The fabled Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz (a.k.a. El Cid) overcomes a family vendetta and court intrigue to defend Christian Spain against the Moors.
Director:
Anthony Mann
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Charlton Heston | ... | El Cid Rodrigo de Vivar | |
| Sophia Loren | ... | Jimena | |
| Raf Vallone | ... | Count Ordóñez | |
| Geneviève Page | ... | Princess Urraca (as Genevieve Page) | |
| John Fraser | ... | Prince Alfonso | |
| Gary Raymond | ... | Prince Sancho | |
| Hurd Hatfield | ... | Arias | |
| Massimo Serato | ... | Fanez | |
| Frank Thring | ... | Al Kadir | |
| Michael Hordern | ... | Don Diego | |
 |
Andrew Cruickshank | ... | Count Gormaz |
| Douglas Wilmer | ... | Moutamin | |
| Tullio Carminati | ... | Priest | |
|
|
Ralph Truman | ... | King Ferdinand |
|
|
Christopher Rhodes | ... | Don Martín |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Epic film of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz ("El Cid" to his followers), who, without compromising his strict sense of honour, still succeeds in taking the initiative and driving the Moors from Spain. Written by Stewart M. Clamen <clamen@cs.cmu.edu>
Plot Keywords:
spanish history | reconquista | spain | epic | christian muslim conflict |Taglines:
The GREATEST ROMANCE and ADVENTURE in a THOUSAND YEARS! See more »Parents Guide:
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Details
Release Date:
14 December 1961 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
El Sid See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$6,250,000 (estimated)Gross USA:
$26,620,000Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (some 35 mm prints)| 4-Track Stereo (35 mm prints)| 70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System)Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.20 : 1
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(uncredited)
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
Music by Miklós Rózsa
Performed by Chorus
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
According to the legend of El Cid, in his youth Rodrigo came across a leper sinking in quicksand crying for help, but none of the bystanders dared touch him. Rodrigo pulled him from the bog, clothed him in his cloak, housed him in a barn and went to get him some food. When he returned, he found the leper had transformed into an angelic figure that identified himself as St. Lazarus. He said "For your bravery and kindness you will enjoy success as a warrior. You will win battles upon battles and never know defeat". In a nice nod to the legend, the film contains a scene wherein the banished Rodrigo encounters a thirsty leper who begs a drink. After unhesitatingly offering his own pouch, the Leper thanks him by name. "Who are you?" asks Rodrigo. "I am called Lazarus," the leper answers. Then he crosses Rodrigo with his staff. "May helping hands be extended to you everywhere you go, my Cid." See more »Goofs
When Douglas Wilmar's character is released by el CID at the beginning of the film Charlton cuts him free. Douglas then holds his hands up in thanks. Next scene he is being cut free again. See more »Alternate Versions
In some Muslim countries, the film was nearly banned until the censors thought of a better idea, which was to simply cut out the entire climax of the film, so instead of showing the dead El Cid lead his army to victory against the Moors, they simply ended it at his deathbed. See more »Soundtracks
The Falcon and the Dove(uncredited)
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
Music by Miklós Rózsa
Performed by Chorus
See more »
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For me, El Cid is a wonderful movie, great story, magnificent action scenes and shot very close to where the original saga is believed to have taken place. I'll never forget the image of the dead El CID riding along the beach into eternity on his magnificent white horse. Taking all this into account,I was very surprised to read where Charlton Heston said he was very disappointed with this particular movie and believed the director was not equel to the task of directing such an epic undertaking. This was not obvious to me as I found the battle scenes very exciting and very well executed, but the late MR. Heston stated that had the directing duties been undertaken by David Lean, who was his preferred choice, the movie could have been really great, rather than just "adequate" Hestons own words. Still, it remains for many people a great film and in these days of boring CG effects, it is a great example of movies as they should be made.