CinemaScope historical adventure from Allied Artists and director Henry Levin. In mid-14th century France, the English under King Edward III (Michael Hordern) have proven victorious in Aquitaine. Edward leaves the surviving French noblemen in possession of their estates as long as they remain loyal subjects, but the vengeful Comte De Ville (Peter Finch) vows to continue resisting the English presence. Edward leaves his son Edward the Black Prince (Errol Flynn) as the Duke of Aquitaine, and soon enough he finds himself at arms against De Ville and his army. The Black Prince must defeat De Ville once and for all, while also rescuing the fair Lady Joan (Joanne Dru) from the French.
This was the most expensive movie ever made by Allied Artists up to that time, and the production values nearly match any of the historical action pictures of the "A" studios. Flynn is looking haggard, and many of his action scenes are done behind a convenient helmet, allowing a more energetic stunt man to take his place. Flynn was reportedly often in his cups during filming, forgetting lines and drifting off. That's not too noticeable in the final product, although he does have a certain gleam in his eye during a few scenes. Peter Finch is good as the chief villain, although he makes no attempt to sound French. Future TV star Patrick McGoohan is clearly visible in an uncredited role as an English soldier, while Christopher Lee, also uncredited, plays a French knight who gets to sword fight with Flynn, an experience that Lee claims left him with a permanent injury.
This was the most expensive movie ever made by Allied Artists up to that time, and the production values nearly match any of the historical action pictures of the "A" studios. Flynn is looking haggard, and many of his action scenes are done behind a convenient helmet, allowing a more energetic stunt man to take his place. Flynn was reportedly often in his cups during filming, forgetting lines and drifting off. That's not too noticeable in the final product, although he does have a certain gleam in his eye during a few scenes. Peter Finch is good as the chief villain, although he makes no attempt to sound French. Future TV star Patrick McGoohan is clearly visible in an uncredited role as an English soldier, while Christopher Lee, also uncredited, plays a French knight who gets to sword fight with Flynn, an experience that Lee claims left him with a permanent injury.