Knights of the Round Table (1953)
Ostensibly based on Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur,
it is questionable whether or not the screenwriters of this film
actually read the book, as copious liberties are taken with the
legend's traditions. For instance, before Arthur draws the sword
from the anvil near the film's opening, an adult Mordred attempts
it first (Mordred's incestuous parentage is also glossed over).
Sir Percival and Elaine are also wrongly depicted as siblings
while virtually all of the magical elements of the myth are ignored.
Even Merlin is diminished from powerful wizard to senile old
mentor. Of course, Arthur and his knights are also attired in
Norman armor, but this liberty goes back to medieval times, and,
as such, is almost a tradition in itself.
Still, if one can overcome these liberties, Knights of the
Round Table is an enjoyable adventure in the old Hollywood
tradition and, unlike most Arthurian films of the time, was actually
filmed in Britain. The more character-driven aspects of the story
are somewhat flaccid, but exciting battles and jousts abound,
which ultimately carry the film, though some of those broadswords
look pretty lightweight. Also impressive is the beautiful widescreen
photography by Freddie Young (Lawrence of Arabia), and
the exciting large-symphonic score by Miklos Rozsa (El Cid).
Paul Andrew MacLean
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