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 | psychotronic film | betrayal | dancing | 

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Taglines:

He lusted for war and women!

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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

When the vine bridge breaks, Eron grabs the vines and swings toward the rocky wall of the chasm. At the moment of the impact, the "rocky" surface wobbles visibly.

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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 Kolossal - i magnifici Macisti (1977)

User Reviews

Bava's Viking Saga

Mario Bava, fresh from the overnight success of BLACK SUNDAY the previous year, emerges as a master of epic cinema in this Viking tale. Brilliant use of color hues and outstanding art direction distinguish this saga of twins separated as young boys during a battle between Anglo-Saxon hordes and Scandinavia's feared Viking tribes. Giorgio Ardisson portrays Erik and imbues his character with great nobility as he rises to fight against the Norsemen led by his brother Aaron (splendidly cast Cameron Mitchell). Andrea Checchi (Dr. Kruvajan in BLACK SUNDAY) is also tremendous as the evil Rutford, the scheming villain in this piece who wishes to use both forces to his own gain and place himself upon a throne he does not deserve. In an unforgettable interview with film historian David Del Valle commented that this film was made on a tiny budget but one would never surmise this from the rich texture and tenor of this major Bava opus. Macabre touches and phospherent Bava lighting place this work in a class by itself. The Kessler twins are used to superior advantage here and Francoise Christophe appears as the dignified and lovely Queen of the British Isles. A must-see for all lovers of The Maestro and for aficionados of epic cinema.