Customer Reviews

Sword & The Rose [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an entertaining costume drama by Disney. Based upon actual historical events, though not quite historically accurate, it tells the love story of the Princess Mary, sister to Henry VIII, and Charles Brandon, a commoner and Captain of the Guard. It is a love made difficult by considerations of state, as well as by the evil machinations of the jealous Duke of Buckingham, who himself is in love with the Princess Mary. Forced to marry the decidedly elderly King of France, despite the fact that she loves Charles Brandon, Mary extracts a promise from Henry to allow her to marry the man of her choice, the second time around. Henry so promises, little knowing what would lie ahead.

Glynis Johns is perfectly charming as the outspoken and determined Princess Mary. Richard Todd is dashing as the handsome Charles Brandon with whom Mary falls in love. James Robertson Justice is a delightful Henry VIII, while Michael Gough is an unctiously evil Duke of Buckingham. This is a delightfully told story of true love that eventually triumphs. In typical Disney fashion, there are no objectionable scenes or language. A first rate production, it is a movie that is suitable for the entire family and highly entertaining.

This is one of the most romantic movies I ever saw as a kid; before Disney movies became sappy or stupid or both. Mr. Todd is so handsome and the flirtation between, eventual love relationship with Glynis Johns is absolutely WONDERFUL. Sexy without naked bodies in contorted positions; devoid of 4-letter words and cute cartoon characters. Three cheers; please, please bring this movie back.

One of the three Disney historicals with Richard Todd from late 40's/early 50's. Why can't movies be made like this nowadays? Lush cinematography, inspiring musical score, crisp and sharp acting without trying to be overly complicated or overly sophisticated. The story line is paramount here; not the special effects, the partial(full) nude copulating scenes, the need for nonstop action scenes (at expense of story line) or the totally moronic (not to mention out of place) rock music sound tracks, and other eye candy (i.e. garbage), seen/heard in movies made these days!

This movie is not for the mass viewing public but for those with some intelligence and culture. This is what cinema was always meant to be. A viewing-treasure for all time!

It's Jolly Olde England, Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon are on the throne, and royal marriages are made to strengthen political ties. Henry wants to cement an alliance with France by marrying his sister Mary to the aged King Louis XII, even though the spunky, flirtatious Mary has set her cap on Charles Brandon, a commoner. Henry prevails, of course, after promising that should Louis die, Mary can then wed anyone of her choosing. As luck would have it, Louis dies a mere two months later, she marries Brandon, and they live happily ever after.

While ignoring any distasteful details about Henry VII, this 1953 Disney drama tells a simple and basically true story and showcases the talented and über-perky Glynis Johns who plays the headstrong princess. She does a fine job, but Richard Todd is a stiff and bland Brandon. The movie clearly has a low budget and the sets look fake, but the costumes are pretty and the colors are vivid.

It's a simple, uncluttered tale that would make a pleasant introduction to the Tudors for children, adolescents and undemanding adults (like me). Pleasant, non-violent, and wholesomely romantic - everything that a good Disney movie should be.

I love old movies. They are a nice reference to a time when decency
played a much bigger part in the lifestyles of common people. I love this movie;
fun and excitement.

My Mother always called it "When Knighthood was in Flower" after the Victorian novel of the same name . She had read that book in High School in Fort Worth in the 1930's. So, when Walt Disney produced the film version of it in the 1950's, I was quite young but remember it well, seeing it with Mom on a Sunday afternoon in 1952 or 1953 at the old Gateway Theater in East Fort Worth. My Dad worked most Sundays for the airlines and Mom and I would have the day.
Of this film, I remembered only three or four scenes, but I remembered the beautiful score even more. It is Vaughan-Williams and Gustav Holst and Richard Rogers all meshed together. Just beautiful. I remembered best the scene where Brandon finally meets Buckingham and duels with him.
I love "pageantry" and this film has plenty. "Quentin Durward"," The Black Rose" and "Prince Valiant" are others of my favorites. If you do not know it, "Fire over England" and "The Sea Hawk" are well worth your viewing.
If you love pageantry and "Elizabethan" England and its times, buy this film and watch it again and again. It is wonderful.

The Sword and the Rose is available on DVD as an exclusive release via the Disney Movie Club as of December 14, 2010!

Darby

The Sword& the Rose is a step back to my childhood watching the Walt Disney hour on T.V. If you want a trip back in time, then this will take you there.

I received it in the right amount of time , it was in good shape, and it plays great.