SYNOPSIS: "The Magic Sword" (1962) is a fantasy adventure film that tells the story of a brave young man named George, who embarks on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Helene from the clutches of the evil sorceress, Morpheus. George, portrayed by Gary Lockwood, discovers that he is the son of a powerful wizard and inherits a magical sword that grants him extraordinary powers. As he sets off on his journey, he faces a series of challenges and encounters mythical creatures, including dragons and a host of enchanted beings. With the aid of a magical horse and the wisdom of his father, George battles Morpheus's dark forces, ultimately leading to a climactic confrontation. The film blends elements of adventure and fantasy, featuring impressive special effects for its time, and culminates in a triumphant victory that restores peace to the kingdom and reunites George with Princess Helene.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: In the kingdom of Cornwall, Princess Helene is kidnapped by the malevolent sorcerer Lodac, who demands that she marry him or face death. Desperate to save his daughter, King Stefan announces a reward for anyone who can bring her back safely. A brave young knight named Sir George, assisted by his loyal squire Sir Dennis, volunteers for the quest.

Sir George seeks the guidance of the sorceress Sybil, who reveals that the only way to defeat Lodac is with the enchanted "Magic Sword," which is protected by seven curses. Undeterred, Sir George sets out on his journey, facing numerous trials and battles against terrifying creatures conjured by Lodac.

Along the way, Sir George gathers a band of companions: the aging Sir Pedant, the bumbling Sir Branton, the Viking warrior Sir Lancelot, and the handsome Sir Galahad. Each knight, with his unique skills and personality quirks, aids Sir George in overcoming the challenges posed by the curses guarding the Magic Sword.

As the group navigates through treacherous landscapes and encounters various mystical beings, they face personal tests of courage and loyalty. Meanwhile, Princess Helene endures captivity in Lodac's fortress, resisting his dark magic and refusing to yield to his demands.

Sir George finally confronts Lodac in a climactic battle, using the Magic Sword to break the sorcerer's spells and defeat his monstrous minions. In a dramatic showdown, Sir George outwits Lodac and rescues Princess Helene, restoring peace to the kingdom of Cornwall.

The film concludes with Sir George and Princess Helene celebrating their victory, while Sir Dennis humorously laments his lack of recognition for his vital role in the quest.

PRODUCTION: "The Magic Sword" (1962) was produced by American International Pictures and directed by Bert I. Gordon. Filming took place primarily in California, utilizing various locations to create the film's fantasy landscapes. The production featured a modest budget typical of the era's low-budget fantasy films.

Principal photography occurred in the spring of 1962, with shooting completed in a short timeframe to capitalize on the rising popularity of fantasy and adventure genres. The cast included Gary Lockwood as George, the heroic protagonist; Anne Helm as Princess Helene; and Basil Rathbone in a notable role as the villainous sorcerer Morpheus, adding gravitas to the film. The screenplay was written by George Worthing Yates, who crafted a narrative that incorporated classic fantasy elements and adventure tropes. The film was shot by cinematographer Earle Hagen, known for his work in various genres, which helped enhance the film's visual appeal. Special effects were created by a team that aimed to bring magical sequences and creature designs to life. The music score, composed by Paul Dunlap, contributed to the film's atmospheric tension and emotional depth.

Costumes and set designs reflected the medieval fantasy aesthetic, with detailed outfits for the characters and imaginative backdrops that complemented the story's magical themes. Despite challenges typical of low-budget productions, including time constraints and resource limitations, the filmmakers managed to create a cohesive and engaging film that appealed to fans of the fantasy genre during its time.

RELEASE: "The Magic Sword" was released in 1962 by American International Pictures, capitalizing on the growing popularity of fantasy films during the early 1960s.

While the exact release date varies by region, it premiered in theaters across the United States in the latter half of the year. The film was initially marketed as part of a double bill, often paired with other low-budget genre films, which was a common practice to attract audiences to theaters.

