AS a central figure of medieval storytelling, King Arthur has been the subject of countless cinematic adaptations over the past century. From silent films to animation, from fantastical CGI-fuelled epics to love stories grounded in realism, Arthurian legend has provided a popular framework for filmmakers since the medium's conception at the turn of the 19th century. Whether they stick to the script or head off the beaten track with legendary re-imaginings of their own, here are a few of the most notable Arthurian tales in cinema ...
Parsifal (1904)
This American silent movie is based on the 1882 Wagner opera of the same title. While Arthur doesn't make an appearance, this Edison Manufacturing Company film tells the story of Parsifal and Kundry from Arthurian legend. Perhaps most notably, it used Edison's Kinetophone for projection, a device he had been experimenting with to combine silent films and recorded music.
A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court (1949)
Based on the Mark Twain novel of the same name, this musical comedy stars Bing Crosby and Rhonda Fleming. The story follows a mechanic who, after sustaining a head injury, finds himself in Arthurian Britain AD 528. According to reviewers at the time, “Bing's delightful personality and sweet serenities” positioned this as a highlight film of the year.
The Sword In The Stone (1963)
This often underrated Disney film considers the animated tale of Excalibur, as a young Arthur discovers his destiny to become king. Its mixed reviews were short-lived, remaining a popular family favourite over half a century later.
Camelot (1967)
Richard Harris stars as King Arthur alongside Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero in this Oscar-winning comedy-drama adaptation of the Alan Jay Lerner stage musical. Lerner and composer Frederick Lowe, the team behind My Fair Lady, used Camelot's period setting to sub-textually comment on the Vietnam War.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
Co-directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, this classic is commonly considered one of the best comedies ever made. Although the film doesn't always stay true to its source material, it provides an effective fantastical parody on the story of King Arthur and his court. Eric Idle famously used the film as the basis for his musical Spamalot 30 years later.
Excalibur (1981)
With Nigel Terry as Arthur, John Boorman's box-office success was shot on location in Ireland, mixing myths and magic as Arthur brings together the Knights of the Round Table. Though met with mixed reviews, the film launched the careers of cinema icons like Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Gabriel Byrne and Helen Mirren.
First Knight (1995)
This film extracted the magic from the myths, offering a more grounded retelling of the legend, considering the love triangle between Lancelot (Richard Gere), Guinevere (Julia Ormond) and King Arthur (Sean Connery). Its most notable attribute is probably the scene where an entire army disguise themselves as a flock of sheep.
King Arthur (2004)
Antoine Fuqua's film provides a re-imagining of Arthurian legend more than a retelling, given its tendency to stray from the source material. Clive Owen and Keira Knightley star in this modern epic. The film is not without its flaws, but offers striking visuals, a quality perhaps prompted by the recent success of the mythical Lord of the Rings franchise.
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