In 11th century Normandy, a Norman duke sends one of his knights to build a defensive fortress in order to guard the borders against Frisian raiders.In 11th century Normandy, a Norman duke sends one of his knights to build a defensive fortress in order to guard the borders against Frisian raiders.In 11th century Normandy, a Norman duke sends one of his knights to build a defensive fortress in order to guard the borders against Frisian raiders.
- Narrator
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis was a dream project for Charlton Heston, and he had a heavy input into all aspects of the production. His strong feeling was that the film should be essentially an intimate drama, but he found that Universal expected a sort of historical epic, such as he had made many times before. He could not shake them from this goal, and the studio re-edited the film so that the action scenes were more prolonged, whilst several more intimate scenes were cut. He had wanted Stanley Baker for the Guy Stockwell role. The film was a box-office flop, and the experience was one which rankled Heston for the remainder of his life.
- GoofsThe action supposedly takes place in Normandy, in land belonging to the Duke of Ghent. However, Normandy was entirely under the rule of its own Duke; Ghent was a separate territory under the Count of Flanders.
- Quotes
Priest: Well, now, fertility. Some say it's pagan. But who's not pagan in some matters?
Draco: True, true! I love the speech of scholars.
Priest: These young folks here think of nothing but frolic. "Desist!" I tell them, but they will go a-wantoning. So, lest the Devil take them, I preach them a text from holy writ. "Increase and multiply," I say. "Replenish the earth." And oh! how they obey me.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Biography: Charlton Heston: For All Seasons (1995)
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.
- How long is The War Lord?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $3,500,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 3 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1