Dragonslayer (1981)

A young wizarding apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been devouring girls from a nearby kingdom.

Director:

Matthew Robbins

Writers:

Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins

Stars:

Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter MacNicol	...	Galen
Caitlin Clarke	...	Valerian
Ralph Richardson	...	Ulrich
John Hallam	...	Tyrian
Peter Eyre	...	Casiodorus Rex
Albert Salmi	...	Greil
Sydney Bromley	...	Hodge
Chloe Salaman	...	Princess Elspeth
Emrys James	...	Valerian's Father
Roger Kemp	...	Horsrik
Ian McDiarmid	...	Brother Jacopus
Ken Shorter	...	Henchman
Jason White	...	Henchman
Yolande Palfrey	...	Victim
Douglas Cooper	...	Urlander

Storyline

A King has made a pact with a dragon where he sacrfices virgins to it, and the dragon leaves his kingdom alone. An old wizard, and his keen young apprentice volunteer to kill the dragon and attempt to save the next virgin in line - the Kings own daughter.

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Plot Keywords:

dragon | king | kingdom | apprentice | wizard | 

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Taglines:

It was a magical time but darkness rule the land. A young apprentice sorcerer faces a terrifying quest - he must destroy the fire-breathing Vermithax. For he is the . . . [Australia]

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 June 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le dragon du lac de feu

Filming Locations:

North Wales, Wales, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$6,000,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Vistasonic (some 35 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed as a co-production between Walt Disney Pictures and Paramount, this film was more mature and realistic than most Disney films of the time.

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Goofs

During the scene in which the wizard teleports himself to the mountaintop for the final battle, thunder continually rumbles under a clear sky in the soundtrack even though the wizard hasn't yet magically summoned the electrical storm (which he will do in a few moments).

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Quotes

Valerian: You'll be dead Galen Bradwarden, Sorcerer's Apprentice. You'll be dead, the dragon will still be alive and I'll still be a virgin! You'll be dead, and I don't care!
Galen: Of course, the lottery. Sons are spared, but daughters are not.
Valerian: Yes, the lottery.
Galen: You're right. I am in love - but not with the princess.
[he kisses Valerian]

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Connections

Referenced in The Cinema Snob: Bingo (2015)

User Reviews

Excellent

An intelligent Fantasy movie. The 80's produced many good fantasy movies but this one stands above the rest. The special effects (by ILM, same folks who did Star Wars) are superb. This is the best Dragon you have ever seen on screen. The cast is a mixed lot. Some are obviously trained stage actors while some are very fresh (i.e. new to acting). Fairly good performances from all nonetheless. The plot is top notch. This is not simple minded hack and slash. So if you want some mindless action flick, go elsewhere (preferably over a cliff). The plot moves slowly and you have to pay close attention to details or else you won't get it. In fact the the first time you watch it you may think you see some errors. They are not. Keep watching and all will fall in place. This is a movie which rewards the patient. And it rewards them exceedingly well. Enjoy!