MR. KELLY -- HISTORICAL FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:
Notes: *All are available on DVD unless noted.
*The “sword and sandal” genre of movies came about in the 1950’s when
Hollywood was trying to compete with the new popularity of TV’s in most
households. The studios produced these 3-4 hour epics in lavish splendor (huge
budgets, top stars and exotic locals or recreations) based on the great cultures of
the time before Christ, hoping to draw audiences back into the movie theatres.
The stunning special effects before computers are interesting and the vast #’s of
extra’s used for many scenes will surprise you.
Ancient Egypt:
#1:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956 / 220 minutes)
This is the epic upon which all others are gauged against. Cecil B. DeMille’s epic 5
year production was a remake of his 1923 silent version. With a cast of over 10 major
stars, it was filmed on location in Egypt and the Holy Land. The recreated sets are the
best of Egypt ever put on film. The story of Moses leading the Hebrews out of bondage
from Egypt is loaded with special effects that were spectacular for their time. Moses was
played by Charlton Heston (who has played more historical figures than any other actor),
Yul Brynner as Ramses II, with Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson and Vincent Price.
The only flaw I will note is the love triangle between Moses, Ramses and Nefertari was
Hollywoodized – According to historical documents this is very inaccurate.
#2:
CLEOPATRA (1963 / 248 minutes)
This was the film that saved 20th Century Fox Studios. They gambled everything to
make this epic. (the story of the making of this movie is almost as thrilling as the movie
itself). This is the best film version of the Cleopatra story and her tragic affairs with 2 of
Rome’s most powerful men – Caesar and Marc Antony. Elizabeth Taylor plays
Cleopatra and was the first actor or actress to earn $1 million dollars for a single picture.
When filmed it was supposed to be two separate 3 hour films. The first Caesar and
Cleopatra, then Cleopatra and Antony was to be released 6 months later. When a very
passionate romance blossomed between Richard Burton and Liz Taylor (and destroyed
both their marriages), 20th century fox decided to release it as the single 4 hour film to
gain success off of the free publicity the affair brought to the film. It is an incredible film
– my only complaint is the missing 2 hours of “cut” footage from the 2 separate films has
not been found yet – so you can only see it in the spellbinding 4 hour version as it was
released – watching it always leaves me wanting more. The story, script and on screen
chemistry of the stars – top notch!!!
EGYPT 2
#3:
LAND OF THE PHARAOHS (1955 – 104 mins)
Tells the story of the building of the Great Pyramid showing detailed sets of the ancient
culture of Egypt. A subplot of a scheming wife and Pharaoh’s revenge with a twist at
the end. In the construction scene almost 10,000 extras were used.
#4:
JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (1999 – 78 minutes)
This is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical about Joseph and the plot of his 11 brothers to
rid the world of him and Josephs twist of fate becoming Pharaoh’s vizer in Egypt. It is a
musical, but filled with humor and a great cast – fast paced and very worth while.
Honorable Mentions:
THE CURSE OF KING TUT’S TOMB (1980 – 100 mins) **only out on VHS
Interesting story of the discovery of Tut’s tomb and some sinister and mysterious
goings on surrounding the Tomb’s opening.
VALLEY OF THE KINGS (1954 – 86 mins) **not out on VHS or DVD, but shown
often on TCM
This is a mystery / romance surrounding excavations of tombs in the Valley of the Kings
-- set during Victorian times and was shot on location all through Egypt.
SPHINX (1981 – 117 mins) **Made available in 2010 from Warner Bros Archive (more expensive
since they are printed on DVD-Rs when ordered) / Can Rent from Amazon Prime
A mystery tale about an undiscovered tomb that would rival the treasures of King Tut.
Several are after its location and willing to do anything to find it, while some are trying to
protect its location. The book it is based on is great – written by Robin Cook. The fil
stands out for its spotlighting of many locations in Egypt.
