Perhaps too many costume historical epics or less than memorable swashbuckling had discerning audiences avoiding them as I can think of at least half a dozen such films from 1955 alone. This could have been a great part for two time Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland, playing the real life Ana de Mendoza who really did loose an eye and wore a patch over it. Her character as played here is sadly not very interesting, and she should have been more slyly calculating than de Havilland plays here.
The future man for all seasons, Paul Scofield, is Spain's King Philip II, and walks away with the film. Gilbert Roland, still dashing at any age, regardless seems too old for his part of the swashbuckling Antonio Perez, but Dennis Price is perfectly subtle yet malevolent as the prime minister. Francoise Rosay as de Havilland's lady in waiting, is another plus, quite observant as a sort of Greek chorus.
This seems like it would have been better on the stage as it is mainly character driven and mostly action free. I can see audiences being bored with it, even though the obvious standing sets and recycled period costumes are attractive. You'll have to look carefully to spot a young Christopher Lee as an unnamed army captain. It's all pomp, circumstance and splendor, but sadly with little cinematic magic.
The future man for all seasons, Paul Scofield, is Spain's King Philip II, and walks away with the film. Gilbert Roland, still dashing at any age, regardless seems too old for his part of the swashbuckling Antonio Perez, but Dennis Price is perfectly subtle yet malevolent as the prime minister. Francoise Rosay as de Havilland's lady in waiting, is another plus, quite observant as a sort of Greek chorus.
This seems like it would have been better on the stage as it is mainly character driven and mostly action free. I can see audiences being bored with it, even though the obvious standing sets and recycled period costumes are attractive. You'll have to look carefully to spot a young Christopher Lee as an unnamed army captain. It's all pomp, circumstance and splendor, but sadly with little cinematic magic.