen observes. Carefully, Juan responds, “Among women ... and among queens.” Realizing he is describing her, Queen Margaret angrily declares, “Have you forgotten to whom you are speaking?!” Juan calmly replies, “No. Some men shut their eyes and dream. Others open their eyes and hope. All my life I seem to have been stumbling around as if in darkness. I am no longer.” When she forbids him from speaking thus to her, Juan reminds her that she ordered him to answer. She retorts, “Then I was wrong to command you! Wrong to believe that you could reform! Or that friendship and loyalty could ever replace your desire for another conquest!” She refuses to believe him and orders him from her presence.
A Code Character
The queen may not believe Don Juan’s intentions to be honorable in this scene, yet his sincere description of his ideal reveals his true character. He isn’t really a lecher, or an abuser of women, as this character is depicted in many other adaptations. He is a charming man who enjoys flirting but at heart is a sincere romantic in search of his true love.This character is a decent person because this film was made during a time when movies had standards. In 1948, the Motion Picture Production Code was the law of the land in Hollywood, ensuring that all American movies were wholesome enough for audiences of all ages to enjoy them. Evil can be shown if it’s punished in the end, but if Don Juan is the sympathetic hero, he must reform when he meets his ideal. Above all, he should idolize that beloved woman as a paragon of virtue, not accept a wanton hour of sin with her.