AIDA **This is Tim Rice and Elton John’s musical stage production of Verdi’s famous
opera about forbidden love between an Egyptian Prince and a Nubian Princess and the act
of treason their romance will lead to. An official taping has not been done for release,
but the soundtrack is readily available and it has been through Charlotte twice on
traveling tours – highly recommended if you love musicals.
DEATH ON THE NILE (1978 – 140 minutes)
One of Agatha Christie’s greatest mysteries, brought to the big screen with over 12 top
stars and beautifully filmed in almost every tourist local in Egypt. Peter Ustinov plays the
master sleuth Hercule Poirot in this lavish production. (much better than the 2004 remake
from the BBC) A great “whodunit” and travelogue of Egypt.
GREECE 1
Ancient Greece -- Mythology:
#1
THE ODYSSEY (1997 – 203 minutes – on DVD / VHS is 183 minutes)
The definitive movie adaptation of Homer’s epic tale of Odysseus and his 10 year
odyssey to return home after the Trojan War– well scripted, great special effects.
#2
CLASH OF THE TITANS (1981 – 2 hours)
Story of Perseus, mortal son of Zeus and his clashes with Medusa, the Kraken, Calibos
and giant scorpions. A fun film – dated though for it’s special effects. (remade in 2010)
#3
JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (1963 – 104 mins)
Story of Jason (sailor and explorer) who searches for the Golden Fleece. Incredible
special effects for the 1960’s (an OK remake was made in 2000).
#4
JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: Greek Myths (2004 – 95 mins)
Originally filmed for HBO using Jim Henson’s creature shop. Henson died during
production, so only 4 were made. They tell the myths of the Minotaur, Daedalus and
Icarus, Orpheus and Eurydice, Perseus and the Gorgon. Entertaining, but geared to a
younger audience.
Ancient Greece – The Trojan War:
#1
TROY (2004 – 162 mins or a 196 min director’s cut)
This is the definitive version of the Trojan war story. Although criticized for being
“over the top” and Brad Pitt’s “over playing of Achilles, it has great special effects and
will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
#2
HELEN OF TROY (1955 – 121 mins)
Although dated, until the 2004 version, this was the best of the best. Shot with a
staggering budget of $6 million (at the time) and a cast of some 30,000 people – a grand
undertaking. This was a lavish epic shot by Robert Wise (Sound of Music fame later)
#3
HELEN OF TROY (Made for TV 2003 – 121 mins)
Coming out just before the in the theatre’s Troy, it pales in comparison – but I will
mention it because the girl who played Helen is probably the most beautiful put on film –
fitting since her beauty launched one thousand Greek ships to get her back.
GREECE 2
Ancient Greece – The Persian War / Battle of Themopylae:
#1
THE 300 SPARTANS (1961 / 108 minutes)
The definitive screen version of the last stand of the 300. A huge budget allowed on
location filming in Greece and accurate costumes and sets. Epic story telling!!!
#2
300 (2007 – 116 minutes) **RATED R
I don’t really recommend it because of its rating and gore. Based on Frank Miller’s
graphic novel a fun film if you want blood and guts, but don’t expect accurate history.
Ancient Greece – Alexander the Great:
#1
ALEXANDER THE GREAT (1956 – 136 minutes)
The original version with Richard Burton as Alexander. Good recreations of battle
scenes and sets. Dated for its time by excluding many details of Alexander’s life.
#2
ALEXANDER REVISITED: The Final Cut (2004 / 2007 – 214 minutes) *Unrated
Oliver Stone’s controversial telling of Alexander’s life – very long and drawn out (as
many of Stone’s pictures are), but accurate and engrossing if you can get through it.
This DVD version is the 3rd cut of the film. The original 2004 theatrical version flopped
in theatre’s, so a Director’s Cut at 167 minutes was done in 2005 where many scenes
were reworked in their order to make the film flow better, but many questions were left
unanswered and lost in the cutting room. Two years in the making – Stone recut and
reedited this third version, it leaves no detail untouched.
