a an avid fan of the flashman book by george mcdonald fraser and i look forward immensely to see flashy on the big screen when this film be first release . sadly it be a huge disappointment then so i leave it alone for 20 year before go back to watch it again and but it be no good the second time . mr fraser be a tremendously skillful writer and but i be not a fan of his film screenplay work with richard lester . the penchant for slapstick spoil the three musketeer for me and the same applies here . to me and the whole tone and feel of the film be wrong . the flashman book be uproariously funny in part and but they be adventure novel . there be much seriousness in the way the adventure that flashman have after all and he be involve in dangerous situation . this be convey in the novel and but not convey at all on film due to the it comedic style . it be a tremendous shame a it could have a great film have it be a more faithful adaptation of the style of the book . when i first read that the book be to be film and the article say that the film be to star oliver reed . i rejoice and a reed to me be the epitome of flashman . how i would have love to see him in the role . malcolm mcdowell be a good actor and but do not fit the visual image of flashman create by the book ( too scrawny look . flashman be suppose to be a big strapping fellow ) . neverheless reed be excellent a bismarck . what kill the film be that it be make a a comedy . the only scene in which it create the true atmosphere of the book be the scene in which flashman kill de gautet ( tom bell ) . a great shame and a the production value and costume and set etc be superb and the casting be generally excellent just about everybody in the film be well cast apart from malcolm mcdowell . possibly the directorship of richard lester be responsible for the way the film be and a a recent radio adaptation of flash for freedom and adapt by mr fraser and work quite well . perhaps one day we may see flashman do justice on screen .