The Prince and the Pauper (1977 film)

The Prince and the Pauper

US theatrical poster
Directed by Richard Fleischer
Produced by Pierre Spengler
Written by Mark Twain (novel)
Berta Dominguez D. &
Pierre Spengler (original screenplay)
George MacDonald Fraser (final screenplay)
Starring Mark Lester
Ernest Borgnine
Oliver Reed
Raquel Welch
Rex Harrison
Music by Maurice Jarre
Cinematography Jack Cardiff
Edited by Ernest Walter
Distributed by Warner Bros. (USA)
Release dates
  • 3 June 1977 (1977-06-03) (London)
  • 17 March 1978 (1978-03-17) (U.S.)
Running time
 113 minutes
Country United Kingdom
Language English

The Prince and the Pauper (US title: Crossed Swords) is a 1977 action adventure film directed by Richard Fleischer, based on The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. It stars Mark Lester, Oliver Reed, Ernest Borgnine, Raquel Welch, George C. Scott, Charlton Heston and Sir Rex Harrison.

The film featured an all-star cast of British and American actors in the supporting parts.

Plot

In 16th Century London, a pauper called Tom Canty reads to a group a children but is attacked by his cruel father John Canty and threatened that he will be beaten if he does not steal five shillings by suppertime. Tom goes into the city square and steals a purse from a rich man, but drops it after bumping into another man. Thinking that Tom still has the purse, the rich man and other men chase Tom through the streets of London. Tom escapes by climbing up a wall and through a window, where he falls into a palace garden in front of King Henry VIII, who sets the guards on him. However, Tom outruns them by going to the roof of the castle and hiding in a chimney. In the grounds, Henry VIII orders for The Duke of Norfolk to be arrested during the masked ball that evening.

In his royal chamber, Prince Edward of Wales insists on not wearing a costume to the masked ball and his dressers leave him. Tom falls down the chimney into the chamber and Edward demands to know who he is. Tom introduces himself and explains his situation. Interested that Tom looks like him, Edward decides they swap appearances and clothes to attend the masked ball, but adds that the Prince's Seal stays with the true Prince. However, Edward is mistaken for Tom by The Duke of Norfolk, who orders for him to be escorted out of the palace. Outside, Edward is rescued by skilled swordsman Sir Miles Hendon. At the masked ball, The Duke of Norfolk is arrested and Henry VIII and the guests laugh at Tom's dancing, despite Tom repeatedly claiming that he's not the Prince of Wales.

Meanwhile, despite Edward repeatedly claiming that he is the Prince of Wales, Miles says he believes him, but actually doesn't and takes him to John Canty where Edward discovers what Tom's life is like. But when John attempts to beat Edward, Miles intervenes and a fight breaks out, resulting in John pushing Miles off a roof into a stream. John is declared a murderer and he flees London with Edward. At the castle, Henry VIII has fallen ill since the morning after the masked ball and he orders for no one to declare that Tom is not the Prince, not even Tom himself. During a banquet, Henry VIII dies in his royal chamber and Tom commands that The Duke of Norfolk shall not die.

In some woods, John and Edward are escorted by some unfriendly men to an underground cavern where Ruffler's gang hide out. However, they are unfriendly and reveal that word has reached them of Henry VIII's death. After winning a fight with one of the gang members, Edward leaves and John goes after him to beat him again, but is killed by another member of Ruffler's gang. Outside, Edward meets Miles, having survived his fall. Miles takes Edward to Hendon Hall, where Miles is outraged to discover his brother Hugh Hendon has married Miles' love interest Lady Edith and taken Hendon Hall for himself. Hugh has Miles and Edward captured, but Edith helps them escape and Edward convinces Miles that he (Edward) really is the rightful King and offers to restore him to his honour as a Knight.

The day of the crowning arrives and Edward and Miles race to London by hijacking a horse and cart which Hugh and Edith are in. Miles swaps clothes with Hugh and ties him up in the cart, but he breaks out in London and attempts to have Miles arrested, but Miles and Edward fight off the guards and Edward gets inside the building before the doors are closed. Edward halts the ceremony and he and Tom swap back to their original positions, admitting to each other that they were not good at each other's position. Archbishop Cranmer and other witnesses are stunned until Edward presents the Prince's Seal and takes his position as the rightful King. After the ceremony, Edward makes Tom Head Governor and his mother sets up shelters for the homeless. Miles is restored to his honour as a Knight and marries Edith.

Cast

Production

George MacDonald Fraser was hired to rewrite the script. Shooting took place in France.[1]

Reception

The movie did not do well in the theaters. In fact, the critiques of his performance were so savage that Mark Lester gave up acting.

See also

References

  1. ↑ George MacDonald Fraser, The Light's On at Signpost, HarperCollins 2002 p26-43

External links

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