Greece – Films shot there for the Scenery and Spirit of Greece:
#1:
MY LIFE IN RUINS (2009 – 2 hours)
A definite “chick-flick”, but it was shot on location at almost every major ancient Greek
site. It is the story of a Greek-American travel guide, Georgia, so distracted by what's
going wrong as she leads a motley crew of tourists through some of Greece's most
historic sites that she almost misses out on a chance for romance.
#2/3:
SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS (2005 – 119 mins)
SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 (2008 – 119 mins)
Based off the book series for teenage girls, the movie plotlines are enjoyable enough for
adults as well. The highlight of each was the beautiful on location filming in Greece on
Santorini, the ancient volcanic island once called Thera.
GREECE 3 / ROME 1
#4:
MAMMA MIA! (2008 – 2 hours)
If you do not like the music of ABBA, don’t waste your time. This story is based off
the Broadway musical that weaves 19 ABBA songs into a story of a young girl getting
married in Greece who is searching for her father. A superb cast – some you never think
would sing – make this a great version. Shot on location in Greece – a visual and musical
delight.
#5
ZORBA THE GREEK (1964 -146 min)
Probably the first movie that comes to mind when thinking of Greece. Anthony Quinn is
superb in this film that captures the zest of Greek life. Well known score by Mikis
Theodorakis.
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Ancient Rome:
BEN-HUR (1959 – 222 minutes) Charlton Heston / Stephen Boyd
This is my favorite Roman film. Until “Titanic” in 1997, it held the record for most
Oscars won by a film (11). It tells the story of Ben-Hur (a Jew) and his childhood friend,
Messala, and how their relationship changes as Christianity rises – leading to an ultimate
showdown chariot race in the Circus Maximus. This 20 minute chariot race alone is
worth seeing the movie for. It shows the friends relationship over the 33 years Christ
lived, beginning with the birth of Christ and ending with his crucifixion. Epic film
making doesn’t get much better than this.
GLADIATOR (2000 – 155 min / directors cut edition is 172 mins) Russell Crow
The ultimate look at the gladiatorial world – training, philosophy and the fights. The
movie is a remake of 1964’s “the Fall of the Roman Empire”. The base plot line is
essentially fictitious, but Commodus did secretly fight as a gladiator in the arena. He was
not killed fighting an ex-army commander turned gladiator. Excellent modern epic – this
is as close to the old 50’s “sword & sandal” films as you can get.
SPARTACUS (1960 – 196 minutes) Kirk Douglas / Tony Curtis
Until “Gladiator”, this was the best movie centering around gladiators. It tells the story
of an actual slave revolt led by Spartacus in 72 B.C. – Great script and action sequences.
**From 2010-2012, STARZ has done a 3 season version of the Spartacus story. Much
like HBO’s Rome, it is short on historical accuracy and intertwined with sex and
violence (many of your parents may not approve of viewing this version)
ROME 2
HANNIBAL (1960 – 100 mins) Victor Mature / Rita Gam
The story of the 2nd Punic War and Hannibal’s massive invasion of Italy from the north
over the Alps with his troops and elephants. Excellent battle recreations – the battle of
Cannae alone they used 45 elephants, 4,000 footsoldiers and 1500 horsemen.
MASADA (1981 – 383 mins) Peter O’Toole / Peter Strauss
Although made for TV, this was a big budget recreation of the showdown between the
Romans and the Jewish Zealots in the seemingly impregnable mountain fortress at
Masada. Winner of 13 Emmy Awards – great recreations of the Roman siege warfare
techniques. Finally restored and put on DVD in 2007.
THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII (1960 – 97 minutes) Steve Reeves
Italian costume drama about the people and the city of Pompeii set in AD 79, when Mt.
Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in volcanic ash.
THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII (1984 – 6 hours)
A lavish $19 million ABC mini-series rehashing the story of Pompeii’s destruction by
Mount Vesuvius. With the expanded length, more detail to the characters could be given.
A stellar cast offered a well done adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s novel.
