Erik the Conqueror (1961)

Two estranged brothers confront each other as rivals when war breaks out between Britain and the Vikings for control of England.

Director:

Mario Bava

Writers:

Oreste Biancoli (story), Piero Pierotti (story)

Stars:

Cameron Mitchell, Alice Kessler, Ellen Kessler

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Cameron Mitchell	...	Eron
Alice Kessler	...	Rama
Ellen Kessler	...	Daya
George Ardisson	...	Erik (as Giorgio Ardisson)
Andrea Checchi	...	Sir Rutford
Jean-Jacques Delbo	...	Olaf (as Jacques Delbò)
Franco Giacobini	...	Rustichello
Raf Baldassarre	...	Floki (as Raffaele Baldassarre)
Enzo Doria	...	Bennet
Gianni Solaro	...	Ranco
Franco Ressel	...	King Lotar
Livia Contardi	...	Hadda
Folco Lulli	...	Viking King Harald
Françoise Christophe	...	Regina Alice (as Françoise Cristophe)

Storyline

In the 9th Century, two Viking children, separated since their early childhood with one raised by the British and the other by Vikings, meet after nearly 20 years as rivals as war breaks out between Britian and the Vikings for control of England.

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Plot Keywords:

sword and sandal | twin | viking | 9th century | loss of father | 

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Taglines:

In his blood bath for conquest there stood only one temptation ...Rama, Queen of the Vestal Virgins!

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

12 June 1963 (USA)

Also Known As:

Erik the Conqueror

Filming Locations:

Titanus Appia Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lyre Films, Critérion Film, Galatea Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cameron Mitchell's voice is dubbed by another actor in the English-language version.

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Goofs

In the duel between Eron and Erik both characters lose their shields at one point. After a cut both are equipped with shields again.

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Quotes

Olaf: Yes! Crush queen Alice and all her kingdom. Let us join forces with Norway and Sweden, and with Iceland! Let us amass our powers and crush these brittish under the stones of their own fortresses! The vikings will dominate the North Sea.
Garian: We are with you, Olaf. You can count on our alligence.
Grand Cheif of Iceland: Iceland will follow you!
One-Eyed Cheif: They owe me one eye! I will gladly join with you!
Garian: Now hear me, Olaf. There is one thing we need, Olaf. We want you to for out leader! You, Olaf!
Olaf: I thank you, Garian. I thank you all....

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Connections

Featured in Gli Imitatori (2017)

User Reviews

Bava's Epic Viking Masterpiece!

ERIK THE CONQUEROR is a superb Viking saga set in the year 786 off the rocky coast of the British Isles. Anglo-Saxon protectors have vanquished the Scandinavian hordes with utter treachery & ferocity led by the evil Duke Helfort (a villainous portrayal by Andrea Checchi). Two tiny blond boys, Aaron & Erik, are left floundering on the sandy beach. One of them (Erik) is taken away by the English Queen (he lovely Francoise Christophe). The other, Aaron, is left to be raised by fellow Norsemen. The two boys bear identical dragon tatooes. Twenty years later the Vikings decide to avenge themselves, led by the now-adult Aaron (Cameron Mitchell at his finest!) Erik (Giorgio Ardisson at his finest!) has been crowned monarch of England and must face the feared Vikings for supremacy. Though Helfort is somewhat older he still covets power and attempts to sway the outcome of the final battle in his favor. Mario Bava is at his best as director and cinematographer in this, his first film since the celebrated BLACK SUNDAY. Art direction on this film is outstanding with sets basking virtually in golds, neon crimsons, icy cobalt blues and forest greens (color by Technicolor!) In an interview with the distinguished film historian David Del Valle, Cameron Mitchell related many stories about the making of ERIK along with declaring Bava's genius at trick photographic effects. Required viewing for Bavaphiles and aficionados of epic cinema. Dazzling!