Le seigneur de la guerre

Probably the most realistic portrayal of knights and feudal times in cinema history. Really gives you the feel of cold gloomy stone castles, dreary swamps of northwest Europe, and the unbearable social caste system. Who else but Chuck Heston could REALLY portray an eleventh century Norman knight? Robert Taylor? No way.

Maybe a little talky in places, but the talk does go somewhere. I could have used a few more action scenes, like the viking raiders attempt to storm Chucks tower. That was some epic battle sequence.

The cast all act like theyre medieval guys. Richard Boone,with his tremendous face,has a great role as Boris. They even got a dwarf/mascot in there who fits right in. Rosemary Forsyth is about the only one out of place, she looks like shes been growing up on a Malibu beach, not a filthy hovel in a cold swamp village. Her hair just doesent look like 1060.

Theres no real hero to this story, Chuck plays a tough soldier defending a village who lets his weaknesses carry him away (women). As the story develops, you see him lose the trust and control of his command. I found myself shouting at the screen. This same story has played out countless times since the dawn of man...On top of the world, and just cant resist that mystic female power. Hey, maybe Monica Lewinsky could have replaced Forsyth.

Even better than Chuck is Guy Stockwell. I think he died recently. This was one of his major roles, and he was always a seriously underated actor. He plays Draco, and hes cool. He had a great voice, but wasnt in too many good films. This was a great performance he will always be remembered for.

A very detailed battle scene, a devastating passion, both depicted in a believable way. Amongst these, however, a repetitive confrontation among brothers, stereotyped characters and moral tenets (more pertaining to 1965 than to Middle Ages, I fear) which fatally influence the ending.

Actors are outstanding: real stars. Charlton Heston fills the screen and makes all his scenes memorable. Rosemary Forsyth is such a beauty that it is not hard to believe that men could have fought for her. I wonder if you noticed: in movies from those years, girls are often incredibly attractive.

Charlton Heston portrays a Norman knight who has been given charge of a Druid peasant village located on the seacoast of England. As "The War Lord", or warden, he can pretty much rule the area as he sees fit, just as long as his lord, the Duke, is satisfied.

Eventually, Heston invokes a certain law of "first night", meaning that he had the right to possess a bride on her wedding night prior to her being with her lawful husband. He begins to attempt to steal a bride, played by Rosemary Forsyth, and breaks his word of letting her return to the village after the night ends. This sets up a conflict between the villagers and a group of sea warriors to rid the village of Heston and the Duke's small group of defenders. Finally, Heston has to fight to preserve his love for Bronwyn,(Forsyth) and also keep his vow to the Duke.

A good drama, but can be of high interest to those who enjoy films depicting life in the Middle Ages.

I saw the film when it first came out and enjoyed Heston and Boone, but thought the female lead was a bust. I also was disappointed as I thought the film was disjointed. Sometime later I read Heston's comments. It seems there was a change of people in the front office at the studio and they recut the movie and added some more battle scenes. According to Heston they had a great script and story.

I have thought for years that I would like to see the movie as it was directed. After all Frank Schaffner was a great director, who later on did "Planet of the Apes" and " Patton". I think there would be a market for the original cut, if the cuttings are still around. They could in effect re-release it. Now THAT would be something. There is no end to the way the studios can make money again and again on the same movies, is there. He He Althought I often question thier intelligence. Remember when they tried to stop the VCR's and throw away a whole new source of revenue.

Painstakingly accurate historical epic that has Norman knight Heston, in charge of an 11th-century Druid community. He exercises his right to claim bride Forsyth on the night of her wedding, and she then falls for the knight, refusing to leave his side. Seeking vengeance, Farentino, the son of Druid leader MacGinniss, foments an all-out war between Heston and Heston's covetous brother (Stockwell). Despite the impressive scope of the battle scenes, The War Lord, based on a stage play by Stevens, is an intimate drama. Still, the sure-handed direction of Schaffner and the credible performances of Heston et al are well complemented by Morross's driving, Stravinsky-like score.