Michael's Movie Grade:B+
Year Released: 1953
History
When The Sword and the Rose began production Walt wanted to keep the same crew from The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men aboard. As such this film would as be directed by Ken Annakin, produced by Perce Pearce, written by Lawrence Edward Watkin, contain art direction by Cameron Dillon and star Richard Todd. This film would once again be made in Britain, because of money Walt had over there that he could not spend in the U.S.. Director Ken Annakin and art director Cameron Dillion were flown over to the U.S. to have a meeting with Walt and talk about the film. They were amazed at how efficient Walt was at going over the scripts and storyboards. Walt knew exactly what he wanted before filming had even started. Walt had a personal impact on ever scene in the film. The crew was allowed much freedom with some of the dialog however. A reason for this freedom was because Walt could not work directly with the actors since it was being filmed in Britain. One reason Walt was so passionate about this film is that he felt with it being a live-action costume drama, this could be his chance to win a best picture Oscar, this however was not the case.
With the basis of what this film would be about Walt Disney and Ken Annakin saw much room for incorporating paintings into the film. As such many of the backgrounds are paintings by Peter Ellenshaw, who would later work with Disney on Darby O' Gill and the Little People , 2000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mary Poppins and The Absent Minded Professor. Peter Ellenshaw was living in England at this time, but he would later move to the U.S. so that he could work more for the Disney Studio. He provided over 60 paintings to this film.
The Sword and the Rose did not do well in either Britain or the U.S.. The British were unhappy with how many liberties were taken with their history, and Americans just didn't see it. It didn't fare much better with critics, and it remains one of Disney's least known works to this day.
Review
What this film lacks in historical accuracy it more than makes up for in charm and sophistication. It is a delightful love story, that deserves to be better known among Disney fans. Part of the reason I think it isn't better known is because it is low on action, and high on romance, and therefore wouldn't be as exciting to Disney's younger fans. However for Disney's older fans it is a delight to watch.
The leads, Richard Todd and Glynis Johns, have great chemistry, and you really believe they are in love. Peter Ellenshaw's paintings are quite beautiful to look at, and they complement the rest of the film perfectly. Also complementing the film perfectly is Clifton Parker's music.
The love story itself is quite charming, and Princess Mary, our female lead, is a very well written character. Though the film is low on action, it does have a very exciting finale, which works all the more because, we took the time to get to know these characters well before any big action scene takes. However this finale goes by pretty fast.
Overall this is a lovely film that deserves more attention than it gets.
Film Credits
Director: Ken Annakin
Writer: Lawrence Edward Watkin
Based on the novel When Knighthood was in Flower by Charles Major
Cast: Glynis Johns (Princess Mary), Richard Todd (Charles Brandon), James Robertson Justice (King Henry), Michael Gough (Duke of Buckingham), Rosalie Crutchley (Queen Katherine), D.A. Clarke-Smith (Cardinal Wolsey), Ernest Jay (Lord Chamberlain), John Vere (Lawyer Clerk), Philip Lennard (Chaplain), Bryan Coleman (Earl of Surrey), Phillip Glasier (Royal Falconer), Jean Mercure (King Louis), Gérard Oury (Dauphin of France), Fernand Fabre (Ambassador of France), Robert Le Béal (Physician), Gaston Richer (Grand Chancellor), Helen Goss (Princess Claude), Patrick Cargill (Diplomat), Anthony Sharp (Dipomat), Caven Watson (Captain Bradhurst), Richard Molinas (Father Pierre), Hal Osmond (Costermonger), Norman Pierce (Innkeeper), Douglas Bradley-Smith (Squire), Ewen Solon (Guardsman), Rupert Evans (Bargeman), Paddy Ryan (Bargeman), Thomas Heathcote (Wrestling Second), Arthur Brander (First Mate), Russell Waters (Sailor), John Serret (Squire), Bob Simmons (Champion)
Producers: Walt Disney, Perce Pearce
Music: Clifton Parker (Composer), Muir Mathieson (Conductor), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Performers)
Art Director: Carmen Dillon
Assistant Art Director: Vernon Dixon
Cinematographer: Geoffrey Unsworth
Film Editor: Gerald Thomas
Assistant Editors: Peter Boita, Charles Squires
Casting Director: Weston Drury Jr.
Costume Designer: Valles
Makeup Department: Biddy Chrystal, Geoffrey Rodway
Production Manager: Douglas Peirce
Assistant Directors: Peter Bolton, Alex Bryce, Colin M. Brewer, Peter Manley
Draughtsmen: Ernest Archer, Ron Benton, John Box, Ted Clements, Geoffrey Drake, Bruce Grimes, Stephen B. Grimes, Roger Ramsdell, Roy Walker
Sound Department: Bill Daniels, E.G. Daniels, C. Le Mesurier, Gordon K. McCallum, Dudley Messenger
Painter: Peter Ellenshaw
Assistant Painter: Albert Whitlock
Camera Department: David Harcourt, Cyril J. Knowles, John Cabrera , Steve Clayan, Bob Kindred,
George Courtney Ward
Resources Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046387/?ref_=ttsnd_snd_tt
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Sword%20and%20the%20Rose%20%28The%29
-Michael J. Ruhland
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