Lionheart (1987) Franklin Schaffner   Rooted superficially in historic events, Lionheart follows the story of Robert (Eric Stoltz), a young French lord shamed by an act of cowardice. Taking to wandering as a knight errant, Robert befriends a pair of young vagabonds, and soon finds himself the leader and protector of a legion of children and adolescents whom he has rescued from slavers. Inspired by the stories of King Richard's crusade, Robert resolves to lead his "army" to serve the English king in the holy land. Written by Menno Meyjes (The Color Purple) and directed by Franklin Schaffner (Nicholas and Alexandra), Lionheart is based on the actual "Children's Crusade" of 1212. The film, however, takes a fair degree of liberty with factthe real children's crusade was led by a peasant boy named Stephen of Cloyes. The film also provides the requisite happy endingrather different from the fate of the real children's crusade, which ended with most of the children being sold into slavery in Egypt or dying of disease and starvation. Despite its liberties, Lionheart has an appreciable sincerity, its storyline somewhat reminiscent of Robin Hood and Spartacus. The cast is ably up to the task, especially Eric Stoltz, as well as Gabriel Byrne as the wicked "Black Prince," a slaver who stalks Robert's army. Deborah Barrymore also deserves mention for her portrayal of Mathilda, a feisty, Joan of Arc-like character who dons battle armor and joins Robert's crusade. Jerry Goldsmith's epic and deft score adds much to the film, often making the entire production feel larger than it actually is. Although not likely to be remembered as well as some of Schaffner's other films (such as Patton or Planet of the Apes) Lionheart remains an entertaining and heroic adventure of more than passing interest. —Paul Andrew MacLean

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