Legend (1985)

A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.

Director:

Ridley Scott

Writer:

William Hjortsberg

Stars:

Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Cruise	...	Jack
Mia Sara	...	Lili
Tim Curry	...	Darkness
David Bennent	...	Gump
Alice Playten	...	Blix
Billy Barty	...	Screwball
Cork Hubbert	...	Brown Tom
Peter O'Farrell	...	Pox
Kiran Shah	...	Blunder
Annabelle Lanyon	...	Oona
Robert Picardo	...	Meg Mucklebones
Tina Martin	...	Nell
Ian Longmur	...	Demon Cook (as Ian Longmuir)
Michael Crane	...	Demon Cook (as Mike Crane)
Liz Gilbert	...	Dancing Black Dress

Storyline

A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack (Tom Cruise) and his elven allies in this magical fantasy. Two different versions of this movie feature soundtracks by either Tangerine Dream or Jerry Goldsmith.

---

Plot Keywords:

unicorn | mythical kingdom | forest | fairy | swamp | 

---

Taglines:

There may never be another dawn. (International and US Trailer)

---

Genres:

Adventure | Fantasy | Romance

---

Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

At the time prior to filming, Tom Cruise had a disliking for cutting his hair. When cast for the part, his long locks were the perfect look for the forest dwelling Jack. It is the longest length of Tom's natural hair captured in a movie.

---

Goofs

The imp statue on the table comes to life twice after Lilly passes the table. It also seems to disappear completely from the table between takes when Lily is opening the jewelry box.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Darkness: I am the Lord of Darkness. I require the solace of the shadows and the dark of the night. Sunshine is my destroyer. All this shall change. Tonight, the sun sets forever. There shall never be another dawn.

---

Alternate Versions

There are at least four different versions of this picture: the original European release (94 min.), the American theatrical release (89 min.), a network TV version (94 min.) and a director's cut (113 min.)

---

Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Anjelica Huston and Billy Martin/George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic (1986)

---

Soundtracks

My True Love's Kiss
(uncredited)
Performed by Mia Sara
Written by Jerry Goldsmith

User Reviews

A fairy tale on film.

I've read a lot of opposing views here and there are valid views on both sides. I guess it boils down to what your imagination can be hopefully transfered to film for you enjoyment.

I've seen my fair share of fantasy films in my life and Legend probably reached to that part of me quicker than any film of that genre than has been done before and since. Lord of the Rings surpasses it on many levels...but Legeng still has the ability after all these years to make me think of pure fantasy, and that's what I believe this film is about. Good vs evil is what most films are about, but Legend is what fairies and goblins and a mystical forests are!

Visually I doubt you can find much better even 20 odd years later! Good vs evil in a setting that is set in a purer forum. Character development here are not too strong, but they're not meant to be. They are strong enough to portray love vs evil vs good and bad, and they do it well in the context of the story. Tom Cruise did a good Job as the Nieve and yet courageous Jack, Lily was a the prize of his longing and it came across as undeniable. Mia Sara as lily is the stuff of youthful longing.

Tim Curry played the spoiler and he did it to the point of stealing all of the film. He is the stuff of fantasy. The costume was spectacular, and his portrayal of the character was commanding...And over the top cause that what he does well!

I enjoyed the directors cut film more as it is longer and tells the story just a little better, but I enjoyed Tangarines Dream's score more as it captured the mood of fantasy ( for me) as set in a mystical place! Jerry Goldsmith had some very good moments, but TD for me layed out a fairytale with my eyes closed better.

But at the end you either see this for the pure fantasy it is about or you see it as something deeper that it doesn't pretend to be. It's much purer in it's view on good vs evil and to my taste it hits on every level of that platform. And not to mention it's ability to make for a great dream filled with hope and danger.

Pure fantasy...and should be viewed with that intent.

Details

Official Sites:

William Hjortsberg

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

18 April 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Legend

Filming Locations:

Agnes Scott College - 141 E. College Avenue, Decatur, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$24,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,261,154, 20 April 1986

Gross USA:

$15,502,112

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$15,502,112

Company Credits

Production Co:

Legend Production Company, Embassy International Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min 114 min (director's cut) 89 min (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1