Believe it-- THE CRUSADES is no history lesson whatsoever. You could have converted this script into a fantasy setting easily. By and large, the interest lies more in spectacle and grand passions than intimate character drama or any serious exploration of the intersection between politics and religious conviction. Not being wowed by spectacle that often, I put this on expecting to lose interest eventually. That never happened. I put historical concerns aside and was drawn into the mythical, epic world of the film. When met on those terms, THE CRUSADES succeeds as magnificently old-school entertainment.
It's at heart a straightforward variation on what we now call the Hero's Journey. King Richard (played inelegantly but earnestly by Henry Wilcoxon) starts the movie as an irresponsible, self-serving, and borderline fratboy-ish meathead who gradually matures through his experiences as a crusader and as a husband to the beautiful and virtuous Berengaria (played to luminous perfection by Loretta Young). There are grand pageants, battles, political intrigue, religious tableuax, multiple and intersecting love triangles, and passionate declarations of love. If you don't care for this kind of unashamed Old Hollywood style material, then THE CRUSADES probably was not on your radar to begin with-- but for those who eat it up, it's here and it's delightful.
Interestingly, the film's presentation of Muslims is progressive by Old Hollywood standards. Saladin is presented as a noble enemy motivated by genuine religious conviction and a strong sense of honor. He's often more admirable than Richard is. The movie also has a message of religious tolerance, with Berengaria arguing that all people should be allowed to pursue God as they wish-- definitely not historically accurate, but still surprising to see in a film of this vintage.
Anyway, I liked it. Maybe that's a knock against my taste, but oh well. I had fun.
It's at heart a straightforward variation on what we now call the Hero's Journey. King Richard (played inelegantly but earnestly by Henry Wilcoxon) starts the movie as an irresponsible, self-serving, and borderline fratboy-ish meathead who gradually matures through his experiences as a crusader and as a husband to the beautiful and virtuous Berengaria (played to luminous perfection by Loretta Young). There are grand pageants, battles, political intrigue, religious tableuax, multiple and intersecting love triangles, and passionate declarations of love. If you don't care for this kind of unashamed Old Hollywood style material, then THE CRUSADES probably was not on your radar to begin with-- but for those who eat it up, it's here and it's delightful.
Interestingly, the film's presentation of Muslims is progressive by Old Hollywood standards. Saladin is presented as a noble enemy motivated by genuine religious conviction and a strong sense of honor. He's often more admirable than Richard is. The movie also has a message of religious tolerance, with Berengaria arguing that all people should be allowed to pursue God as they wish-- definitely not historically accurate, but still surprising to see in a film of this vintage.
Anyway, I liked it. Maybe that's a knock against my taste, but oh well. I had fun.