KING ARTHUR at HOLLYWOOD TEEN MOVIES

Was King Arthur a myth or did he really exist?

Antoine Fuqua, the director of Training Day, takes a new look at the legend of the man - not the mythical figure so often seen in films like Camelot or Excalibur but the “real” hero on whom such stories have been inspired.

The film attempts to put the tale into its historical context and is set at the time when the Roman Empire was crumbling and years of territorial battle have erupted between errant knights - until one king, the reluctant Arthur (Clive Owen), emerges to unite them and attempt to hold civilisation together. With Lancelot (Ioan Guffudd), Galahad (Hugh Dancey), Bors (Ray Winstone), Gawain (Joel Edgerton) and the other Knights of the Round Table, Arthur defends Britain against the threat of the invading Saxons and tries to lead it into a new age. Also by his side to help him change the course of history is a former enemy, Merlin (Stephen Dillane) and the beautiful and courageous Guinevere (Keira Knightley).

First Knight [DVD](1995) DVD
The legend of Camelot is portrayed in this lavish drama starring Sean Connery as King Arthur, the middle-aged ruler of England whose marriage to Queen Guinevere (Julia Ormond) is threatened after she shows interest in dashing Sir Lancelot (Richard Gere). Ben Cross, John Gielgud also star; directed by Jerry Zucker ("Ghost"). 133 min. Standard and Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby 5.1 and Dolby Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround; Subtitles: Spanish, Korean; interactive menus; scene access.
Excalibur [DVD](1981) DVD
Director John Boorman's dazzling filming of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table features stunning cinematography, mature themes and superlative performances. Nigel Terry stars as Arthur, and Nicol Williamson is Merlin; with Helen Mirren, Cherie Lunghi, and Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson in their film debuts. 141 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French; theatrical trailer; scene access; interactive menus.
The Sword Of Lancelot [DVD](1963) DVD
Grand-scale battles shot on location throughout England highlight this sword-swinging saga based on the Arthurian legend. Sir Lancelot (Cornel Wilde) must choose between his love for Guinevere and his loyalty to the king. 116 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Knights Of The Round Table [DVD](1954) DVD
The legend of the Round Table lives in this spectacular retelling of the Camelot story. Romance and adventure, sorcery and treachery combine as King Arthur establishes his kingdom, oblivious to the growing love between Guinevere and Lancelot. Robert Taylor, Mel Ferrer, and Ava Gardner star. 115 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; newsreel footage; bonus short; theatrical trailers.
Camelot [DVD](1967) DVD
Richard Harris stars as King Arthur in this lavish, Academy Award-winning film adaptation of Lerner and Loewe's musical take on the legend of the Knights of the Round Table, with Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero as doomed lovers Guenevere and Lancelot. Among the memorable tunes are "Camelot," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "What Do the Simple Folk Do?" 180 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; filmographies; theatrical trailers; "making of" featurette; isolated music score; premiere special.