Camelot (1967)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 180 Minutes (VHS Version: 177 minutes)

Rated: G

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Musical

Director: Joshua Logan

Starring: Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, David Hemmings, Lionel Jefferies

IMDB Rank: 6.5/10

Part 1 Time: 100 Minutes (VHS Version: 88 minutes)

Part 2 Time:  80 Minutes (VHS Version: 89 minutes)

*** The VHS format splits at the 88 minute mark following King Arthur’s conversation with King Pellinore. The Blu-ray edition includes an official intermission card.

Where does the first part end?

Theatrical Version: King Arthur (Richard Harris) says a monologue prior to the knights taking their places at the round table.

VHS Version: King Arthur speaks to King Pellinore (Lionel Jeffries) in the King’s chambers.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: 

Theatrical: “They, you, and I. And may God have mercy on us all,” King Arthur states aloud.

VHS Version: “And I’m too young and too old, too old not to know that the fears can be imaginary and too young to not be tormented by them,” responds King Arthur to King Pellinore.

First line of dialogue on the second part:

Theatrical: King Arthur is greeted on horseback, “Your, Majesty, your majesty, I come as an amnesty from Glenfield”

VHS Version: Forgive me my lady,” Lancelot (Franco Nero) speaks to Guenevere (Vanessa Redgrave).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, King Arthur’s Round Table has been assembled with strong knights across the Europe. Guenevere has taken an affection for Lancelot. Will this impact King Arthur’s relationship with Guenevere?

Which part is better? Both parts have redeeming qualities, part one presents many redeemable qualities including King Arthur’s introduction to Guenevere, Lancelot, and his founding of the Knights of the the Round Table. Part two, shows the breakdown of the Round Table as a result of intertwining character relationships. Depending on the audience some may see part one as better due to the quality of musical pieces and the building of King Arthur’s Round Table, while others may like part two due to its adventure and treachery. Part two is given a slight edge as it shows the power of loyalty, honour, and love.

Academy Awards: Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Music- Scoring of Music Adaptation or Treatment, Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated).