Captain from Castile (1947) User Reviews

Ageless Hollywood Epic Adventure.

[jpdoherty · 8/10 · 1 January 2010]

Arguably the finest romantic epic adventure of the Golden Age of motion pictures Fox's CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE (1947) has amazingly not dated one iota since its inception. The movie is a joy to behold! With rich vibrant 3 strip Technicolor Samuel Shellabarger's classic novel about the young Spanish nobleman who joins Cortez' Conquistadores in the New World to escape the inquisition comes mightily to the screen. This was a 1947 blockbuster with outstanding production values. Tyrone Power is terrific in it and Caesar Romero gives a striking performance as the all conquering Cortez. Solidly directed by the always reliable Henry King it was gleamingly photographed by Charles Clark and Arthur E. Arling and was splendidly written for the screen by Lamar Trotti. The only crib I have with the movie is its 140 minute running time. Despite the film dealing only with a little over half of Shellabarger's book it is still a tad long for a movie. With about 20 minutes shorn from its length it would have made for a tighter more cohesive viewing experience. Nevertheless it is still a memorable and spectacular piece of filmed entertainment.

The picture cost almost 5 million dollars to produce. A gigantic sum in 1947 and the cost is evident throughout. Extensive location filming was done in Mexico where the real events depicted took place. And almost unbelievably coincidental is that while filming in Uruapan an active volcano was erupting and was utilised in the background for the closing scenes. This so accurately substituted for another active volcano that was erupting during Cortez' actual invasion all those centuries ago.

Complimenting the colourful production throughout is Alfred Newman's blistering Oscar nominated score. Beside his Academy Award winning music four years earlier for "The Song Of Bernadette" CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE is his finest achievement and contains his celebrated and spine tingling "Conquest March" surely cinema's greatest march theme! Also from the score is the sumptuous music for Catana the peasant girl (The lovely Jean Peters making her debut) and the equally gorgeous theme for the lady Luisa (Barbara Lawrence). Although Newman's "Song Of Bernadette" is quiet brilliant it was really one dimensional in structure being unable to untangle itself from its overt piousness. CASTILE on the other hand is totally different. Edward B. Powell, Newman's trusted orchestrator for many years, said in a 1975 interview "it was a film that allowed Alfred full range as a composer. It had everything; love, death, pomp, action, scenery and The Church. The grandeur of the whole thing inspired the use of the complete orchestral palette in the grand manner".

Alfred Newman's inspired score is just one of the many stunning elements that makes CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE an unforgettable movie. It is a radiant example of Hollywood's golden past that had exceptional writing, performances, Cinematography and music. Since it was made over sixty years ago it has been enjoyed by past generations and without doubt it will be enjoyed by many generations to come. A Fox winner!

Colorful spectacle

[nnnn45089191 · 7/10 · 4 August 2008]

The conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortez in the early 16th Century is the backdrop of a story of love,courage and adventure in this entertaining swashbuckler. The movie was Jean Peters's first and she's a beguiling creature in this ,although her acting leaves a lot to be desired at this point in her career.Cesar Romero as Cortez paints an entertaining portrayal of this ruthless opportunist. The stunning color-cinematography is something to behold. Captured on the screen is an erupting volcano in the background of some of the action. Tyrone Power does his usual competent job in this kind of adventure story.The movie is very entertaining but it does drag a bit in its 2 and a half hour running-time.

Even my skill cannot defeat the will of God, but I've stopped the bleeding. You'll have to admit it's a well-sealed wound!

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 7 June 2008]

The Spanish inquisition and the invasion of Cortez into Mexico - Henry King style!

A film firmly split in two halves, Captain From Castile may at times over stretch its aims on the, but the sweepingly gorgeous texture is quite something to behold. Tyrone Power takes up the lead role of Pedro De Vargas and firmly cements his star status with a wonderful performance, handsome and brave, he carries the film easily on its joyous course from Spain to Mexico, whilst stoic male support comes from Cesar Romero (Cortez and never better), Lee J. Cobb (Juan Garcia) and John Sutton (Diego De Silva). Head female duty falls to a vibrantly young Jean Peters (in her film debut) as Catana Perez, pretty and beguiling, her gorgeous green eyes shining bright in this Technicolor spectacle, she is the perfect foil to Power's dash and swagger.

Production costs are thought to have been over $4 million, yet even though the film sadly lost money, the money spent is still evident at every turn and it proved to be very popular with critics and film lovers alike. Director Henry King wonderfully utilises the panoramic vistas of the Mexican locale and the costumes come right out of the top draw, but one of the most striking things in this magnificent production is the score from Alfred Newman. Stirring and emotionally hard, it has to rank as one of the best scores to have ever been composed. I strongly recommend the isolated score option on the excellent Region 1 DVD. It's a far from perfect film for sure (the no battle pay-off at the finale is a great disappointment), but the harking back to old historical days of yore can induce a tingle on the spine, and in that respect the piece delivers handsomely. Just like its leading man ironically enough. 8/10

Historical fiction ala Samuel Shellabarger

[Invictus-3 · 5 July 2002]

It is my understanding that this Hollywood adaptation of Samuel Shellabarger's book enraged the author so much that he put some kind of legal injunction against the Hollywood producers that prevented them from making the video and other profits for 50 years! The reason: The film stops half-way through the novel!

I love historical fiction and Shellabarger along with Raphael Sabatini (The Sea Hawk, Captain Blood) are my favorite authors of historical adventures.

In spite of Shellabarger's attitude to Hollywood, I was delighted to see this film. I only wish they could have made the whole book come to life, because the action and plot are much more intense in the second half of the book -- especially when Cortez has returned to lay siege to the Aztec city. Shellabarger reads very much like Bernal Diaz, a common soldier under Cortez who wrote a history of the Conquest of Mexico. Diaz's and Shellabarger's description of the fighting on the Aztec aqueducts is the most intense and desperate battle literature I have ever read!

I think this film should be remade as soon as possible and give the viewing audience the whole story. Of course, there will never be another Tyrone Power, Jean Peters or Cesar Romero, but do it anyway -- and use Alfred Newman's original music score (adopted by the USC Trojans as their own "Conquest" march), and let Newman's son and nephew add the remainder of the score! With today's high-tech special effects this story would surpass "Gladiator" in splendor, spectacle, and action if Shellabarger was followed religiously and completely. Shellabarger deserves the same fidelity that J.R.R. Tolkein has received from the New Zealand producers of "Lord of the Rings."

In spite of its shortcomings to the author, I have loved this film for half a century! It is my favorite classic film. I fell in love with Jean Peters as Catana when I was only six years old in 1950; which is when I first saw the film. The "Catana" Love Theme has played in my head from time to time ever since! Now I have it on video, thank God. My every guest gets offered a viewing of it; as well as a listen to its soundtrack by Newman.

What more can I say? The film, like the book, struck a chord in me that refuses to stop playing.

Post-war swashbuckler

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 2 May 2019]

When making a swashbuckling adventure movie set during the Spanish Inquisition, who do you think Hollywood would cast? Tyrone Power of course! Back safe and sound from WWII, Ty continued his exciting career at full throttle, so if you liked The Black Swan and The Mark of Zorro, you'll want to watch Captain from Castile.

Alfred Newman gives a reprisal of his music from The Black Swan, with the substitution of a Spanish flair for the pirate flair, and in Technicolor, the lush costumes and on-location backgrounds are very pretty to watch-not to mention the prettiness of the lead. After Ty's family is accused, tortured, and killed unjustly in the Inquisition, he joins a band of rebels bent on taking down the bad guys. Ty never takes on an accent during these swashbuckling movies-although you can catch him with an Irish accent in a couple of others-but he puts his heart into his heroes, so it hardly seems to matter, even when everyone else around him puts on an accent.

You'll have to search hard to recognize Cesar Romero, the lead of the fighting rebels, for he's covered up in a helmet and a beard and doesn't look at all like his usual handsome self. He does smile a couple of times, and you can tell it's he's in there. Thankfully, Tyrone Power is thoroughly prettied up with long, curly hair, making him look like George Clooney. While it's normally an effort to tear your eyes away from him when he's on the screen, during the seductive dance between him and Jean Peters, it's practically impossible. His lustful expression is even more distracting that his beautiful, perfect nose in profile.

If you're undecided as to your opinion on old swashbucklers, this might not be the best to start with, also if you're not interested in the time period. But if you do like this genre, or if Ty is your favorite of the bucks, you'll want to watch it. Also, you'll get to see a very young Jean Peters in her first movie, and since she didn't make many, it's fun to see her while you can.

Colorful and spectacular adventure was among the first of its kind to be shot on location in Mexico

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 22 April 2021]

Set 16th-century , mainly concerning Spanish nobleman Pedro de Vargas : Tyrone Power forced to flee the wrath of inquisition chief : John Sutton . Along the way, he's embroiled in continuous adventures , and takes peasant girl Cantana -introducing the fiery Jean Peters to screen- who helped him , and joins Cortez's expedition to Mexico and the search for Aztec riches , eventually participating in the fall of the Aztec Empire ruled by Emperor Moctezuma. Master of Women's Hearts ...Conqueror of a New World ! Here is the full surge of conquest of gold and empire ! My Sword shall make a New World ...your Kiss will make it Paradise !

A slice of 16th-century history about the Spanish colonization of the New World with lots of adventures , fencing , breathtaking duels and old-fashioned pageantry. Regarding Hernan Cortez and its conquest of the Aztec Empire , furthermore the rousing battles scenes should please the action enthusiasts . Very good main cast as Tyrone Power , Cesar Romero and Jean Peters' screen debut . Great support cast with several familiar faces , such as : Lee J Cobb, John Sutton , Alan Mowbray , Thomas Gomez, Barbara Lawrence, George Zucco, Mark Lawrence, Antonio Moreno , Roy Roberts , among others . Cameramen Charles Clarke and Arthur Arling provide a brilliant cinematography that is clarity itself , and filmed largely on location in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Morella, Michoacan, Acapulco , Guerrero, Mexico . And accompanied by a rousing as well as sensitive musical score by maestro Alfred Newman .

The film is freely based on historical events , though the first part dealing with Inquisition pursuit is most fictitious than second one . As the second part regarding Hernan Cortes conquest , reenacting his tumultuous history . As in 1519 , Cuba governor Diego Velazquez trusted him the command an expedition to Yucatan , including 11 ships , 600 soldiers and artillery enough . Arriving in Mexico , he battles local natives , vanquising them and being gifted the India Marina or Malinche who helps him as an interpreter , subsequently founding city of Veracruz and firing the ships to impede the people return to Mexico. Cortez establishes alliances with local kings , making peace with natives submitted by Aztecs , as the Indians Toltecas and Tlaxcaltecas . Later on , Hernan Cortes leads his army to Tenochtitlan to meet Aztec Emperor Moctezuma , but there things go awry .

The best picture made on the conquest of the Americas

[andyevel6 · 10/10 · 13 December 2007]

There are many pleasant surprises in this epic movie. For one, it was filmed in spectacular Technicolor and was superbly photographed in actual locations. Piramids were built, volcanoes were erupting for real and ancient ship replicas were destroyed at sea. One of the main surprises was seeing that the beautiful Jean Peters could act. This actress without much dramatic training did an excellent job in her movie debut. She practically steals the picture from Tyrone Power - Impossible? She does, and he's very good in this one. See her last scene, while waiting to move deeper into Mexico with Cortez; it's a treasure. I became a fan after seeing Miss Peters in the pirate flick "Anne of the Indies" (she plays 'the pirate'), and have seen most of her movies since. It's a shame Fox didn't use her talents in better fares, such as Susan Hayward's "I Want to Live", but then Howard Hughes came into the picture while she was doing Castille and, I imagine, his obsession over her beauty ruined a promising career. This film is partly based on true events and has an excellent cast, a fantastic screenplay and a musical score by Arthur Newman that rivals any other composed for anepic flick -then and even now. It's on DVD now. Get it before they become extinct. It's worth seeing. Beautiful vistas, a handsome Ty Power and a gorgeous Jean Peters.

pretty good

[funkyfry · 6/10 · 23 March 2009]

It's a colorful pageant type film with some style and little substance. Not as classic in my opinion as the other Samuel Shellabarger book that was made into a Tyrone Power film, "Prince of Foxes". Both of these films were made by Henry King, a director who I find to be generally watchable but not particularly compelling. "Foxes" was done in color and the locations are a bit more impressive in my opinion, and perhaps just has a story and character that appeal to me more. In this film Power is playing a character with no real moral ambivalence, not even moments where the audience might make the mistake of thinking that he does. So he's kind of a dull character, but Power is a compelling enough actor to make it very watchable nonetheless.

It's fun to see Cesar Romero as Cortez, riding around on impressive horses with shining armor and making big speeches. It's very odd to see Lee J. Cobb in tights, in his early scenes when he's befriending Power's character. But of course he's also such a good actor and knows how to use the screen so well that he's able to make a fairly standard character seem unpredictable. Jean Peters was solid in one of those roles where we're supposed to think that a really pretty girl is somehow practically un-noticed by most.

I like the movie but I think that the script was probably dumbed down a bit compared to the book. You can't lose with Tyrone Power anchoring the entire film, but you wish that they could have made a slightly better picture to match his talents, coming right off his masterpiece in "Nightmare Alley" the same year.

Melodramatic and Romantic Epic Adventure

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 20 May 2012]

In the spring of 1518, in Spain, the nobleman Pedro de Vargas (Tyrone Power) helps the Indian slave and his friend Coatl (Jay Silverheels) to escape from the cruel Diego de Silva (John Sutton) and then he rescues the plebeian Catana Perez (Jean Peters) from two men of Diego de Silva. He goes to the inn where Catana works to explain why the sheets are torn up, and Pedro befriends Juan Garcia (Lee J. Cobb), a simple man that made fortune in Cuba.

When he comes home, Pedro finds that Diego de Silva has used his political influence to accuse Pedro and his family of heretics and they are imprisoned. Diego's executioners torture and kill Pedro's twelve years old sister but Juan Garcia and Catana help Pedro and his the family to escape from prison: Pedro's parents go to Italy and Pedro, Juan and Catana go to Cuba and join Cortez' expedition to Mexico. They participate of the fall of the Aztec Empire in the beginning of the Spanish colonization of the New World.

"Captain from Castile" is a melodramatic and romantic epic adventure having the historic conquest of Mexico by Hernando Cortez as background. Tyrone Power is excellent in the role of a Spaniard nobleman that joins the first expedition of Cortez to Mexico and is promoted to captain for his loyalty and efficiency. Jean Peters is amazingly beautiful and John Sutton is a great villain. The story is politically incorrect in the present days but is accurate and a great entertainment. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "O Capitão de Castela" ("The Captain from Castile")

A bit solemn, perhaps, but with a great march. Just don't think about what happened to the Aztecs

[Terrell-4 · 7/10 · 3 February 2008]

If Captain from Castile is remembered much today it probably is because of one of the most rousing marches a Hollywood composer ever wrote. The "Conquest" theme is heard only three times, and the first two are brief but effective scene setters. We have to wait until the movie is almost over and Hernan Cortez is setting out on his march to the Aztec capital of Tenochititlan for the full treatment. The music, by Alfred Newman, embraces the moment, with hundreds of soldiers, the priests, the natives, the hangers-on spreading out before us, the horizon lightening and a single volcano smoking in the distance. The theme is inspiring, martial, emotional, uplifting and memorable. It's enough to make most movie goers want to sign up and most historians queasy. In less than a generation a civilization of between 2 million and 6 million people was obliterated, ground into quickly fading memories under the heels of soldiers, landowners and priests, with nearly all Aztec records burned, nearly all Aztec structures torn down, and nearly all natives, allies and enemies of the Spanish alike, turned into ignorant serfs under slave conditions that would make most American slave owners either blanche or be envious.

But enough about reality, a foolish expectation when Hollywood deals with history. Captain from Castile is a Tyrone Power swashbuckler made under the shrewd eye of Darryl F. Zanuck. Considering that the book by Samuel Shellabarger was a huge best seller, well written and stuffed full of history, the movie seems to me to be almost as dull at times as a Spanish onion, especially during the first half hour. Here, in Spain, we learn about how noble is young Pedro de Varga (Power), how noble his father and mother are, how noble the serving wench Catana (Jean Peters) is, how noble Juan Garcia (Lee J. Cobb) is...and what a piece of self- serving vomit is the local head of the Inquisition, Diego de Silva (John Sutton). Once we're in the prison with Pedro, his family and Juan, where de Silva has put them for heresy, things pick up. After Pedro and Juan escape with Catana's help and when the three reach Cuba, things pick up even more. And after an hour, when we finally reach the coast of Mexico along with Cortez and his raggedy army of about 600 soldiers, the movie actually starts. Pedro may be fleeing the Inquisition, but now he has a chance to prove himself, to help Cortez conquer an empire, to realize his growing love for Catana even though he is of aristocratic birth and she is but a peasant, and finally to ride along side Cortez for the fateful meeting with Moctezuma II. His friend Juan is with him. His new wife Catana, carrying their baby son, is in the crowd, and he has his friend and confessor, the wise and understanding Father Bartolomeo (Thomas Gomez), to nag about human rights. Pedro has survived false accusations, sword thrusts and knife wounds. He has proved his worth to Cortez, has foiled plots and, finally, has been promoted in Cortez' army to captain. The captain from Castile is on his way to being a contented conquerer of the Aztecs.

Two first-rate performances are worth mentioning. One is by Lee J. Cobb. After seeing Cobb so powerful in movies like Thieves' Highway, On the Waterfront and Twelve Angry Men, it's a jolt to see him in this earlier costume caper. Still, he manages to give a strong performance, in spite of the tights he has to wear. The other outstanding performance is by Cesar Romero as Cortez. Romero roars through the movie with charisma, high spirits and shrewdness. It's an expert job with no hamminess, and is one of the few performances in the movie that has energy. We pay attention whenever Romero shows up.

Captain from Castile is a great example of a big Hollywood spectacle from the Forties, and I don't mean that as a criticism. On many levels it's fun to watch. At the same time, it seems to me to be a film which is too solemn for its own good.

For those who enjoy a good historical read, Shellabarger's novel still has its merits. For an engrossing, exciting and often gruesome picaresque novel about the Aztecs just before, during and just after the Spanish conquest, try Gary Jenning's Aztec.

Conquest of Tedium

[KingCoody · 5/10 · 14 March 2007]

Alfred Newman's thundering score delivers more epic feelings than this film conveys. Is there some scenes that were cut? Did the producers run out of money? Not one battle scene to match the grand score's promise.A mismatch of promise and actuality. Over at Warner Brother's the great Max Steiner let loose the class A "The Adventures of Don Juan" theme that matched that films' much more lively proceedings. Tyrone Powers and Errol Flynn are labeled swashbucklers because their early career triumphs were in slash and bow movies, with IMHO Flynn the greater. By this time in their respective careers they were quite sick of the label but while The Captain is all serious except for Cesar Romero's lusty portrayal of Cortes' Don Juan has a tongue in cheek appeal though when the time comes Errol and Steiner's score rise to the challenge of rescuing the kingdom. See Don Juan for the action, humor,and score listen to Captain's theme and what could've been.

Power Shines in Conquistador Saga...

[cariart · 8/10 · 12 July 2005]

It's a shame that 20th Century Fox has yet to have released DVD editions of many of the films of the studio's biggest star, Tyrone Power. Almost impossibly handsome, enormously popular, and with excellent acting credentials, Power nearly singlehandedly kept the studio solvent in the traumatic transition years following WWII, with costume epics like "Captain from Castile" showcasing his strengths.

"Castile" echoes Power's earlier films, "The Mark of Zorro" and "Son of Fury", as again he plays a gallant standing against an arrogant aristocratic class, but this time he runs afoul of the Inquisition, and must flee Spain to re-establish his wealth and reputation, accompanied by loyal friend Lee J. Cobb, and a servant girl who secretly adores him (Jean Peters, in one of her best performances). Recruited into the service of the charismatic Hernando Cortez (Cesar Romero, who nearly steals the film), it's off to Aztlan (Mexico, today) with a small army to face the overwhelming but naive Aztec civilization.

While the film frequently drifts into melodrama, shooting on location in Mexico (with the permission and support of the Mexican government), in glorious Technicolor, gives even the most mundane moments a sense of spectacle, and the cast is in top form. Worth singling out is a terrific supporting performance by Thomas Gomez, as a soldier/priest who dispenses common sense as well as religion, and helps Power realize that the woman he truly loves is not on a balcony, in Spain, but beside him, as they march towards their destiny.

Two aspects of the film deserve special recognition; Alfred Newman's score, featuring the vaulting 'Conquest' march, is one of the finest of his long career, and is even more popular today than when the film was released; and Arthur E. Arling and Charles G. Clarke's cinematography is truly magnificent, particularly in the breathtaking finale, as Cortez' forces proudly march across a broad plain, with active volcanoes in the background. Never has going 'on location' been more justified, as the image is unforgettable! If any 'Powers that Be' are reading this review, PLEASE offer this film on DVD, soon! And while you're at it, consider Power's other great films of the 40s and 50s; he deserves to be 'rediscovered' by audiences, today...

Lavish, but somewhat disappointing

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 31 August 2012]

"Captain from Castile" is a lushly filmed historical adventure film directed by Henry King. In Technicolor, much of the film was shot on location in Mexico. In addition to being a great role for Tyrone Power, it was also the feature film debut of Jean Peters (not to mention Jay Silverheels, who later portrayed Tonto).

The first of the film follows Tyrone Powers' aristocratic background to the point where he gets in trouble with the Spanish Inquisition, resulting in the death of his young sister and the imprisonment of his mother, father, and himself...although, of course, they escape. Knowing he must leave the country, Power heads off to the New World (primarily Mexico) with conquistador Hernán Cortés. Apparently there's a fair amount of history here, though its primary function is a swashbuckling epic...and in that, it succeeds.

The 4 primary actors do an excellent job here. Tyrone Power is fine, though this is hardly his finest work. Jean Peters does a fine job as the commoner love interest. It's good to see Cesar Romero in a big-budget role as Hernán Cortéz. Lee J. Cobb's role is very different for him...seems like a mismatch, though he is entertaining. I was interested in noting Roy Roberts, who later ended up in many t.v. sitcoms (e.g., "The Lucy Show").

Fine locales (including a real erupting volcano), good acting, lavish color photography...but all that doesn't equal a superior film. There are places in the film where the action is exciting, but there are other long stretches where the film seems to sort of ramble along with no real goal...contributing to the overly long 2 hours and 21 minute length. And then, suddenly, the film ends...seemingly without building to any sort of climax. That's not to say this is an unwatchable film. It's reasonably entertaining. But what might have been a great film is merely a very good film. I love Tyrone Power, but this will not end up on my DVD shelf.

Rarely has such breathtaking Technicolor photography enhanced such an empty script!

[JohnHowardReid · 4/10 · 18 October 2017]

Producer: Lamar Trotti. The producers wish to acknowledge the advice and co-operation of the Mexican Government and the National Museum, Mexico. All scenes of the Cortez Expedition were photographed in Mexico, wherever possible on the actual locations.

Copyright Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. 25 December 1947. U.S. release: 26 November 1947. New York release at the Rivoli: 25 December 1947. U.K. release: 26 September 1949. Australian release: 7 October 1948. U.S. release length: 12,707 feet. 141 minutes. Australian release length: 13,091 feet. 145½ minutes.

SYNOPSIS: Effete young caballero escapes the Spanish Inquisition by joining up with Cortez and the conquest of Mexico.

COMMENT: Dull. Bosley Crowther's review in "The New York Times" is pretty accurate. He doesn't go far enough in underrating Tyrone Power's pallid and insipid performance, yet falls short in valuing the magnificent color photography and impressive locations which alone make the film worth seeing.

The rest of the players take their cue from Mr Power in listlessness, ineffectuality, amateurishness and apathy. Only George Zucco breaks the mold in his two brief scenes of resonant villainy. In fact, some of the players are even worse than Ty. Lee J. Cobb is absolutely ridiculous, and Alan Mowbray atrociously miscast. Jean Peters, in her film debut, gives absolutely no indications of either talent or personality, and is not even attractively photographed. Cesar Romero's genial Cortez is an odd characterization to say the least, while John Sutton's stiff, callow villain is no match for the likes of a Robert Douglas, a Claude Rains or a Basil Rathbone.

But the film's greatest problem is actually its script: Wordy and garrulous in dialogue, superficially off-hand in background, casual in pace, one-dimensional and dull in characterization, repetitious and incredible in melodramatic plot.

The worst sin of all is that the story lacks a climax. Not only is the villain disposed of quickly and undramatically by a minor player, but the battle we have been awaiting and anticipating for all of 140 minutes does not occur. The film ends as our heroes are marching off!

Henry King's direction is equally tired and lifeless. But fortunately, Newman's score is rousing enough. And true, there is a bit of excitement and loads of production values in sets, costumes and extras milling around, but these full-blooded scenes are allowed to flash by too briefly in order to allow the film to linger on long, tedious scenes of boring verbosity or attenuated, unbelievable "romance".

I have not read the book, but thought surely the novel was more exciting than this. I am glad to have Mr Crowther's verdict that it is. Rarely has such breathtaking Technicolor photography enhanced such an empty script!

Sumptuous historical romance with great Alfred Newman score...

[Doylenf · 10 May 2001]

Tyrone Power is a nobleman forced to flee his home during the Spanish Inquisition. A series of adventures follow featuring a beautiful peasant girl (Jean Peters) who escapes with him. Both of them are hunted by an evil officer (John Sutton) and later all are involved in following Cortez on his expedition to Mexico.

Swordplay, battle scenes, triumphal marches and a bittersweet love story combine to make this the kind of adventure-romance Tyrone Power inevitably found himself in at Fox. The color photography is gorgeous and the music, by Alfred Newman, is outstanding, ranging from tender love themes to dances and the march for Cortez. It's lavish entertainment on a grand scale--with just a few slow stretches--but all in all guaranteed to give you satisfying entertainment.

Parents beware: the Inquisition scenes are realistic and there are scenes of brutality not advisable for the very young.

When I was a kid, there was no better promise of swashbuckling adventure...

[steveo122 · 7/10 · 27 February 2018]

When I was a kid, there was no better promise of swashbuckling adventure than the sight of Tyrone Power with a sword in his hand. "The Mark of Zorro", "The Black Swan, "Prince of Foxes", "The Black Rose". Pick any one for grand adventure. "Captain from Castile" is the state of the art might and glory of the Hollywood studio system doing an epic adventure blockbuster the way they used to do them.

God, Glory, and Gold

[krorie · 7/10 · 23 July 2006]

The most exciting part of "Captain from Castile" should have been the least exciting, the beginning of the story that takes place in Spain when the De Vargas family is wronged at the hands of Diego De Silva (John Sutton) in the name of the Spanish Inquisition. Pedro De Vargas (Tyrone Power) seeking a runaway servant from the New World, happens upon two of De Silva's men tormenting a tavern girl, Catana Perez (Jean Peters), by sicking dogs on her to tear the laundry she is carrying to shreds. Pedro deals forcefully with the men who in turn run back to tell their master. To avenge this effrontery to his station in life, De Silva, who heads the Inquisition in the area, declares the entire De Vargas family heretics, having them arrested and thrown into jail to be dealt with accordingly. Pedro's twelve-year old sister is tortured to death by orders from De Silva. Pedro, along with his mother and father, are broken out of prison by an acquaintance, Juan Garcia (Lee J. Cobb). In the process Pedro has the opportunity to kill De Vargas to avenge his sister's death but only wounds him. Pedro's mother and father hide out in Italy, but Garcia persuades Pedro and Catana, who has aided in the escape, to accompany him on an expedition headed by Hernando Cortez (Cesar Romero) to seek gold and adventure in the newly discovered West Indies. This part of the film is filled with action and suspense, well edited, directed with finesse by Henry King with breathtaking photography by Arthur E. Arling and Charles G. Clarke.

After such a magnificent build up, the rest of the movie should have been even more exciting, but, alas, it is not. Too much time is spent on the romance between Pedro and Catana, making this part of the film melodramatic soap opera, with a few exceptions such as the theft of the gems and the confrontation between Pedro and his old nemesis, De Silva, who reappears on the scene as an emissary from the King of Spain seeking to introduce the Inquisition to the New World. And just when the main event is to occur, the conquest of the mighty Aztec Empire by the handful of Conquistadors, the show is over. What a disappointment!

Though weak in its second half, "Captain of Castille, is worthwhile for several reasons. One is the on-location cinematography; the introduction reads that when possible the story occurs in the exact places where Cortez and his army traveled. Second, the acting is top notch with standout performances from Tyrone Power, Jean Peters, Cesar Romero, and in particular by John Sutton who plays the nasty villain De Silva with élan. (Jay Silverheels shows great potential in the small but significant role of Coatl, before he became typecast as Tonto.) Third, the musical score by Alfred Newman, which was deservedly nominated for an Academy Award, adds much to the overall effect of the film, especially the "Conquest" march. Finally, the movie serves as a good introduction to the history of the period, although the ill treatment of the Native Americans by the Conquistadores is basically ignored. Of significance is the emphasis on the class system that existed in Spain and was brought to Mexico by Cortez and his army along with the Catholic religion, still powerful forces in Mexican culture today.

Excellent "old school" adventure film.

[bruce-223 · 8/10 · 16 February 2004]

The first time I saw a version of "Captain from Castile" was on a black and white TV in the late Fifties and it became one of my favorite films which I have seen at least ten times and will continue to pull it out. It was a pleasant surprise to see the full version in color as I thought it was shot in black and white

This doesn't have the spectacular effects of today's films. It is just an excellent "old school" adventure film which deals with honor and loyalty which are pretty much lacking in today's films. It fired my young imagination and encouraged me to read the book by Samuel Shellabarger upon which it was based.

It has a wonderful cast including Ty Power, Jean Peters, Lee J. Cobb, John Sutton, Caesar Romero, and a lot of veterans in minor rolls including Jay Silverheels (Tonto). Alfred Newman's score is good.

Power was great as usual and Jean Peters turns in an excellent performance -- this was her first film.

Much of the film was shot in Mexico following the actual route that Cortez followed when he was conquering the Aztecs. (Check out the live volcano in the background that was erupting while the film was shot. That ain't a painted background.)

I highly recommend this film especially if you haven't seen a Tyrone Power film because this is one of his best.

Technicolor historical epic that was a troubled production

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 21 December 2022]

Set in the early 16th century, the story follows the exploits of Spaniard Pedro De Vargas (Tyrone Power), the son of a noble family who is forced to become a fugitive by the Inquisition, under the local control of the corrupt Diego De Silva (John Sutton). Vargas escapes to Cuba along with new friend Juan Garcia (Lee J. Cobb) and lowly servant girl Catana (Jean Peters). They all join the expedition of Hernando Cortez (Cesar Romero) into central Mexico and the land of the Aztecs in search of gold and glory.

Based on a then-recent bestseller, this was a very expensive movie for Fox, and it wasn't without production troubles. Original leading lady Linda Darnell was yanked away to try and save Forever Amber, and the little-known Jean Peters was her replacement. I don't dislike Peters, but Darnell would have been much better. The film also had to tone down several aspects of the book: the Catholic Church complained about the depiction of the Spanish Inquisition, so the filmmakers put a non-clergy civilian in charge (the villain played by John Sutton, who does a good job with the role); and the atrocities committed by Cortez and his army against the natives are whitewashed almost completely out of the picture.

On the plus side, the costumes and sets are fantastic, and the score is very good. The film only covers about half of the book's contents, despite running nearly 2 and a half hours, and the resolution to the movie is weak. I don't know if they planned a follow-up since that wasn't as common at the time, but the film's poor box office negated the prospect. It still ended up earning an Oscar nomination for Best Score (Alfred Newman).

Last user's comment are correct.

[baretta · 9/10 · 17 December 1998]

I could not put it into better words. This movie has it all love,action,betrayal,adventure,misery,loyalty,jealousy,honor and Tyrone Power. I first saw this film on AMC a year ago and i love it from beginning to end. Tyrone Power gives an incredible performance as a spanish nobleman who is on the run. If anyone else likes Tyrone Power in this film be sure to check out "the eddy duchin story" and "the razor's edge" he acts better in these films . This man could act his ass off, too bad he does not get that much recognition as other classic hollywood stars. He is definitely one of my top ten favorite actors of all time.

Pretty good, impressive Cortez spectacle.

[gazzo-2 · 7/10 · 31 December 2009]

I don't have all that much to add to what you've read here in the comments already, but for what it's worth here are a few more impressions: *Tyrone Power was quite good. Fine fine actor and believable in the swashbuckler role.

*Lee J. Cobb as a good guy(!) in tights(!!)--one of the best parts in the movie. Very good-if unexpected.

*Jean Peter-very young and pretty eye candy.

*Cesar Romero as Cortez, not shown as being anything but what he was-a pirate, a soldier and a greedy one at that. The Joker in one of his best roles.

*I loved the score, scenery and Tonto as the escaped slave Coatl, too. All good.

*Snidely Whiplash Da Silva and the Padre are quite well acted, too. Mowbray as the astrology-based hump-back was unique, shall we say.

Only reall problem I had is that they take Forever to get to the actual point of the mission-the attack on Montezuma himself. The movie drags in the second half and spends too much time on the intrigue.

But overall, it's well worth seeing, check it out.

*** outta ****

Flat & Without Much Credibility

[ccthemovieman-1 · 4/10 · 3 March 2007]

The period is the early 16th century and the place is Spain. So why is everyone speaking with an American accent? Talk about credibility problems!!

Looking forward to a nice old-fashioned swashbuckling action film, a la Captain Blood or The Sea Hawk, I wound up disappointed as this film almost put me to sleep in the first half hour alone.

I have no complaints with the Technicolor, which always looked super in the 1940s films, nor the costuming in here. Jean Peters looked great, too, but I can't say the same for the story which, to me, was just uninvolving and flat.

Tyrone Power as Spaniard "Pedro de Vargas?" No, that didn't work, either. He's about as Spanish as I am, and he was too old to play the role which called for a very young adult male.

Technicolor adventure starring Tyrone Power

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 25 December 2005]

Tyrone Power is one hot Castilian as the "Captain from Castile" which costars Jean Peters, John Sutton, Cesar Romero, Thomas Gomez, Jay Silverheels, and Lee J. Cobb.

This film, which cost a fortune, was rushed into release after Darryl F. Zanuck, in a panic when he saw Tyrone Power against type and looking like a washed-up drunkin Nightmare Alley, pulled that film from distribution and substituted it with this one.

Power is a man who flees with his family during the Spanish Inquisition to the new land, Mexico, along with Cobb and Peters. She's in love with Power. Tough acting assignment. The villain, whom Power believes he has killed, is played by John Sutton, an instrument of the Inquisition who winds up in Mexico as well after killing Power's young sister. The entire cast is great - and the scenery! A live volcano, no less! The music! Sensational. A first-class production all the way.

Power really didn't like doing these roles, but the public demanded them of him, and he is dashing, heroic and romantic throughout. He had been a matinée idol for 11 years, but in this film, he is showcased as if the audience is seeing him for the first time. Riding a horse, being tough, being romantic, dancing - it's all him and he's marvelous.

Romero makes a fantastic Cortez. It's really difficult to single anyone out because they're all so good. John Sutton was beyond evil.

Jean Peters had an interesting career at Fox. Here she is quite young and effective. Even when she was moved into second rate films, it seems as if she was always given the heavy acting role, so it's obvious that her talent was recognized by the studio.

I believe that during the period in which the film was made, Power was involved with Lana Turner. Lucky woman, even if she did lose him to Linda Christian later on.

well-made historical drama about a seldom talked about topic

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 4 March 2006]

I give this film a lot of kudos for tackling the subject of Spanish conquistadors. Very few films, apart from AGUIRRE: THE WRATH OF GOD and a few more recent films about Columbus, have studios even bothered to talk about this very historically significant period. And it's also obvious that the writers/director/producers have really done a thorough job of investigating the era and reading the journals of these men to ensure accuracy. However, despite all this the film is a tad dull--and that's a lot considering I am a history teacher. It just seemed to me they could have included a little bit of humor or humanity to make the characters seem a little less flat. No, I do NOT want the Spaniards cracking jokes while pillaging and murdering, but something to give some color and depth to the picture would have helped elevate it to greatness.

Failing to assemble two stories

[Angel_Peter · 3/10 · 9 September 2015]

The movie starts out with Pedro De Vargas getting into a conflict with the Spanish Inquisition. Very interesting start really. And to escape he joins conquest of the new world. I had no problem so far and it was interesting.

But what was fast showed was that Pedro (Tyrone) did actually not really have a problem with the inquisition. Only if it was his own family that was the target. There was no problem for him treating the Indians the same way.

The movie was more a love story where Jean Peters did the best effort in the movie and was the only really likable person. Unfortunately the movie also started to drag or show no sense of direction.

In the end the movie just fizzles out without any grand battle or true conquest or even tying the Inquisition story or conquest story together.

I would not recommend this movie as none of the aspects in the movie besides the Romance is really followed through.