The Crusades (1935)

Synopsis: This medieval epic is loosely based on the Third Crusade, in which the armies of France, England, Germany, Russia, and Hungary joined to reclaim Jerusalem from Saladin and the Muslim horde. THE CRUSADES is a historical spectacle that... This medieval epic is loosely based on the Third Crusade, in which the armies of France, England, Germany, Russia, and Hungary joined to reclaim Jerusalem from Saladin and the Muslim horde. THE CRUSADES is a historical spectacle that swirls around the national jealousies of the respective rulers as well as the common cause of Christendom that united them. Henry Wilcoxon stars as England's king Richard the Lionheart, who is forced to marry a French princess (a charming and young Loretta Young) he has never met in order to provide food and supplies for his army. He weds his bride, Berengaria, by proxy, which enrages her, and he has no intention of making her his queen until he sees her. When he does, he is enchanted, and the two become embroiled in a struggle between reconciliation and understanding. Berengia is kidnapped by Saladin's (Ian Keith) villainous army and forced to spend time in his harem as King Richard rides to Jerusalem to free his young bride. What follows is yet another grandiose and sweeping battle scene as the united army struggles to free Jerusalem. Cecil B. De Mille, Hollywood's Master of Spectacle, conquers the screen once again in this lavish version of history with his trademark penchant for period realism and sumptuous sets and costumes. The film was based on the novel THE CRUSADE: IRON MEN AND SAINTS by Harold Lamb. [More]

Starring: Loretta Young, Henry Wilcoxon, Ian Keith, C. Aubrey Smith

Starring: Loretta Young, Henry Wilcoxon, Ian Keith, C. Aubrey Smith, Joseph Schildkraut, Alan Hale, Katherine DeMille

Director: Cecil B. DeMille

Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Screenwriter: Harold Lamb, Waldemar Young, Dudley Nichols
Producer: Cecil B. DeMille
Composer: Rudolph G. Kopp

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