This film (of the five in the DeMille Collection) is a retelling of the third of European Crusades led by Richard The Lionhearted. A “sweeping” historical epic told in the DeMille grand manner, it flopped at the box office but holds up remarkably well as an interesting historical melodrama. In an attempt to get out of a political arrangement through an arranged marriage to Alice of France, Richard joins the Crusades. His true conversion, however, comes through his reluctant marriage to Berengaria, Princess of Navarre, played by a very young Loretta Young. Her physical beauty and devotion to the cause (but mostly beauty) spurs Richard and his followers on to take Jerusalem. The narrative is rousing and curiously touching at the end, though hardly credible. Great for a single viewing.
by Marlin Tyree | Source: Universal Studios Video
02 May 2007 6:19 PM | Submit Comment
