El Cid (1961)

Synopsis

The myth surrounding the title character, otherwise known as Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar begins as all such romanticized history does – with a wedding thwarted and an act of charity leading to charges of treason.

After releasing a captured Moorish general and his men, our soon to be conqueror earns the gratitude, and undying loyalty, of his previous prisoners.



Naturally, the King and his court are not happy, and Rodrigo is accused of being a traitor. As the noblemen debate his fate, he seeks the solace of his beautiful bride to be Jimena, daughter of the royal champion.

Their love is undying and undeniable. But when his own father is insulted, Rodrigo challenges his lady love’s guardian to a duel. The results ruin the relationship with his fiancé forever.



As the King’s newest knight, El Cid is sent to negotiate with disloyal factions in the kingdom. He eventual succeeds, and an innate ability to avoid ambush and double cross turn him into a rural icon.

Soon, competitive elements within the royal family will challenge his sense of duty, and his love for Jimena…and all the while, the Moors are preparing for all out war.  -- Popmatters.com

Cast: Sophia Loren, Charlton Heston, Raf Vallone, Geneviève Page, John Fraser, Paul Naschy, Gary Raymond, Hurd Hatfield, Massimo Serato, Frank Thring, Michael Hordern, Herbert Lom, Andrew Cruickshank, Douglas Wilmer, Tullio Carminati, Ralph Truman, Christopher Rhodes, Carlo Giustini, Gérard Tichy, Fausto Tozzi, Barbara Everest, Nerio Bernardi, Franco Fantasia

Read about this film

Country: Italy | United States
Language: English
Color: Color
Runtime: 182 Min.