The Magic Sword (1962)

Director:

Bert I. Gordon

Writers:

Bert I. Gordon (story)
Bernard C. Schoenfeld (screenplay)

Release Date:

April 1962 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy | Drama

Tagline:

Battling the 7 Deadly Curses!

Plot:

The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, goes on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard.

Plot Keywords:

Princess | Knight | Curse | Magic Sword | Wizard

Cast

Basil Rathbone	...	Lodac
Estelle Winwood	...	Sybil
Gary Lockwood	...	Sir George
Anne Helm	...	Princess Helene
Liam Sullivan	...	Sir Branton
Danielle De Metz	...	Mignonette
Merritt Stone	...	King
Jacques Gallo	...	Sir Dennis of France
David Cross	...	Sir Pedro of Spain
John Mauldin	...	Sir Patrick of Ireland
Taldo Kenyon	...	Sir Anthony of Italy
Angus Duncan	...	Sir James of Scotland
Leroy Johnson	...	Sir Ulrich of Germany
Marlene Callahan	...	Princess Grace
Nick Bon Tempi	...	Left Siamese Twin

Also Known As:

St. George and the Dragon
St. George and the Seven Curses
The Seven Curses of Lodac (International: English title)
The Sorceror's Curse (UK) (video title)

Runtime:

80 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

France:U | Australia:G | Finland:(Banned) | USA:Approved (PCA #19908)

Filming Locations:

Bronson Caves, Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Bert I. Gordon Productions

Trivia:

In addition to her credited role in the mask as "The Hag," Vampira - as Maila Nurmi - also played (uncredited) the role of the sorceress who kidnaps Princess Helene.

Goofs:

Continuity: When the pinhead henchman drops the cage of little people, they are seen completely escaping; yet a moment later they are seen escaping again from a different angle.

Quotes:

Lodac: Take Sir George to the dungeon.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Magic Sword (#5.11)" (1992)

''Jolly Good Show''!

"The Magic Sword" is one of B-movie producer/director Bert I. Gordon's best known films. Granted, it's no masterpiece, but it is enjoyable on it's own terms. The plot, very loosely based on the 'St. George And The Dragon' legend, has a princess (Anne Helm) kidnapped by evil sorcerer Lodac (Basil Rathbone) and hunted by lovesick George (Gary Lockwood). Aided by his foster mother Sybil (Estelle Winwood) a good witch, George vows to save the princess and destroy Lodac. Although this plot has been done to death, it's the acting by the splendid Rathbone and Winwood which keeps this film consistently entertaining. Add some modest, but impressive special effects, and you have a very entertaining minor adventure for the family. Beware: this public domain film is available on several cut-rate DVDs, but only the newly released one from MGM/UA home video is worth the price. They have a beautiful print of the film (it was originally released by United Artists) which contains a fun theatrical trailer. This is the one to get!