Capitão de Castela

The Spanish inquisition and the invasion of Cortez into Mexico - Henry King style!

A film firmly split in two halves, Captain From Castile may at times over stretch its aims on the, but the sweepingly gorgeous texture is quite something to behold. Tyrone Power takes up the lead role of Pedro De Vargas and firmly cements his star status with a wonderful performance, handsome and brave, he carries the film easily on its joyous course from Spain to Mexico, whilst stoic male support comes from Cesar Romero (Cortez and never better), Lee J. Cobb (Juan Garcia) and John Sutton (Diego De Silva). Head female duty falls to a vibrantly young Jean Peters (in her film debut) as Catana Perez, pretty and beguiling, her gorgeous green eyes shining bright in this Technicolor spectacle, she is the perfect foil to Power's dash and swagger.

Production costs are thought to have been over $4 million, yet even though the film sadly lost money, the money spent is still evident at every turn and it proved to be very popular with critics and film lovers alike. Director Henry King wonderfully utilises the panoramic vistas of the Mexican locale and the costumes come right out of the top draw, but one of the most striking things in this magnificent production is the score from Alfred Newman. Stirring and emotionally hard, it has to rank as one of the best scores to have ever been composed. I strongly recommend the isolated score option on the excellent Region 1 DVD. It's a far from perfect film for sure (the no battle pay-off at the finale is a great disappointment), but the harking back to old historical days of yore can induce a tingle on the spine, and in that respect the piece delivers handsomely. Just like its leading man ironically enough. 8/10

Tyrone Power in the type of role he made his own,supported by an excellent Cesar Romero as Cortez. The music by Alfred Newman and the direction together with the competent performance by the entire cast makes this film a most satisfying experience.I doubt whether there are any actors today who can emulate the style and screen presence of Power. The film script is likewise crisp and to the point.The movie is a rarity in that it does not fail the novel from which it was adapted.

The conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortez in the early 16th Century is the backdrop of a story of love,courage and adventure in this entertaining swashbuckler. The movie was Jean Peters's first and she's a beguiling creature in this ,although her acting leaves a lot to be desired at this point in her career.Cesar Romero as Cortez paints an entertaining portrayal of this ruthless opportunist. The stunning color-cinematography is something to behold. Captured on the screen is an erupting volcano in the background of some of the action. Tyrone Power does his usual competent job in this kind of adventure story.The movie is very entertaining but it does drag a bit in its 2 and a half hour running-time.

It's a shame that 20th Century Fox has yet to have released DVD editions of many of the films of the studio's biggest star, Tyrone Power. Almost impossibly handsome, enormously popular, and with excellent acting credentials, Power nearly singlehandedly kept the studio solvent in the traumatic transition years following WWII, with costume epics like "Captain from Castile" showcasing his strengths.

"Castile" echoes Power's earlier films, "The Mark of Zorro" and "Son of Fury", as again he plays a gallant standing against an arrogant aristocratic class, but this time he runs afoul of the Inquisition, and must flee Spain to re-establish his wealth and reputation, accompanied by loyal friend Lee J. Cobb, and a servant girl who secretly adores him (Jean Peters, in one of her best performances). Recruited into the service of the charismatic Hernando Cortez (Cesar Romero, who nearly steals the film), it's off to Aztlan (Mexico, today) with a small army to face the overwhelming but naive Aztec civilization.

While the film frequently drifts into melodrama, shooting on location in Mexico (with the permission and support of the Mexican government), in glorious Technicolor, gives even the most mundane moments a sense of spectacle, and the cast is in top form. Worth singling out is a terrific supporting performance by Thomas Gomez, as a soldier/priest who dispenses common sense as well as religion, and helps Power realize that the woman he truly loves is not on a balcony, in Spain, but beside him, as they march towards their destiny.

Two aspects of the film deserve special recognition; Alfred Newman's score, featuring the vaulting 'Conquest' march, is one of the finest of his long career, and is even more popular today than when the film was released; and Arthur E. Arling and Charles G. Clarke's cinematography is truly magnificent, particularly in the breathtaking finale, as Cortez' forces proudly march across a broad plain, with active volcanoes in the background. Never has going 'on location' been more justified, as the image is unforgettable! If any 'Powers that Be' are reading this review, PLEASE offer this film on DVD, soon! And while you're at it, consider Power's other great films of the 40s and 50s; he deserves to be 'rediscovered' by audiences, today...

When making a swashbuckling adventure movie set during the Spanish Inquisition, who do you think Hollywood would cast? Tyrone Power of course! Back safe and sound from WWII, Ty continued his exciting career at full throttle, so if you liked The Black Swan and The Mark of Zorro, you'll want to watch Captain from Castile.

Alfred Newman gives a reprisal of his music from The Black Swan, with the substitution of a Spanish flair for the pirate flair, and in Technicolor, the lush costumes and on-location backgrounds are very pretty to watch-not to mention the prettiness of the lead. After Ty's family is accused, tortured, and killed unjustly in the Inquisition, he joins a band of rebels bent on taking down the bad guys. Ty never takes on an accent during these swashbuckling movies-although you can catch him with an Irish accent in a couple of others-but he puts his heart into his heroes, so it hardly seems to matter, even when everyone else around him puts on an accent.

You'll have to search hard to recognize Cesar Romero, the lead of the fighting rebels, for he's covered up in a helmet and a beard and doesn't look at all like his usual handsome self. He does smile a couple of times, and you can tell it's he's in there. Thankfully, Tyrone Power is thoroughly prettied up with long, curly hair, making him look like George Clooney. While it's normally an effort to tear your eyes away from him when he's on the screen, during the seductive dance between him and Jean Peters, it's practically impossible. His lustful expression is even more distracting that his beautiful, perfect nose in profile.

If you're undecided as to your opinion on old swashbucklers, this might not be the best to start with, also if you're not interested in the time period. But if you do like this genre, or if Ty is your favorite of the bucks, you'll want to watch it. Also, you'll get to see a very young Jean Peters in her first movie, and since she didn't make many, it's fun to see her while you can.