In 1640s England, King Charles I (Alec Guinness) is engaged in a power struggle with Parliament, and civil war seems imminent to House of Commons member Oliver Cromwell (Richard Harris), who’s preparing to depart for the American colonies. When he’s asked to stay to fight for the Parliamentary cause, however, Cromwell agrees and proves himself a brilliant leader of the Roundhead army. Soon, it’s up to him to lead his army to victory over the king’s Cavaliers and take back England for the people.
Richard Harris and Sir Alec Guinness star in this sweeping, handsomely-mounted epic drama recounting the battle which raged between the monarchy and a commoner over the very soul of Great Britain. In 17th-century England, ambitious country gentleman Oliver Cromwell (Harris) dared to challenge the political oppression and corruption which besieged his nation. Watching his power being usurped by a commoner, King Charles I (Two-time Oscar-winner Guinness, 1957 Best Actor, The Bridge on the River Kwai; 1980 Honorary Award) springs to challenge his adversary. One man will become absolute ruler; the other will be executed. Rousing battle sequences, excellent lead and supporting performances fromRobert Morley, Dorothy Tutin and Timothy Dalton, Academy Award-winning costume design and spectacular photography by renowned cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth (Cabaret, Tess), make CROMWELL an outstanding historical drama in the tradition of Braveheart.
Takes place from approximately 1640 to 1660 in the Stuart era.
Starring Charles Gray, Richard Harris, Michael Jayston, Alec Guinness, Dorothy Tutin.
Note: The critics didn’t celebrate the film for its originality, but gave it kudos for being an accurate account, with NYT calling it “a rather nice, serious, eighth grade introduction to a place and time.” And Roger Ebert said “As nearly as possible in a movie that lasts three hours and covers maybe 10 years, “Cromwell” is faithful to the facts. We follow King Charles’ differences with Parliament, Cromwell’s differences with Charles and Parliament, everyone’s feelings about the divine right of kings, and Cromwell’s final seizure of power.”