Camelot [Blu-ray]

Director: Joshua Logan, Moss Hart

Overview

This medieval tale recounts the story of King Arthur who seeks to establish a peaceful state by gathering together a force of knights. Sir Lancelot is the one with whom Arthur builds a strong friendship, but whose romantic inclinations towards his king's wife are reciprocated and undeniable. Before long, there is scandal and tragedy results. This feature, based on the classic from T.H. White, won Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction and Best Musical Score, as well as garnishing nominations for Best Sound and Best Cinematography.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/17/2012
UPC:	0883929249978
Original Release:	1967
Rating:	G
Source:	Warner Home Video
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Language:	English
Time:	3:00:00
Sales rank:	11,954

Special Features

The Story of Camelot; The World Premiere of Camelot; Camelot: Falling Kingdoms; Commentary by Stephen Farber; 5 Theatrical Trailers

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Richard Harris	King Arthur
Vanessa Redgrave	Guenevere
Franco Nero	Lancelot Du Lac
David Hemmings	Mordred
Lionel Jeffries	King Pellimore
Pierre Olaf	Dap
Estelle Winwood	Lady Clarinda
Gary Marshal	Sir Lionel
Anthony Rogers	Sir Dinadan
Peter Bromilow	Sir Sagramore
Sue Casey	Lady Sybil
Nicolas Beauvy	King Arthur as a Boy
Laurence Naismith	Merlyn
Gary K. Marshall	Sir Lionel,Sir Lionel
Garry Marsh	Tom of Warwick
Frederick Loewe	Composer
Ken Darby	Composer

Technical Credits

Alan Jay Lerner

Alan Jay Lerner	Screenwriter
Jack L. Warner	Producer,Producer
Joel Freeman	Producer
John Truscott	Producer

Editorial Reviews

Produced for a hefty $18 million and based upon an acclaimed (if flawed) stage musical, expectations were high for Camelot. From a design point of view, the film is quite a success. It has a distinctive, impressive look, at times invoking a fantasyland and at others the grimy reality of the Middle Ages, appropriate in a film which chronicles King Arthur's attempts to mold a barbaric world into his utopian vision. Unfortunately, Joshua Logan's deliberate pacing weakens the story and the audience's interest in it. That said, there are a number of exciting sequences -- such as the jousting tournament and the lovely candlelight wedding -- that are quite memorable. Logan's work is not made easier by his cast. Richard Harris is often bombastic when quiet strength and conviction are called for, but he does have some very effective moments, such as his first meeting with Guenevere. Vanessa Redgrave gives a game and effective performance, but her lack of voice undermines her otherwise solid work. Most damagingly, Franco Nero looks the part but is stiff and lifeless, creating a serious credibility problem. One can believe that Guenevere might enjoy a dalliance or two with this Lancelot, but not that she would ruin her life (and Arthur's and Lancelot's) for him. While the score could have been better served, the songs themselves are of such a high order that they overcome some indifferent performances. The Oscars that year recognized the high quality of the songs, the art direction and the costumes, and these factors -- as well as the irresistible basics of the story -- make Camelot a moderately enjoyable place to visit.