Ancient Rome – the emperors:
JULIUS CAESAR (1953) Marlon Brando/ James Mason / Sir John Gielgud
JULIUUS CAESAR (1970) Charlton Heston / Jason Robards / Sir John Gielgud
Robert Vaughn / Richard Chamberlain / Diana Rigg
Both of these versions are based on the Shakespearean play. Film critics prefer the 1953
black and white version, but personally I recommend the 1970 edition – I think it has
better acting overall. Both have great recreated sets…little change in dialog.
JULIUS CAESAR (2004 - 178 mins) Christopher Walken and Richard Harris
Forgettable version (but non-Shakespeare), good recreation of Caesar’s assassination
EMPIRE (2005 – 257 minutes) Santiago Cabrera / James Frain / Emily Blunt
This made for TV mini-series was done just before HBO’s ambitious “Rome” series. It
covers the period from Caesar’s assassination to Octavian’s triumph over Marc Antony.
It was enjoyable, but not on the budget level of HBO’s story. Many backdrops are
computer generated poorly, but for TV standards not bad. Disney backed and distributed
this version.
ROME 3
HBO’s ROME (2 seasons: 2005-2007) Kevin McKidd / Ray Stevenson
Although made for TV, this is HBO and they definitely intertwined it with a lot of sex
and violence (many of your parents may not approve of viewing this). The plotline
tries to stay as accurate to history as they can – but the 2 lead characters which the story
follows are fictitious (their names are on Caesar’s military rosters – but that’s as close as
they come to the truth. They are likable heroes and through them the civil war of
Pompey and Caesar is told, followed by the death of Caesar and the fight between Marc
Antony and Octavian for ultimate control of Rome. It was one of the most engrossing
stories of this time period – the characters draw you in and you can’t wait to see the next
episode. My only flaw with this series is their portrayal of Cleopatra (perhaps the worst
and most inaccurate on film).
AUGUSTUS (2005 ) Peter O’Toole / Charlotte Rampling
Made by the same producers of 2005’s “Caesar”. Pales in comparison to HBO’s Rome
I, CLAUDIUS (PBS Mini-Series from 1976 – 11 hours) 3 DVD editions are available
For many, the story of Rome’s Emperors does not get better than this. It covers the first
four emperors of Rome, from Augustus to Claudius. Incredible script, acting and sets. It
is a British production, so some students struggle with the accents and find it slow
moving, but it was well researched and portrayed. Considered a bit risqué for its time.
CALIGULA (1979 – R Rated Version / 50 minutes shorter than the theatrical release)
Malcolm McDowell / Helen Mirren / Peter O’Toole / Sir John Gielgud
When this came out in 1979, people flocked to see it for the stellar cast, but were
appalled at the deprived raunchiness the unrated version offered. Although incredibly
historically accurate in script and sets (historian Gore Vidal held nothing back in his
portrayal of the true emperor) – the general public was not ready to handle how depraved
Rome became under Caligula. Malcom McDowell is so into the role of Caligula – no
portrayal on film has come close. In 1991, the film was restored and cut down into a RRated version that was more acceptable to the squeamish. (Even in the edited version,
like HBO’s Rome: many of your parents may not approve of viewing this)
QUO VADIS (1951 – 174 mins) Debra Kerr / Robert Taylor / Peter Ustinov
The epic “sword & sandal” classic about Nero, the burning of Rome and the beginning
of the Christian persecution by Rome. Eight Oscar nods and Peter Ustinov gave the best
portrayal of Nero ever put on film. This movie had over 110 speaking parts (huge) and
used over 30,000 extras. For the 1950’s, the burning of Rome scene is an incredible
journey into special effects. Highly recommended – for the burning of Rome and
Ustinov’s performance!!!
ROME 4
NERO (2005 – 175 mins) Hans Matheson / Ian Richardson
Once “Quo Vadis” finally was put on DVD in 2008, this forgettable version could be
swept under a rug and forgotten. Made by the same producers of 2005’s “Caesar” and
“Augustus” – you’ll be able to tell much was shot using the same sets for all three.
THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (1964) Sophia Loren / Stephen Boyd
This is usually regarded as the last of the “Sword & Sandal” genre. A stellar cast,
incredible sets (the Roman Forum was actually the largest single set ever built for a film).
For years after the film was released, the set was a huge tourist attraction outside of
Madrid Spain. You see Rome at the end of the Pax Romana and fighting the barbaric
invaders which will eventually defeat Rome. Excellent filmmaking!!!
ATILLA (2003 – 177 mins) Powers Boothe / Tim Curry / Gerard Butler
Well done story of Atilla and his group, the Huns, attacks on Rome in the
last days of the empire. Made for TV, but decent script, acting and sets.
Ancient Rome – the rise of Christianity:
KING OF KINGS (1961 – 171 mins) Jeffery Hunter / Robert Ryan / Rip Torn
Epic telling of the life of Christ – One of the most enjoyable on film.
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965 – 199 mins) Charlton Heston /
John Wayne / Martin Landau / Jose Ferrer / Van Heflin / Claude Rains / Richard
Conte / Max Von Sydow / Sidney Poitier / Angela Lansbury /Telly Savalas
This epic film boasted over 25 top stars in its cast, a budget of over $20 million (huge
for its time) and garnered 5 Oscar nods in 1965. Following 4 years after “King of
Kings”, it was hard to sell an audience on another epic telling of the story of Jesus.
THE ROBE (1953 – 135 mins) Richard Burton / Jean Simmons
Important in the history of cinema for being the first film shot in Cinemascope (the
early version of our widescreen today – but showed on 3 huge screens). Nominated for 5
Academy Awards including Best Picture, it tells the story of the Roman Centurian
charged with overseeing the crucifixion of Christ. After he wins the robe of Christ, his
life will be forever changed.
DEMETRIUS & THE GLADIATORS (1954–102 mins) Victor Mature/Susan Hayward
The sequel to “the Robe”, it tells the continuing story of the Robe of Christ and how it
impacts the lives of those who touch it. The Emperor, Caligula is trying to get possession
of it. Great arena fight scenes (for the 1950’s).
ROME 5
ROME – Films shot there for the Scenery and Spirit of Ancient Rome:
ROMAN HOLIDAY (1956) Audrey Hepburn / Gregory Peck
One of the first Hollywood films to be shot on location in a foreign country – will start
a rush of films being shot in Europe. Audrey Hepburn is charming as always playing a
princess who runs away to enjoy the experience of Rome. The man she befriends just
happens to be a reporter looking for the story of a lifetime, but must chose to expose who
the princess is for the story or to keep the secret.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1954) Clifton Webb/Dorothy McGuire
One of the greatest Romance films to come out of 20th century fox. It tells the stories of
three young American girls and their attempts at finding love in the Eternal City of
Rome. Beautifully filmed on location, but many will find the story dated to the 50’s.
COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1990) Loni Anderson / Stephanie Kramer
An update on the original 1954 film. Not bad as far as remakes go. The story lines
were updated enough that comparisons can only be made to the basic premise of the three
women searching for love in Rome. An enjoyable “chick-flick”
ROME ADVENTURE (1962) Suzanne Pleshette / Troy Donahue
I am biased towards this film because I love Suzanne Plashette in anything. Also dated
for its time, it tells the story of an outspoken teacher who goes to Rome to experience
“love”. It includes wonderful on location scenery and an interesting cast of characters.
GIDGET GOES TO ROME (1963) Cindy Carol/ James Darren
The third (and last) installment of the Gidget series. We follow Gidget and her surfer
boyfriend, Moondoggie, to the Eternal City. The film has its funny moments and is
enjoyable, but if only Sandra Dee could have played Gidget through all 3 films…
SABRINA GOES TO ROME (1998) Melissa Joan Hart (*Included on season 7 DVD set)
Basically this is a remake of “Roman Holiday” but with a witch in the position of the
princess. Sabrina befriends a photographer who is out to prove she is a witch. As in the
original story, he must chose to expose Sabrina as a witch or keep her secret.
