Hilariously ludicrous and camp retelling of the Napoleon story, with the emphasis on his unrequited love for his first fiancée, Desiree. The way in which huge historical, world-impacting events are used as a backdrop to the sappiest of Barbara Cartland love stories is a real rib-tickler. Brando as Napoleon ads a dab of danger and a wink of an acknowledgement that this is an absurd farrago from beginning to end.

Koster directs with a real feel for Cinemascope compositions, and tells the story through reoccuring images of isolated candle flames burning, fires kindling, lights still shining as emblems for the love the characters continue to feel. They don't make 'em as ripe and silly as this anymore!