Christopher Columbus overcomes intrigue at the Spanish court and convinces Queen Isabella that his plan to reach the East by sailing west is practical.
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Title: Christopher Columbus (1949)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Fredric March | ... | Christopher Columbus | |
| Florence Eldridge | ... | Queen Isabella | |
| Francis L. Sullivan | ... | Francisco de Bobadilla | |
| Kathleen Ryan | ... | Beatriz Enriquez de Arana | |
| Derek Bond | ... | Diego de Arana | |
| Nora Swinburne | ... | Joanna de Torres | |
| Abraham Sofaer | ... | Luis de Santangel | |
| Linden Travers | ... | Beatriz de Peraza | |
| James Robertson Justice | ... | Martin Alonso Pinzon | |
| Dennis Vance | ... | Francisco Pinzon | |
 |
Richard Aherne | ... | Vicente Yañez Pinzon |
| Felix Aylmer | ... | Father Perez | |
| Francis Lister | ... | King Ferdinand | |
| Edward Rigby | ... | Pedro | |
| Niall MacGinnis | ... | Juan de la Cosa | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Using a letter of introduction from Queen Isabella's former confessor, Christopher Columbus gains access to the Spanish court where he tries to convince authorities of the practicality of his proposed voyage to reach to Far East by sailing west. Court intrigue and the efforts of Francisco de Bobadilla, whose financial interests would be hurt by Columbus' success, are roadblocks to the voyage, but the navigator perseveres and ultimately prevails. Written by duke1029@aol.com
Plot Keywords:
queen isabella | queen | christopher columbus | confessor | court intrigue |Taglines:
The greatest adventure man ever lived!Parents Guide:
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
UKLanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
5 December 1949 (Sweden) See more »Also Known As:
Columbus See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (Finland: video)Sound Mix:
B.A.F. Sound SystemColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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Christopher Columbus: Certainly a traveler, Father. I've sailed as far north as Iceland, as far south as Guinea, and eastward to the Golden Horn.
Father Perez: But that is to have reached the limits of the World.
Christopher Columbus: Of the known world? Yes, Father, but the actual world... not by a thousand leagues.
Father Perez: How can you say that - never having seen it?
Christopher Columbus: Have you ever seen Heaven or Hell?
Father Perez: We have sound reasons for believing they exist.
Christopher Columbus: I have sound reasons too.
Father Perez: What are they?
Christopher Columbus: The same as ...
See more »
Did You Know?
Goofs
Opening narration perpetuates the myth that people of Columbus' time thought the Earth was flat when in fact they knew it was spherical. Later, when Columbus discusses his plan with Father Perez and another friar, the friars clearly know that the world is round. See more »Quotes
Father Perez: I see you're a scholar, my son, as well as a traveler.Christopher Columbus: Certainly a traveler, Father. I've sailed as far north as Iceland, as far south as Guinea, and eastward to the Golden Horn.
Father Perez: But that is to have reached the limits of the World.
Christopher Columbus: Of the known world? Yes, Father, but the actual world... not by a thousand leagues.
Father Perez: How can you say that - never having seen it?
Christopher Columbus: Have you ever seen Heaven or Hell?
Father Perez: We have sound reasons for believing they exist.
Christopher Columbus: I have sound reasons too.
Father Perez: What are they?
Christopher Columbus: The same as ...
See more »
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Being an explorer can be a tough business, especially if you lack money. This is the theme of this movie. Christopher Columbus is portrayed as a petulant adventurer who has an idea for sale, and is looking for a buyer. After a buyer is found and is expedition launched, his problems only escalate. The problem with the movie is its superficial portrayal of a complex character. The movie seems to gloss over some of the most momentous moments in history. They're mentioned, but that's about all. The geopolitical consequences of Columbus's achievement are barely mentioned. The Spanish court is also treated in a rather offhanded manner. The king and his ministers are portrayed as petulant fools; the only person with depth is Queen Isabella, who takes a liking to Columbus. The movie tells a story but that's about all. It lacks depth and fails to dramatize the truly momentous aspect of Columbus's voyage. Christopher Columbus was a great explorer whose achievement rates a movie of commiserate quality. Even the scenes showing Columbus being arrested fail to fully convey the sense of tragedy and defeat that marked the final years of Columbus's career.