Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Maureen O'Hara | ... | Lady Godiva | |
George Nader | ... | Lord Leofric | |
Victor McLaglen | ... | Grimald | |
Rex Reason | ... | Harold | |
Torin Thatcher | ... | Lord Godwin | |
Eduard Franz | ... | King Edward | |
Leslie Bradley | ... | Count Eustace | |
Henry Brandon | ... | Bejac | |
Arthur Shields | ... | Innkeeper | |
Robert Warwick | ... | Humbert | |
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Arthur Gould-Porter | ... | Thorold (as A.E. Gould-Porter) |
Grant Withers | ... | Pendar | |
Anthony Eustrel | ... | Prior (as Antony Eustrel) | |
Kathryn Givney | ... | Abbess | |
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Sim Iness | ... | Oswin |
In eleventh century England, King Edward the Confessor wants Saxon Lord Leofric to marry a despised Norman woman, and has him jailed when he refuses. In jail, he meets Godiva, the Sheriff's daughter, and soon they are wed. The times are turbulent and Godiva proves to be a militant bride. Unrest between the Anglo-Saxon populace and the increasingly influential Norman French lead to her famous ride. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
If you like the comic spoof The Court Jester and want it to be even funnier the next time you watch it, rent The Vagabond King and Lady Godiva of Coventry. Both seem like they borrowed the sets and background actors from Danny Kaye's comedy. In Lady Godiva of Coventry, Maureen O'Hara gives the best performance in the film, and since she's a notorious over-actress, that's saying something. Her leading man is George Nader, and he's so contemporary, he kept reminding me of Christopher McDonald.
As you might be able to surmise from the title, this film focuses on Lady Godiva who famously rode a horse naked. Before you get excited, just remind yourself that this movie was made in 1955, so there's no nudity in the film, and the ride itself isn't a very long scene. Mostly, it's about her courtship and marriage to Lord Leofric, and their disagreements about political issues. The classic "woman behind the man" theory is on full display, so if you like Maureen O'Hara's strong-willed characters she usually plays, you'll probably like her in this movie. And she does look very pretty in Technicolor splendor. If you're just looking for a good movie, or at least one that won't have you running to the kitchen for more popcorn without pressing pause, stick with How Green Was My Valley.