Lancelot and Guinevere (known as Sword of Lancelot in the U.S.) is a British 1963 medieval fantasy adventure film starring Cornel Wilde, Jean Wallace (his real-life wife at the time), and Brian Aherne. This lesser-known version of the Camelot legend is a work shaped predominantly by Cornel Wilde, who co-produced, directed, co-wrote, and played Lancelot.
Contents
Plot
Lancelot is King Arthur's most valued Knight of the Round Table and a paragon of courage and virtue. Things change, however, when he falls in love with Queen Guinevere. A sub-plot concerns Arthur's effort to forestall a challenge from a rival king, a problem that will inevitably catch Lancelot up in a personal conflict.
In order to marry Guinevere, King Leodogran's daughter, King Arthur must find a knight to defeat Leodogran's champion. Arthur chooses Lancelot, who mortally wounds his opponent. On the way back to Camelot, Lancelot foils an attempt on Guinevere's life by Sir Modred, Arthur's illegitimate son; and before the end of the journey, Lancelot and Guinevere realize their love for each other. Though Lancelot is loyal to Arthur and Guinevere's marriage to the King takes place as planned, it is not long before the two become lovers.
Modred spies on them and informs Arthur of his wife's infidelity. Lancelot escapes, but Guinevere is condemned to be burned at the stake. He returns in time to save her and then offers to give himself up provided there will be no retaliation. Nevertheless, Arthur banishes him and sends Guinevere to a convent. Years later, Modred murders Arthur for his throne, and Lancelot returns to defeat him, thus ending the civil war that has been raging in Britain. He then finds Guinevere about to take the vows of a nun.
Cast
Cornel Wilde as Sir Lancelot
Jean Wallace as Guinevere
Brian Aherne as King Arthur
George Baker as Sir Gawaine
Archie Duncan as Sir Lamorak
Adrienne Corri as Lady Vivian
Michael Meacham as Sir Modred
Iain Gregory as Sir Tors
Mark Dignam as Merlin
Reginald Beckwith as Sir Dagonet
John Barrie as Sir Bevidere
Richard Thorp as Sir Gareth
Joseph Tomelty as Sir Kaye
Graham Stark as Rian
Walter Gotell as Sir Cedric
Christopher Rhodes as Ulfus
Peter Prowse as Brandagorous
John Longden as King Leodogran
Comic book adaption
Dell Movie Classic: Lancelot and Guinevere (October 1963)