Watch Erik the Conqueror

Erik the Conqueror is a 1961 Italian sword-and-sandal epic directed by the legendary Italian filmmaker Mario Bava. The film stars Cameron Mitchell in the titular role of Erik, a Viking prince who sets out with his brother to conquer England during the 9th century. The film opens with a prologue in which two Viking chiefs, Varen and Harald, are engaged in a fierce battle on the outskirts of England. Varen is killed in the battle, and his young sons Erik and Eron are taken captive by Harald as he sails away.

Years later, Erik (now played by Mitchell) and Eron (George Ardisson) have grown up to be fierce warriors in Harald's army. When Harald dies, the two brothers are sent to England to conquer the land in his name. However, when they arrive in England, they discover that it is ruled by King Loter (Franco Ressel) and his beautiful daughter, Princess Morgana (Ellen Kessler).

Erik and Morgana are immediately drawn to each other, much to the chagrin of his brother Eron, who is secretly in love with Morgana's handmaiden Daya (Alice Kessler). Erik and Morgana soon become embroiled in a plot to overthrow her father and take control of England, which results in a series of epic battles and betrayals.

The film features stunning cinematography by Bava, who was primarily known at the time for his work in horror films. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and the epic battle scenes are truly impressive, with hundreds of extras engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

Mitchell gives a compelling performance as Erik, capturing the character's bravery and nobility, as well as his struggle to reconcile his duty to his people with his love for Morgana. His chemistry with Ellen Kessler is palpable, and the two actors have several poignant scenes together.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Ardisson delivering a standout performance as the jealous Eron, and Ressel bringing a touch of gravitas to the role of King Loter.

The film's score, composed by Roberto Nicolosi, is a highlight, with its sweeping strings and brass adding to the epic feel of the film.

Overall, Erik the Conqueror is a well-crafted and entertaining sword-and-sandal epic that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as those interested in the work of Mario Bava. Its mix of romance, action, and political intrigue make it a standout entry in the genre.

Erik the Conqueror is a 1961 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.