The Vagabond King

The Vagabond King

Year: 1956

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Curtiz

RomanceHistoryMusic

Louis XI of France appoints Paris’s famed “king of criminals” as Provost Marshal, using his underworld influence to combat the usurper Charles of Burgundy and the treasonous nobles rallying to his cause, turning the city’s criminal network into a weapon against the rebellion.

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Timeline & Setting – The Vagabond King (1956)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Vagabond King (1956). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

15th century

The film unfolds during the mid-1400s in France, amid the struggle between the French crown and Burgundy. The siege of Paris and the political machinations shape daily life, from secret plots in the tavern to dramatic public uprisings. Power, loyalty, and romance play out against a backdrop of war and propaganda.

Location

Paris, France

Paris in the 15th century is the backdrop where Louis XI's capital is torn by Burgundian power. The city is depicted as a living, contested stage where traitors move through taverns, guard posts, and the crowd. The famous garden of hanging trees symbolizes the brutal control over the populace.

🏰 Medieval Paris 🕰️ 15th century ⚔️ Siege

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

Main Characters – The Vagabond King (1956)

Meet the key characters of The Vagabond King (1956), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

François Villon (Oreste Kirkop)

Charismatic beggar-poet who commands the loyalty of the commoners and uses streetwise wit to challenge authority. He loves Catherine de Vaucelles and demolishes traps set by the king and Burgundy. Loyal to his friends, he accepts the royal bargain only to fulfill a greater resolve, risking his life for the people.

🎭 Charismatic 🗡️ Rebellious ❤️ Romantic

King Louis XI (Walter Hampden)

A calculating monarch fighting to maintain control over Paris. He disguises his true intentions to test Villon and negotiates with traitors, using offers of mercy and romance to manipulate outcomes. His rule blends political shrewdness with a willingness to sacrifice others for the war's end.

👑 Regal 🧠 Cunning

Catherine de Vaucelles (Kathryn Grayson)

Noblewoman who falls for Villon despite her initial misgivings and social distance. She challenges the king's schemes and ultimately offers herself to save Villon, showing a fierce sense of duty and love. Her loyalty shifts the balance of power and fate.

🎭 Romantic 👑 Noble

Thibault d'Aussigny (Leslie Nielsen)

Provost Marshal and a master of intrigue who colludes with Burgundian agents. He masterminds the traitor plot and pursues Villon, creating tension between law, loyalty, and rebellion. His downfall mirrors the fragility of political power.

🗡️ Treacherous 🛡️ Strategist

Rene de Montigny (William Prince)

A Burgundian agent embedded within Paris, working to topple Louis XI. He embodies the danger of infiltration and political espionage, complicating loyalties as the protagonist navigates a maze of enemies. His treachery accelerates the fall of the crown's hold.

🕵️ Spy 🗡️ Traitor

Huguette (Rita Moreno)

A devoted ally who loves Villon and acts as his conscience and warning system. She sacrifices herself to save him and signals the brewing danger from Burgundian forces. Her bravery underscores the cost of standing with the underdog.

❤️ Loyal 🛡️ Protector

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

Major Themes – The Vagabond King (1956)

Explore the central themes of The Vagabond King (1956), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Romance and sacrifice

A seductive romance between Villon and Catherine drives personal stakes and influences political decisions. Love is tested by deception, danger, and the bargain that could cost lives. Sacrifice becomes the price of loyalty and love in a time of war.

👑 Power and manipulation

Louis XI uses chance, bargains, and threats to secure his throne. Burgundy's plots show how leadership relies on disguises and informants. The crowd's mood becomes a weapon that rulers try to control, with victory often bought at a price.

🗡️ Loyalty and betrayal

The plot is driven by shifting loyalties among nobles, soldiers, and traitors. Villon must navigate double-crosses, while Thibault and Rene try to bend events to their interests. Ultimate justice comes through decisive action in battle and betrayal.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

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The Vagabond King Summary

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The Vagabond King Summary

The Vagabond King Timeline

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The Vagabond King Timeline

More About The Vagabond King

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