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Despite the title, Crossed Swords is based on the Mark Twain classic about a pronce and begger boy chanfing places. I'm not sure why they changed the title,
perhaps because they though emphasizing sword fightening would make for a better deraw. It was the Mark Lester remake of the story. This version was notable for
Charlton Heston playing the part of the dying Henry VIII--the Prince's father. Oliver Reed also played in this version. This was one of Mark Lester's last acting
parts, and he was a bit too old for the part.
These films are of course based on the popular 1881 novel by Mark Twain or Samuel Clemens. Twain is perhaps best known for his humor, but he is was in fact a serious writer and among the most important American authors in the 19th century. His most famous novels are of course The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The books are based on the authors observations growing up as a boy on the Mississippi River. Many believe that Huck's and Jim's saga is te greatest American novel. Tragically some schools ban it because of the use of the "n" word. Twain of course has to be the most influential voice for racial tolerance in the 19th century. Influential of course because many read the books, especially Huckleberry Finn, wihout realizing what Twain was doing. (If they had many would not have read the books or allowed their wives and children to read them.)
This version of Prince and the Pauper had one of the most impressive casts.
Mark Lester will be best remembered for his performance in Oliver when he was about 9 years old. He had already made several films and appeared in TV. He appeared in several addotional films, including Farenheit 451 (1967), Run Wild, Run Free (1969), Melody (1971), Crossed Swords (1978). His appearance in Crossed Swords was not one of his best performances. He was a bit old for the part. He played both boys.
This production was notable for the casring of Charlton Heston as King Henry VIII. Oliver Reed who was in Oliver with Mark also joins him on this film. Reed plays the adept swordsman, but cynical Miles, who protects Edward in his new role as a poor boy. Rex Harrison has a few of my favorite moments as the Duke of Norfolk.
The story is set around the decision of a mistreated orphan and British prince Edward Tudor to trade places. Afterwards they are mistaken for each other and throw the kingdom into turmoil. Both boys learn valuable lessons from each other's lives.
Costuming varies with each production. The pauper Tom, and the King after they trade clothes, appear in rags with bare legs. The court scenes in this version are lavisly costumed in color.
Twain's fictional account uses the boy king Edward VI as the English monarch that the story is about. There is no indication, however, that any such events actually took place. Edward as king was not well served by his advisers, but for the most part they were genuinely interested in his wellfare. Some were relatives. All were protestants and were aware that the next claimant to the throne was his Catholic half sister Mary--unless Edward fathered a successor which of course he never did.
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