Christopher Columbus: The Discovery (1992)

8% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
18% of users liked it
(1,794 ratings)

John Glen directed this throwback to the costume dramas of the 1930s and 1940s, but without a smidgen of their energy and verve. George Corraface plays Christopher Columbus as a dynamic and muscular comic-book hero. He has a dream to set sail to find a new passageway to India, but he needs the… More John Glen directed this throwback to the costume dramas of the 1930s and 1940s, but without a smidgen of their energy and verve. George Corraface plays Christopher Columbus as a dynamic and muscular comic-book hero. He has a dream to set sail to find a new passageway to India, but he needs the backing of the Spanish government to do it. First, he must undergo a grilling by Tomas de Torquemada (Marlon Brando in, hands down, his worst performance). After passing muster with Torquemada, he gets the blessing of Queen Isabella (Rachel Ward) and King Ferdinand (Tom Selleck). Columbus then sets sail in a series of picture-postcard travelogue shots as he sails the ocean blue and discovers a new world of wonders -- particularly the Indian chief's well-endowed daughter. As a sop to revisionists, a rat is seen scampering down the plank as Columbus' vessel lands on "undiscovered" turf. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr.
Directed By: John Glen
Written By: Mario Puzo
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Aug 21, 1992 Wide
On DVD: Jan 6, 1993
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris, Moviehole
zzzzzzzzz
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Stagy, unconvincing, and frequently quite amusing.

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Cast

            Marlon Brando as Tomas de Torquemada

            Tom Selleck as King Ferdinand

            Georges Corraface as Christopher Columbus

            Rachel Ward as Isabella of Spain

            Robert Davi as Martin Pinzon

            Catherine Zeta-Jones as Beatriz

            Oliver Cotton as Harana

            Benicio Del Toro as Alvaro

            Mathieu Carriere as King John

            Manuel de Blas as Vincent Pinzon

            Nigel Terry as Roldan

            Christopher Chaplin as Escobedo

            Michael Gothard as Inquisitor's Spy

            John Grillo as Chios Mapmaker

            Michael Halphie as Chios Vendor

            Steven Hartley as Terreros

            Joseph Long as 1st Alguazil

            Mark Long as Joseph

            Branscombe Richmond as Indian Chieftain

            Nicholas Selby as Monsignor Camos

            Nigel Harrison as Gonzalo

            Chris Hunter as Morales

            Genevieve Allenbury as Harana's Wife

            Richard Cubison as Isaac

            Simon Dormandy as Bives

            Michelle Guish
            
            Caleb Lloyd as Diego--Age 8
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