The Sword and the Rose (When Knighthood Was in Flower) (1953)

38% want to see it
(20 ratings)

The second of Disney's British-produced "historicals" (the first was Robin Hood, the last was Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue), The Sword and the Rose eschews historical accuracy in favor of wall-to-wall adventure and eye-filling pageantry. The film takes place in the court of King Henry VIII (James… More The second of Disney's British-produced "historicals" (the first was Robin Hood, the last was Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue), The Sword and the Rose eschews historical accuracy in favor of wall-to-wall adventure and eye-filling pageantry. The film takes place in the court of King Henry VIII (James Robertson Justice), whose sister Mary Tudor (Glynis Johns) has fallen in love with soldier of fortune Charles Brandon (Richard Todd). Mary appoints Brandon Captain of the Guards, which rests not at all well with her erstwhile suitor, the Duke of Buckingham (Michael Gough). Rather than foment court intrigue, Brandon decides to move on to America, only to end up in the Tower of London when Mary tags along with him, disguised as a boy. Mary is ordered by Henry to wed the aging King of France (Jean Mercure), who promptly dies, leaving the girl at the mercy of the evil Dauphin (Gerard Oury). When rescued by the Duke of Buckhingham, Mary is informed that Charles is dead, but in fact her true love still lives, as he proves beyond doubt in a climactic battle with the duplicitous Duke. Sword and the Rose was based on Charles Major's novel When Knighthood Was in Flower, previously filmed in 1923 with Marion Davies. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Ken Annakin
Genres: Drama

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A dullish historical romantic period film that's not very historical or romantic.

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Cast

            Richard Todd as Charles Brandon

            Glynis Johns as Princess Mary Tudor

            Michael Gough as Duke of Buckingham

            Jane Barrett as Lady Margaret

            Peter Copley as Sir Edwin Caskoden

            Rosalie Crutchley as Catherine of Aragorn

            D.A. Clarke-Smith as Cardinal Wolsey

            Ernest Jay as Lord Chamberlain

            John Vere as Lawyer Clerk

            Philip Glasier as Royal Falconer

            Jean Mercure as Louis XII

            Gérard Oury as Dauphin of France

            Fernand Fabre as De Longueville

            Robert Le Beal as Royal Physician

            Gaston Richer as Antoine Duprat

            Helen Goss as Princess Claude

            Patrick Cargill as French Diplomat

            Caven Watson as Capt. Bradhurst

            Richard Molinas as Father Pierre

            Norman Pierce as Innkeeper

            Douglas Bradley-Smith as Squire

            Ewen Solon as Guardsman

            Paddy Ryan as Bargeman

            Arthur Brander as 1st Mate

            Russell Waters as Sailor

            John Serret as French Squire

            Bob Simmons as French Champion

            Brian Coleman as Earl of Surrey

            James Robertson Justice as Henry VIII

            Hal Ormond as Costermonger

            Anthony Sharp as French Diplomat

            Rupert Holliday Evans
            
See full cast

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