The Long Ships
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Movie Reviews of The Long Ships
Movie Review: Viking--Where is the Bell ? !
Summary: 4 Stars
I had not seen "The Long Ships" since it was released theatrically 40 years ago--yet it left a lasting impression. Of course, I am delighted that Columbia has issued this beautiful DVD--wide-screen, gorgeous colour--it is a treat to look at !
I think some of the negative reviews must come from people who took this movie far too seriously. What we have here is good, old-fashioned "hokum"--the actors knew it--the director knew it--so lighten up, and enjoy this rousing, exciting adventure.
I'm sure that Widmark and Poitier realised that they were not going to win Oscars for this movie--but sometimes even the best actors like to do things that are fun ! I suspect that Widmark was in his 40s, yet like that other famous "viking"--Kirk Douglas--he obviously stayed in shape, and acquits himself well in the action scenes. Mr. Poitier must have had a ball, wearing an outlandish wig, and flowing "Moorish" robes.
Movie buffs will see many familiar faces in this one, although--in a number of cases--they may not be so apparent at first. Terrific character actor, Lionel Jeffries, with heavy make-up and a top-knot, is the eunuch guarding the harem ( not too well ! )--his purpose is clearly comic relief. Stalwart British actors, David Lodge and Edward Judd, are "on board" as thick-bearded vikings. Another viking is played by that quintessential Scotsman, Gordon Jackson--I suppose some Scots might have travelled to Norway ? Clifford Evans ( on leave from Hammer Films ? ) is dignified as the viking king. Russ Tamblyn, always an acrobatic, athletic force, has his moments as the younger viking brother. Rossana Shiaffino and Beba Loncar are beautiful women--but that's all. Finally, the award for unbelievable over-acting goes to Oscar Homolka, as Widmark's ( and Tamblyn's ) father--his "drunken" scene at the mandatory "viking orgy" is quite surreal !
There are a number of memorable scenes, and I agree with other reviewers about the "Mare of Steel"--in 40 years, I never forgot it. You will not forget the poor "guinea pig" selected for a demonstration of this lethal device. Will Mr. Widmark be next ? Start chewing those finger nails !
One small criticism--as I mentioned, Columbia has done a beautiful job of presenting this film in all of it's colourful glory. However, someone in the "proof-reading" department really blew it. On the cover of the DVD case, the two stars' names are at the top--Mr. Poitier's name is spelled incorrectly. He is only one of the biggest stars in the history of film--so this glitch is unfortunate.
Anyway--for history scholars and lovers of authenticity--stay away. For the rest of us who like pure entertainment, "The Long Ships" is an exciting voyage !
A very sad footnote, dated 27 March 2008--Mr. Richard Widmark has passed away at 93, after a long illness. One of the finest actors of his generation, he impressed movie fans with many fine performances--another great star gone.
Movie Review: Rattling good yarn
Summary: 4 Stars
Sidney Poitier ,quoted in Halliwell's Movie and Video Guide ,said "To call it a disaster would be an understatement ".Mr Poitier is being a tad on the stuffy side here ,methinks ,and certainly the movie is a lot less straightlaced than typical Poitier movies from the era and his stiff performance (to be fair he is miscast)is no great help to the movie .
Richard Widmark plays Rolfe ,a Viking whose vessel sinks in a storm and who is eking out a living telling traveller's tales in the marketplace .One such tale is of a giant bell cast of solid gold and he is overheard bysoldier's of the local ruler El Mansuh (Poitier).Knowing this bell to be an obsession of their boss they take him prisoner and bring him to El Mansuh.Being an enterprising sort of chap Rolfe escapes and the enxt time we se e him he is emerging from the waters of his homeland.Norway .(Presumably he swam all the way from North Africa!Not very credible surely)
He arrives at an opportune time ,as the King of Norway ,Harald (Clifford Evans)has just taken delivery of an impressive new ship which Rolfe hijacks and sets out to locate the great bell .An understandably miffed (annoyed)Harold sets out in pursuit .The biggest worry for Rolfe however is another shipwreck and once again falling into the clutches of El Mansuh.
