Crossed Swords (The Prince and the Pauper) (1977)

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(1,585 ratings)

A poor commoner and a young prince each find out how the other half lives in this adventure story based on the classic tale by Mark Twain. Tom Canty (Mark Lester) is a young man from a laboring family who bears a striking resemblance to Prince Edward (also played by Lester), the son of King Henry… More A poor commoner and a young prince each find out how the other half lives in this adventure story based on the classic tale by Mark Twain. Tom Canty (Mark Lester) is a young man from a laboring family who bears a striking resemblance to Prince Edward (also played by Lester), the son of King Henry VIII (Charlton Heston) and heir to his throne. Tom and Edward meet by chance, and they decide to exchange places briefly as a lark; Edward will get to live as an ordinary boy, and Tom will be able to enjoy the perks of royalty. But the two are separated before they can let everyone in on the joke, and Tom discovers as he pretends to be Price Edward that the castle is awash in corruption. Originally released as Crossed Swords, The Prince and the Pauper also features Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch, George C. Scott, and Rex Harrison. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: Richard Fleischer
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Mar 17, 1977 Wide
On DVD: Aug 15, 2000

Critic Reviews

, Empire Magazine
Charming, funny and great turns from a cast with no finger-wagging. But if you don't like psychosis-inducing imagery, steer clear.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Star studded but lackluster version of the Prince and the Pauper. Reed, Scott and Harrison acquit themselves well and Raquel, who has a nothing part, looks beautiful.

Cast

            Oliver Reed as Miles Hendon

            Raquel Welch as Edith

            Mark Lester as Prince Edward

            Ernest Borgnine as John Canty

            George C. Scott as The Ruffler

            Rex Harrison as Norfolk

            David Hemmings as Hugh Hendon

            Charlton Heston as Henry VIII

            Harry Andrews as Hertford

            Murray Melvin as The Prince's Dresser

            Sybil Danning as Mother Canty

            Felicity Dean as Lady Jane Grey

            Lalla Ward as Princess Elizabeth

            Julian Orchard as St. John

            Graham Stark as Jester

            Sydney Bromley as Peasant

            Peter Cellier as Mean Man

            Roy Evans as Night Owl

            Harry Fowler as Nipper

            Arthur Hewlett as Fat Man

            Richard Hurndall as Cranmer

            Preston Lockwood as Father Andrew

            Andrew Lodge as Capt. of the Guard

            Ruth Madoc as Moll

            Peter O'Farrell as Linklight

            Michael Ripper as Edith's Servant

            Anthony Sharp as Dr. Buttes

            Dudley Sutton as Hodge

            Dervis Ward as Forester

            William Lawford as Mandrake

            Dan Meaden as 1st Guard

            Tommy Wright as Constable

            Don Henderson as Burly Ruffian
See full cast