THE LIZZIE McGUIRE MOVIE (2003) Hillary Duff
I never watched the Disney series, but the movie is enjoyable enough. The sites of
Rome are great, but be warned – the end scene was not shot in the real Coliseum, it was
done on a set (but the old arena is used for concerts and plays – a stage is set up inside).
WHEN IN ROME (2002) The Olson Twins
Just what the world needed, another movie with the Olson Twins! You don’t see as
much of the city of Rome as you do with Lizzie or Sabrina, but it is OK and will give you
all the stereotypical feel of Rome (with a cheesy, contrived Olson twin plot).
CHINA/JAPAN
Ancient China/Japan:
HERO (99 minutes)
Jet Li’s martial arts film about Shi Huangdi’s unification of China and the group of
assassins out to murder him. Great recreations of army warfare, but heavily set in
Chinese mysticism like most martial arts films. The Chinese actor playing the emperor is
top notch. **Tip: watch it in Chinese language with English subtitles.
THE LAST EMPEROR (1987 – 218 minutes)
Winner of 9 Oscars this breathtaking true story was shot mostly on location in China. It
tells of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, and his life after being dethroned. It is an
incredible story about the death of the old world and the birth of modern China.
MULAN / MULAN II (Disney films)
The first is a legend that dates back to the Shang Dynasty about a girl who takes her
father’s place in the Imperial Army. The second story dates from the Han Dynasty
(although 100’s of years apart, Mulan becomes the focal figure). Showing the genius of
Han diplomacy, 3 princesses of China will be married off to foreign princes to bring the 2
nations closer together, but complications ensue. Both are enjoyable cartoons.
THE LAST SAMURAI (2003 – 154 minutes)
Tom Cruise plays a Civil War Hero sent to Japan to fight the Samurai and ends up
pledging himself to their cause. Engrossing story showing the vanishing life of the
Samurai, the opening of Japan to the West and the birth of modern Japan.
JAMES CLAVELL’s ASIAN SAGA (originally 5 books / 3 of which made into films):
*SHOGUN (1980 TV Mini-Series – 547 minutes – remastered on 5 DVDs)
Superb story of an English navigator (played by Richard Chamberlain) who is
shipwrecked in 17th century Japan and gets drawn into a struggle of a warlord
trying to become Shogun (supreme military dictator). The navigator will
eventually become a Samurai, while adjusting to his new life.
*TAI-PAN (1986 – 127 minutes)
Adventure set in the days of China’s Opium Wars. Introduced to the character
of Dirk Struan, who will create a huge trading empire, and become it’s Tai-Pan.
*NOBLE HOUSE (1988 – 376 minutes)
Picks up the story of the great trading company began by Straun. It centers
around a hostile take-over from a rival company. The original book plot was
updated to the 1980’s to set the story in the volatile world of Hong Kong
business. Stars Pierce Brosnan and John-Rhys-Davies.
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MIDDLE AGES
Middle Ages:
EL CID (1961 – 188 minutes)
This is one of my all-time favorite epics. Charlton Heston once again plays a major
historical figure. This time he is the 11th Century hero trying to unite Spain and kick out
the Moors. Spectacularly filmed on location the costumes and the battle sequences are
incredible. Not to be missed is the recreation of El Cid’s “last ride” into battle when he
was already dead, but propped up on his horse to inspire his troops.
JOAN OF ARC (1999 Mini-Series Version – 180 minutes)
This is probably the best version of the Joan of Arc story. Excellent cast, with the
exception of a few over dramatized moments – its sticks to the basic story of the peasant
girl who rises up to lead the French to victory over the English during the 100 Years War.
The scripting of the trial sequence is almost taken verbatim from the original court
documents. Most of the World History students have already seen this in class.
THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH (2010 – 8 part mini-series / 428 minutes)
Incredible film making!!! Based on the best-selling novel by Ken Follett, this epic
mini-series used breathtaking sets and incredible visual effects to recreate the building of
a Gothic cathedral during the dark ages. Great storytelling, completely engrossing.
BRAVEHEART (1995 – 177 minutes) Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture
Mel Gibson’s epic story of Scotland’s William Wallace and his fight to liberate his
people from the English. Incredible battle sequences. Wallace was killed in 1305.
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (2005 – 144 minutes)
Ridley Scott follows on the heals of Gladiator with this sweeping epic about a young
knight set during the Crusades. For those of you who may feel things were missing or left
untold in the plotline – there is a 4 disc director’s cut of the film which includes many of
the subplots that were cut from the theatrical release.
ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES (1991 – 155 minutes)
An all-star cast (Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman)
bring 12th century England to life in this tale of Robin Hood’s fight to save King Richard
from an evil plot from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Shot on location throughout England.
ROBIN HOOD: BBC series (3 seasons 2007- 2009)
BBC’s take on the classic tale of Robin of Locksley, Maid Marian and trusty gang of
companions fighting for the poor of Nottingham while fighting the sinister plot of the
Sheriff to kill King Richard. A fun and engrossing show.
MIDDLE AGES 2
A KNIGHT’S TALE (2001 – 132 minutes) Heath Ledger
Action packed adventure about a squire who breaks all the rules, when he passes
himself off as a nobleman and takes the jousting world by storm. Criticized upon it’s
release for mixing modern rock music in a 14th century setting.
MARCO POLO (1982 – 473 minutes)
Epic mini-series about the travels of Marco Polo from Italy through the treacherous
terrains of Asia to the fabled court of Kublai Khan, the legendary leader of the Mongol
Empire. Filmed on location across 2 continents.
**There is a 2006 remake of this story, but in pales in comparison to the 1982 version
THE VIKINGS (1958 – 1 hour 56 minutes) Kirk Douglas / Tony Curtis
Huge epic film used over 4,000 performers in some scenes. It chronicles the story of
two Viking brothers and their fight over the throne and a beautiful kidnapped princess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Exploration/The Americas:
1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992 – 150 minutes)
THE CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE (1947 – 140 minutes)
Swashbuckling adventure about a Captain with Cortez during his Conquest of Mexico.
Kings of the Sun (1963 – 108 minutes)
The Legend of Zorro (2005 – 130 minutes)
The Mask of Zorro (2000 -137 minutes)
New World (2005 – 135 minutes)
POCAHONTAS / POCAHONTAS II: JOURNEY TO A NEW WORLD (Disney films)
Patriot (2000 – 165 minutes)
Plunder of the Sun (1953 – 92 minutes)
Royal Hunt of the Sun 1969 – 88 minutes)
Secret of the Incas (1954 – 101 minutes)
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Renaissance:
The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965 – 138 minutes)
Luther (2003 – 124 minutes)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
England:
Anne of the Thousand Days (1969 - 146 minutes)
Becket (1964 – 150 minutes)
Cromwell (1970 – 140 minutes)
Elizabeth (1998 – 123 minutes)
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007 - )
Elizabeth I: the HBO 2 –disc miniseries (2006 – 211 minutes)
Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor (Royal Diaries…2000 – 27 min)
Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen (2005 – 230 minutes…2 DVDs)
Henry V: Olivier (1944 – 137 minutes)
Henry V : Kenneth Branagh (1989 – 138 minutes)
Lady Jane ( 1986 – 141 minutes)
The Lion in Winter ((1968 – 135 minutes)
A Man for All Seasons (1966 – 120 minutes)
Mary, Queen of Scots ( 1972 – 132 minutes)
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008 – 115 minutes)
Richard III: William Shakespeare’s (1955 – 158 minutes)
