Kings are often featured as powerful main characters in movies. A number of classic offerings that showcase them are inspired by stories from literature and/or history. Most of these works consist of period films, movie adaptations of novels and plays, and biographical pictures. The epic scope of these projects usually reflects their big budgets and the famous names attached. A good number of these classic films also received Oscar nods in different award categories.
“The Crusades” (1935)
The Cecil B. DeMille masterpiece “The Crusades” tells the story of King Richard, also known as Richard the Lionheart, as he sets off for the Holy Wars. The movie covers the Third Crusade from 1190 to 1192, when the king fights Saladin, an enemy whom he has a considerably strange relationship with. Amid being each other’s adversary, both leaders have a certain respect and admiration for each other. In the story, Richard must rescue his wife Berengaria after being held captive by Saladin.
The film is mostly a fictional account based on real-life characters in world history. It is a campy Medieval-era epic filled with thrills, pageantry, and visual flair. “Crusades” features an impressive cast that complements the grandeur and spectacle of DeMille’s storytelling. Filled with masterfully composed shots, it is not a surprise that this 1930s picture received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
“The Lion in Winter” (1968)
“The Lion in Winter” is a tale about the aging King Henry II and his family’s plot to determine who inherits the throne. This Anthony Harvey opus follows the king’s plan for a yuletide reunion in the hope of finally naming his successor. Henry summons his estranged wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three surviving sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John, along with his mistress Princess Alais and King Philip of France, who is Alais’s brother, at a decisive moment when his empire is at stake. Each guest has his or her own brand of deception, double-dealing, and treachery to earn the king’s favor.
This cinematic rendition of James Goldman’s famous stage play is a sharp and witty period piece that boasts incredible performances, a brilliant script packed with many quotable lines, and great direction. It nabbed three Oscars, for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Actress for Katharine Hepburn, who plays Eleanor. She and O’Toole, who plays Henry, fill the screen with impeccable chemistry. O’Toole also received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role, along with additional nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Costume Design.
“The Man Who Would Be King” (1975)
Based on the famous short story by Rudyard Kipling, “The Man Who Would Be King” revolves around the decision of two ex-soldiers from the British army to leave India and set foot on the remote part of Afghanistan called Kafiristan to rule there as kings. This John Huston film is a memorable adventure tale with a cautionary twist.
Providing escapist entertainment with Kipling’s tale set in a lively and delightful pace, this high adventure offering works well with its old-fashioned approach in making the narrative engaging. Crafting a fine combination of humor, action, and drama, it earned the attention of the Academy, which bestowed the movie with four Oscar nominations — Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design.
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