Reception at the time was mixed; while some viewers appreciated its campy charm and imaginative storyline, critics pointed to its low-budget production values and simplistic narrative. Over time, however, "The Magic Sword" has gained a cult following, with fans celebrating its nostalgic appeal and unique blend of adventure and fantasy. It is often remembered for its performances, particularly Basil Rathbone's portrayal of the villainous Morpheus, and its influence on subsequent fantasy films. As the years passed, the film became a beloved artifact of early 1960s cinema, appreciated for its earnestness and creativity despite its limitations. The film has been released on various home media formats, including VHS and DVD, contributing to its enduring popularity among genre enthusiasts. Its themes of heroism and magic have influenced later fantasy works, and its campy style has made it a favorite for midnight screenings and fan events.

Retrospective reviews have often highlighted its charm and creativity, with some praising it as a classic example of 1960s fantasy filmmaking. Today, "The Magic Sword" is sometimes included in discussions of cult classic cinema, especially within the realm of fantasy and adventure films, due to its quirky characters and imaginative storyline.

CAST:

• Basil Rathbone as Lodac

• Estelle Winwood as Sybil

• Gary Lockwood as Sir George

• Anne Helm as Princess Helene

• Liam Sullivan as Sir Branton

• Danielle de Metz as Mignonette

• Merritt Stone as King

• Jacques Gallo as Sir Dennis

• David Cross as Sir Pedro

• Leroy Johnson as Sir Ulrich

• John Mauldin as Sir Patrick

• Taldo Kenyon as Sir Anthony

• Angus Duncan as Sir James

• Marlene Callahan as Princess Grace

• Nick Bon Tempi as Left Siamese Twin

• Paul Bon Tempi as Right  Siamese Twin

• Ann Graves as Princess Laura

• Lorrie Richards as Anne

• Jack Kosslyn as the Ogre

• Maila Nurmi as The Hag / Sorceress

CREW:

• Director: Bert I. Gordon

• Producer: Bert I. Gordon

• Writer: Bernard C. Schoenfeld (screenplay), Bert I. Gordon (story)

• Cinematographer: Paul C. Vogel

• Editor: Harry Gerstad (supervisor)

• Music: Richard Markowitz

• Art Director: Franz Bachelin

Production Company: Bert I. Gordon Productions
Distributor: United Artists

Release Date: February 22, 1962
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 80 minutes
Budget: $250,000
Box Office Return: $1.5 million

IMDB Rating =  4.8 / 10

TRIVIA:

• The film's special effects, including the creation of the various creatures and the enchanted sword, were well-received for their innovation and imaginative design.

• "The Magic Sword" was inspired by medieval legends and Arthurian tales, tapping into the fascination with knights and sorcery prevalent in early 1960s cinema.

• Gary Lockwood's performance as Sir George helped establish him as a leading actor in fantasy films, paving the way for his later roles in classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey."

• In addition to her credited role as "The Hag," Maila Nurmi also played the sorceress who kidnaps Princess Helene.

• Richard Kiel, although not credited, was reported to have played "Pinhead No. 1."

• Stuntman/actor Leroy Johnson's dialogue as Sir Ulrich of Germany was dubbed by voice specialist Paul Frees.

• Ross Wheat is credited as the "dragon trainer" in the film.

• It would be almost 25 years before Maila Nurmi appeared (uncredited) in another feature film.

• United Artists in the UK reverted to the original title, "St. George and the 7 Curses," and had its British premiere on March 15, 1964.

• Shooting commenced at Goldwyn Studios on January 11, 1961, and was initially titled "St. George and the 7 Curses."

• The title was changed to "The Magic Sword" on May 22, 1961, before its eventual release.

"The Magic Sword" (1962) remains a beloved fantasy adventure, cherished for its charming blend of magic, heroism, and timeless quest narrative that continues to enchant audiences of all ages.