Crossed Swords (1977 film)
| The Prince and the Pauper | |
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US theatrical poster
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| Directed by | Richard Fleischer |
| Produced by | Pierre Spengler |
| Written by |
Mark Twain (novel) Berta Dominguez D. & Pierre Spengler (original screenplay) George MacDonald Fraser (final screenplay) |
| Starring |
Mark Lester Ernest Borgnine Oliver Reed Raquel Welch Rex Harrison |
| Music by | Maurice Jarre |
| Cinematography | Jack Cardiff |
| Edited by | Ernest Walter |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. (USA) |
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Release date
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Running time
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113 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Prince and the Pauper (US title: Crossed Swords) is a 1977 action adventure film directed by Richard Fleischer, based on The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. It stars Mark Lester, Oliver Reed, Ernest Borgnine, Raquel Welch, George C. Scott, Charlton Heston and Sir Rex Harrison.
The film featured an all-star cast of British and American actors in the supporting parts.
In 16th Century London, a pauper called Tom Canty reads to a group a children but is attacked by his cruel father John Canty and threatened that he will be beaten if he does not steal five shillings by suppertime. Tom goes into the city square and steals a purse from a rich man, but drops it after bumping into another man. Thinking that Tom still has the purse, the rich man and other men chase Tom through the streets of London. Tom escapes by climbing up a wall and through a window, where he falls into a palace garden in front of King Henry VIII, who sets the guards on him. However, Tom outruns them by going to the roof of the castle and hiding in a chimney. In the grounds, Henry VIII orders for The Duke of Norfolk to be arrested during the masked ball that evening.
In his royal chamber, Prince Edward of Wales insists on not wearing a costume to the masked ball and his dressers leave him. Tom falls down the chimney into the chamber and Edward demands to know who he is. Tom introduces himself and explains his situation. Interested that Tom looks like him, Edward decides they swap appearances and clothes to attend the masked ball, but adds that the Prince's Seal stays with the true Prince. However, Edward is mistaken for Tom by The Duke of Norfolk, who orders for him to be escorted out of the palace. Outside, Edward is rescued by skilled swordsman Sir Miles Hendon. At the masked ball, The Duke of Norfolk is arrested and Henry VIII and the guests laugh at Tom's dancing, despite Tom repeatedly claiming that he's not the Prince of Wales.
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