L'homme de la Manche

Original title: Man of La Mancha

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

YOUR RATING

Sophia Loren, Peter O'Toole, and James Coco in L'homme de la Manche (1972)

The funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.

Play trailer3:09

6 Videos

31 Photos

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The funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who i... Read allThe funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.The funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 wins & 3 nominations total

Videos6

Trailer 3:09

Trailer

Clip 2:52

Man Of LA Mancha: Don Quixote Charges The Giant

Clip 2:52

Man Of LA Mancha: Don Quixote Charges The Giant

Clip 2:41

Man Of LA Mancha: I, Don Quixote

Clip 2:59

Man Of LA Mancha: Don Quixote Meets Aldonza

Clip 2:28

Man Of LA Mancha: The Impossible Dream

Clip 2:25

Man Of LA Mancha: The Birth Of Don Quixote De LA Mancha

Photos31

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Kirk Douglas was so keen to play Don Quixote that he offered Paramount $1m for the rights. In 1965, Anthony Quinn negotiated with Dale Wasserman for the film rights. Quinn wanted Mexican comedian Cantinflas for the role of "Sancho Panza" (with Quinn as Quixote).

Goofs
In the film, Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra uses the story of Don Quixote to defend the hero's chivalric notions. In the final pages of the novel, and only in the final pages, he declares that his intention was to satirize and poke fun at the exaggerated books of chivalry which were then in vogue. Part I of "Don Quixote" published in 1605, is mostly comic; Part II, published in 1615, is more melancholy and psychological. Most critics feel that, despite his satirical intentions, Cervantes mellowed and began to admire Don Quixote between publication of the 2 parts.

Quotes
Miguel de Cervantes: I'm a poet.
The Duke: They're putting people in prison for that?
Miguel de Cervantes: No, no, no, not for that.
The Duke: Too bad.

Crazy credits
During the opening credits, we see the animated sails of a windmill, which, with each turn, begin to reveal, and finally become, a sketch of the face of Don Quixote. The camera moves in for an extreme closeup of the facial features, which, as the camera gets close, reveal themselves to be a giant prop in an outdoor stage presentation during a festival. As the opening credits end, the sketch of that prop dissolves into the real item.

Alternate versions
The DVD features the MGM logo in the credits, but not the United Artists one, although the film is a United Artists release. The VHS release featured both logos, and the original theatrical release only the United Artists one, along with the Transamerica logo (Transamerica once owned UA).

Connections
Featured in The 75th Annual Academy Awards (2003)

Soundtracks
Man of La Mancha
(I, Don Quixote)
Music by Mitch Leigh
Lyrics by Joe Darion
Performed by Simon Gilbert, Peter O'Toole (speaking),
and James Coco

User reviews82

Featured review

POWERFUL Story ! 5 stars

This is one of my favorites movies, and although I am also a big fan of the play, this movie did no injustice to it whatsoever.. perhaps it would only make someone more motivated to see it performed LIVE on stage. Either way, it is very touching and something that imprints itself upon your heart.

I found similarities between this film and Life is Beautiful, not only the unconventional mentality of the leading characters, but the power we have to positively impact others. If you enjoy L.I.B., this is a MUST SEE !!

From the dismal dungeon jail to to the imaginative world of Don Quixote, Peter O'Toole is outstanding as the chivalrous errant knight. His performance is amazing. James Coco provides comic relief and Sophia Loren is moving as Dulcinea. The gentleness Don Quixote shows Dulcinea is beautiful.

This touching story within a story embraces and captives you as it takes you on a journey of valor, romance, suspense, deceit, comedy, and self examination. I would recommend experiencing at least once.