Eventually the two join forces -the Arabs needing Viking seamanship skills .Not that the" marriage" comes about without problems including a dice with an especially malevolent death device called the "mare of steel " things build to a lively climax as the forces involved meet in the city square as the expedition returns home to El Mansuh's city
Christopher Challis makes a key contribution with some lustrous cinematography-the movie has a sheen to it that makes it a visual treat .There is also a rousing score
Neither Widmark or Poitier are at their absolute best but Widmark brings some dash and brio to the role ;Poitier seems too reserved in his portrayal of the tyraniccal El Mansuh-almost as if he thought he was playing Othello.Russ Tamblyn brings athleticism and vigour to his role as Rolfe's right hand man and a solid ,mostly British cast flesh out roles as crew and royalty .Look out in particular for Edward Judd ,Gordon Jackson and David Lodge -all stalwarts of the UK screen .The most enjoyable -not best just the most enjoyable-is a ripe slice of ham from Oscar Homilka as the roistering drunken Viking lord Krok
The broad comedic sceens dont work for me and the gay stereotype which is the Lionel Jeffries character is singularly unfortunate .On balance this is an enjoyabe movie which performs one useful historic service -it reminds us that the Vikings roamed all over the known (and unknown )world including North Africa
Enjoyable hokum and it should be taken in that spirit
Movie Review: Fantastic Saga of Vikings, Moors, and a Great Golden Bell
Summary: 4 Stars
I saw this film at least 22 times as a kid in the mid-sixties. It is a truly fascinating adventure story, based on a famous book by Frans G. Bengtsson. An adventurous Viking is marooned by a storm somewhere in Byzantium. By chance, a group of monks take him into their care at a time when they are in the process of making a Bell of pure gold. A bell as large as a house and made by the donations of pagan relics and the captured gold of Islam from the time of the Crusades. The existence of "The Mother of Voices" seems like a myth but like all myths, it also has a basis in fact. The bell and the storyline revolves around the obsession of two men. El Mansur, played by Sidney Poitier, who means to return it to Islam, and the Viking plunderer, Richard Widmark, who intends to find it for the sake of his own fame and to redeem his poor village and family. What follows is a great and glamorous adventure story, well plotted and interesting. Especially for young minds geared to the idea of the quest. There are some problems with casting and it is not to be taken too seriously as there are intentional humorous scenes in the production. But considering that it was made in 1964, we have a great adventure story with a very memorable and appropriate musical score that will leave you with the knowledge that you were entertained!
Movie Review: Incredibly stupid but also incredibly enjoyable
Summary: 4 Stars
The Long Ships is a wildly enjoyable and utterly ridiculous adventure romp where everyone knows they're not making a work of art here and just has fun. Well, maybe everyone but Sidney Poitier's villainous Moor, who doesn't seem to be in on the joke, although he really should have been able to tell from the casting - Richard Widmark and Russ Tamblyn play Oskar Homolka's sons searching for mythical giant golden bell "The Mother of Voices" while their Viking crew includes the likes of Gordon Jackson, Colin Blakely and David Lodge, with Lionel Jeffries turning up in blackface as a rather bizarre mute eunuch in a harem scene that was clearly a major influence on Carry On Up the Khyber. The only downside is some very dubious looking illegal horsefalls.
Columbia's DVD boasts a good widescreen transfer and includes the original theatrical trailer but is slightly cut - none of the offending horsefalls, but a slave auction sequence.
Movie Review: Another Vikings Moors Giant Golden Bell Caper
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a pure popcorn eatin yarn. A worthy entry into the Viking movie hall of fame. Good for kids, and adults who need Viking action. It's got Poitier playing an intense Moroccan King, and Widmark a cracking wise Viking con man. A great Viking theme motif, perhaps used a few too many times. Some good looking dames. A real Viking ship, and a bunch of model ships. A memorable execution device that plants an imagined very bloody picture. Got Russ Tamblyn in an I was a Teenage Viking role. An epic Viking party that can serve as inspiration for a frat party. The usual swords and axes. Vikings let loose in a harem? Ya-huh! Give this one a whirl, I say.