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This French import (the original title is Le Bossu) tells of intrigue, swashbuckling and murder amongst 18th-century aristocrats. The ambitious Comte de Gonzague, only heir to the fortune of his cousin, the Duc de Nevers, discovers the Duc actually has an illegitimate child by the daughter of a baron. Determined not to lose the vast fortune that awaits him, Gonzague tries to keep the child's existence a secret, but the Duc learns of the baby and travels to the mother's isolated château to marry her and make the heir legitimate. The Comte is forced into desperate action, and ends up killing everyone at the château except the child and the Duc's trusted aid and expert swordsman, Lagardere. Lagardere raises the child, a girl, as his own while he plots to avenge the murder of his friend and employer.

On Guard! was released in France in 1997, and has played in many venues in Europe over the past several years. It is now receiving a New York/Los Angeles-only limited theatrical release. Reviews of the film have been tepid at best, but all especially mention the brilliant swordplay in the film. If you like foreign films, particularly those that feature fencing, this may be right up your alley. (Stephanie Star Smith/BOP)

Vital statistics for On Guard! (Le Bossu) Main Cast Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Marie Gillain, Vincent Perez Supporting Cast Philippe Noiret, Yann Collette, Jean-Francois Stevenin, Didier Pain, Claire Nebout Director Philippe de Broca Screenwriter Jean Cosmos, Jerome Tonnerre, Philippe de Broca, from the book by Paul Feval Distributor Empire Pictures Awards César for Christian Gasc for Best Costume Design Awards page for On Guard! (Le Bossu) Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture