Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Oliver Reed | ... | Miles Hendon | |
Raquel Welch | ... | Lady Edith | |
Mark Lester | ... | Edward / Tom | |
Ernest Borgnine | ... | John Canty | |
George C. Scott | ... | Ruffler | |
Rex Harrison | ... | The Duke of Norfolk | |
David Hemmings | ... | Hugh Hendon | |
Harry Andrews | ... | Hertford | |
Julian Orchard | ... | St.John | |
Murray Melvin | ... | Prince's Dresser | |
Lalla Ward | ... | Princess Elizabeth | |
Felicity Dean | ... | Lady Jane | |
Sybil Danning | ... | Mother Canty | |
Graham Stark | ... | Jester | |
Preston Lockwood | ... | Father Andrew |
Tom Canty (Mark Lester) is a poor English boy who bears a remarkable resemblance to Edward, Prince of Wales (Mark Lester) and son of King Henry VIII (Charlton Heston). The two boys meet and decide to play a joke on the court by dressing in each other's clothes, but the plan goes awry when they are separated and each must live the other's life. Written by Eric Sorensen <Eric_Sorensen@fc.mcps.k12.md.us>
It's the year 1547.Prince Edward and pauper Tom Canty change clothes, so the other becomes the prince and the other becomes the pauper.They bear a striking resemblance to each other.There are many difficulties on the way to go back to their old professions.Crossed Swords (1977) is directed by Richard Fleischer.It's based on Mark Twain's novel The Prince and the Pauper from 1881.I read the book before I borrowed this movie on a VHS.There are some differences between the book and the movie, but it doesn't matter in any way.There is a great number of familiar names in the supporting cast.Mark Lester does a dual role as Prince Edward and Tom Canty.Ernest Borgnine plays Tom's sadistic father John.Sybil Danning plays his mother.Oliver Reed plays Miles Hendon and Raquel Welch his love interest, Lady Edith.George C. Scott plays The Ruffler.Rex Harrison is The Duke of Norfolk.David Hemmings plays Hugh Hendon.Lalla Ward and Felicity Dean play the parts of Princess Elizabeth and Lady Jane.Graham Stark is Jester.Harry Fowler is Nipper.Charlton Heston does the part of Henry VIII.This movie is rather fun to watch.It also brings out the differences between the lives of the rich and wealthy and those who are poor.Just like the book did.