The Tudors: Four Seasons (2007-2010)
Victoria and Albert: (2001 – 3 hours)
The Young Victoria (2008 – 105 minutes)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
France:
The Count of Monte Cristo (131 minutes)
The Four Musketeers (1975 – 108 minutes)
Les Miserables (1998 -134 minutes)
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998 – 132 minutes)
Marie Antoinette (2007 – 123 minutes)
The Three Musketeers (1948 – 126 minutes)
The Three Musketeers (1974 – 126 minutes)
The Three Musketeers (1993 – 105 minutes)
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Archeology Adventure:
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989 – 126 minutes)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981 – 115 minutes)
Lara Croft, Tomb Raider (2001 – 100 minutes)
Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003 – 117 minutes)
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice (2008 – 90 minutes)
The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004 – 90 minutes)
The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines (2006 – 90 minutes)
The Mummy: Ultimate Edition 2 discs (1999 – 125 minutes)
The Mummy Returns: Collector’s Edition (2001 – 130 minutes)
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008 – 112 minutes)
National Treasure (2005 – 131 minutes)
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (2007? – 125 minutes)
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World War I:
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 – 130 minutes)
All Quiet on the Western Front (1979 – 131 minutes)
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World War II:
Battle of the Bulge (1965 – 170 minutes)
The Big Red One ( 1980 – 162 minutes)
A Bridge Too Far (1977 – 176 minutes)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957 – 162 minutes)
The Dirty Dozen (1967 – 150 minutes)
Enemy at the Gates (2001 – 131 minutes)
The Great Escape (1963 – 172 minutes)
The Guns of Navarone ( - 167 minutes)
Holocaust (1978 – 7hours 29 minutes)
Kelly’s Heroes (1970 – 143 minutes)
The Longest Day (1962 – 178 minutes)
Midway (1976 – 131 minutes)
Patton (1970 – 172 minutes)
Pearl Harbor: Commemorative Edition ( 183 minutes)
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949 – 109 minutes)
Saving Private Ryan (1999 – 169 minutes)
Schindler’s List (1993 – 3 hours 16 minutes)
Stalag 17 (1953 – 120 minutes)
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970 – 145 minutes)
U – 571 ( 2000 -117 minutes)
Valkyrie (2008 – 120 minutes)
Where Eagles Dare (1968 – 155 minutes)
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Vietnam War:
Apocalypse Now (1979 – 153 minutes)
Platoon (1986 – 120 minutes)
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20th Century US HISTORY:
HOFFA (1992 – 137 minutes)
JFK (Oliver Stone’s 1991 – 205 minutes)
20th Century US HISTORY / Parodies:
The American President (1995 – 115 minutes)
Dave ((1993 – 110 minutes)
DICK (1999 – 94 minutes)
My Fellow Americans (1996 – 101 minutes)
Comical Histories:
Mel Brook’s History of the World Part 1 (1981 – 92 minutes)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974 – 90 minutes)
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979 – 94 minutes)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OTHER ODDs’n’ENDS:
Egypt:
Antony and Cleopatra: Shakespeare (1974 – 161 minutes)
Caesar and Cleopatra (1945 – 128 minutes)
Cleopatra (1999 – 177 minutes)
Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile (Royal Diaries Series…2000 – 27 minutes)
The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb (2006 – 170 minutes)
The Egyptian (1954 – 140 minutes)
Scorpion King (2002 – 92 minutes)
The Ten Commandments: Silent Version (1923 - )
The Ten Commandments: Complete Mini-Series (2005 – 176 minutes)
Greece:
Atlantis: The Lost Continent (1960 – 90 minutes)
The Colossus of Rhodes (1961 – 128 minutes)
Hercules (2005 – 127 minutes)
Rome:
The Arena (1973 – 78 minutes)
Duel of the Champions ( - 90 minutes)
Giants of Rome ( - 96 minutes)
Gladiators Seven ( - 92 minutes)
Gold For the Caesars (1964 – 87 minutes)
The Last Legion (2006 – 102 minutes)
Rebel Gladiator ( - 90 minutes)
Warrior Queen (2003 – 90 minutes)