the leading man is my tpye

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

The most interesting character here is Jack Hawkins as the bowman in his unpredictable shifts of moods and expressive diction - it's a pleasure just hearing him talk in every scene he is in. Orson Welles dominates, of course, as he always does, this time as a conquering khan with the ambition to subjugate all China and after that Rome and England, in which scheme he tries to interest and engage Tyrone Power, who almost falls for it.The story is great although somewhat muddled as Tyrone Power never knows what he really wants, which vacillation reaches a climax when he gets a girl on his hands in his sleeping tent.Another interesting character is Michael Rennie as the King, stately and sympathetic as ever, and also Finlay Curries as the grandfather, greatly enhancing the interest of every scene in which he is present.The most fascinating part of the film though is the visualization of the Silk Road, as the caravan travels from somewhere in the Orient, could be Cairo or Baghdad, all the way across the deserts and mountains to China, and the caravan scenes are spectacular to say the least. Also the scenes from China are interesting with their snapshots of court life and the Chinese character trembling at the mercy of the awful conqueror and resorting mainly to superstition for its only defense.It's a kind of English Marco Polo spectacle, with books, paper, compass and gunpowder and all that, and it is very well made. Henry Hathaway was qualified enough to turn out this masterpiece of a romantic oriental epic to be remembered.

Having seen this a number of times as a late-night or Saturday-afternoon movie growing up, I caught it again yesterday on television, and was pleasantly surprised. As other posters have commented on it's faithfulness to the book or as a historical setting, I won't comment on that.Probably due to an excellent cast, the movie manages to transcend many of the (at least now accepted) clichés and is very successful. Having Welles and Powers in leading roles obviously allows them to sell the story line in a very convincing manner. I am a big fan of swashbuckler movies, but this goes beyond the bravado with good character development. The large-scale shots were magnificent. Lots of extras, animals, etc. I was drawn into the story and quite dazzled by the cinematography.Although there is nothing profound here, this is an easy film to enjoy.

A real Robin Hood style of movie but relax, not a green stocking Errol Flynn one! Jack Hawkins (Little John?) emerges with Tyrone Power (Robin Hood?) from a conquered and not so merry England to travel east towards well east I guess!Together they interact well against a tapestry of "olde" England, Norman conquest and the discovery of the Mongol and Chinese on the way as the two displaced adventurers travel ever onward! Pity their poor horses I say. So much to see so little time, the plot appears rushed and awkward.I love the interplay of Jack Hawkins with his bow, not! Well it isn't exactly Excalliber now is it?The superior acting of Orson Welles however makes this a memorable movie, a fine contribution from a great actor which gives an unusual and lucky gravitas to the plot.The film's vivid colours and scripts genuine attempt to capture some moment in history (when emerging powers of their time (Mongolia and France) contrast against the demands of a conquered citizen of Saxon England is sympathetic but not of course historic accuracy.Frankly it's very naive.Cecile Aubrey( Robin Hoods' Marylyn perhaps? ) is dreadful and spoils a good film, so bad in fact that I feel her role should have been edited out (or banished not from a kingdom but to an Alladin panto!). The film still has just enough plus points that one can forgive this crass attempt at creating a silly love interest for an ageing Tyrone Power. The film end appears hurried it's untidy. There may be a better end and a longer film left somewhere on the editors cutting room floor perhaps?This then is more than just a fragile British attempt to copy lavish Hollywood costume drama. I did almost enjoy it! (Even smiling at the awkward Miss Aubrey).I wouldn't however stop in for this but wait for a DVD copy to emerge and watch it without distraction on your lap top. On the lap top? Well I can't believe that any of your family under 35 would want to watch it with you on the plasma! It would embarrass you to admit to wanting to watch this one!

It is set in XII century , during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307) , son of Henry III , with a strong rivalry between Norman and Saxon people . Two young Xasons (Tyrone Power and Jack Hawkins) decide to leave England crowned by King Edward (Michael Rennie) and since 1066 when the Hastings battle took place ruled by the Normans . They are going to Orient along with a beautiful girl called Maryam (Cécile Aubry , though Leslie Caron was offered first the character , which was eventually given to Aubry) escaped from avaricious merchants (Herbert Lom , Alfonso Bedoya whose voice was dubbed by Peter Sellers) . As they arrive in Mongol territory governed by Gengis Khan and they enlist to General Bayan's (Orson Welles) troops that want to conquer China . During war they are imprisoned and will suffer numerous dangers , adventures and risks ; besides , they will learn great number of Chinese inventions , such as : compass , silk , powder , among others . It is a spectacular adventure with plenty of emotions , action and romance . This exciting picture blends far eastern adventures and medieval scenario . This is one of the most amusing oriental adventure movies ever made and extremely well produced in awesome Technicolor photography . This juvenile romp is utterly fun and entertaining . Tyrone Power (who died in Spain filming ¨Salomon and Queen of Saba¨) and Jack Hawkins are firmly teamed , they make a first-class duo as the adventurer pals . Magnificent Orson Welles who interpreted for getting the financing ¨Othello¨ and other yarns that remained unfinished due to poor budgeted backing . Orson played several exotic personages (The Tartari , Saul , Cagliostro , Macbeth , Cesare Borgia). Here appears known supporting actors , but very secondaries , thus : Robert Blake (as Mahmoud) , Laurence Harvey , Henry Oscar (the friar named Roger Bacon) , James Robertson Justice and many others . Glimmer and splendid cinematography by classic cameraman Jack Cardiff (Black narcissus) and sometimes filmmaker (Dark of the sun) . The film was professionally directed by Hollywood veteran Henry Hathaway who subsequently shot ¨Rawhide¨ , a fundamental western also with Tyrone Power . The flick will appeal to fanciful far Eastern saga enthusiasts and Tyrone Power fans .