El Cid (1961)

VHS CASE/SLIDE

Length of film: 182 Minutes

Rated: Approved  

Genre: Drama, Biography, History

Director: Anthony Mann

Starring: Charlton Heston, Sophia Loren, Raf Vallone, Genevieve Page, John Fraser, Gary Raymond, Hurd Hatfield

IMDB Rank: 7.2/10

Part 1 Time:  118 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  64 Minutes

Where does the first part end? El Cid (Charlton Heston) says goodbye to Ximena (Sophia Loren) has he is called back into service by King Alfonso VI.  

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Then we will see each other again” El Cid to Ximena.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Don Rodrigo” King Alfonso VI (John Fraser) address El Cid in the castles great hall.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, El Cid was banished by the Jimenez dynasty for falling to swear an oath of allegiance to King Alfonso VI, now years later he is called back into service. Will El Cid fight in the name of the King or support the King’s enemies?

Which part is better? Both parts provide extraordinary cinematography highlighting the visual landscape of South Spain only seen in epic style films. Although part two has more battle scenes, the slight edge goes to part one, as we not only get to understand the rationale of El Cid, but also his willingness to not give up his faith even in the mists of possible death.

Academy Awards: Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Colour (Nominated), Best Music- Original Song (“Love Theme from El Cid” -Nominated), Best Music-Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Nominated)