28 Sep Review – Sword Of Lancelot

FlixFling contributor, Alexandra Gibson reviews Sword Of Lancelot

Sword of Lancelot is a retelling of the classic Arthurian story of Guinevere and Lancelot’s torrid affair.  Personally, I have always loved Arthurian stories — the magic, the chivalry, the gratuitous violence.  This particular version, however, I did not love.  It would make a stupendous drinking game; it does not make a good movie.

The thing that is wrong with this movie, the thing that changes it from hammy to just ‘Bad,’ is Guinevere.  Not only is the character written horribly and in a sexist way, the acting is dismal.  In most Arthurian tales, you dislike what Lancelot and Guinevere are doing but you understand the attraction.  In this movie, it bewilders me.  Guinevere is shrewish, annoying, and moronic.

It’s not all bad though.  Unlike his beloved, Lancelot is everything Lancelot should be.  He is good looking, honorable, brave, and constantly suffering from inner torment.   From the time he first lays eyes on Guinevere, he is battling his love for her and his dedication to Arthur.  The role is well acted by Cornel Wilde; he makes the character sympathetic, which is obviously a boon when the character is known best for betraying his best friend and king.

Sword of Lancelot is over-acted and melodramatic. This, however, is common to the time period and genre.  If you enjoy movies like this — like Errol Flynn’s Robin Hood mixed with Danny Kaye’s The Court Jester — then check it out.