Poor boy Tom Canty and Edward, Prince of Wales exchange identities, but events force the pair to experience each other's lives as well.

Director:

Richard Fleischer

Writers:

Berta Domínguez D. (original screenplay) (as Berta Dominguez D.), Pierre Spengler (screenplay) | 2 more credits »
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Cast

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 Preston Lockwood ... Father Andrew
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Storyline

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>

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Taglines:

Another rollicking adventure from the creators of The Three Musketeers.


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film takes place from January 26 to February 20, 1547. See more »

Goofs

Tom Canty and Prince Edward were supposed to eight years old but Mark Lester was eighteen when he played the dual roles. See more »

Quotes

Tom Canty: If you think the food may be poisoned, why not feed it to a dog, or a plumber?
See more »

Connections

Remade as The Prince and the Surfer (1999) See more »

User Reviews

A star-studded cast in medieval England- based on Mark Twain's story
20 November 2011 | by Petey-10See all my reviews

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.


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Details

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 March 1978 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Crossed Swords See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (DVD)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)| Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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