El Cid

El Cid is a 1961 historical epic. Epic films were much in vogue in the early ‘60s and El Cid doe not disappoint. The story is based on the legend of a Christian Knight named Don Rodrigo Diaz de ViVar. The name El Cid derives from his Arabic name. El Cid fought in North Africa in the 11th century. Charton Heston plays El Cid and Sophia Loren plays his love interest, the beautiful Doria Ximena. Anthony Mann directed the film and it features a large ensemble cast. It is largely a romantic telling of the legend, but the movie is beautifully shot and entertaining.