Merlin and the Sword

Merlin and the Sword is a 1985 American made-for-television fantasy adventure sword and sorcery film based on the Arthurian legend. It was released in some regions as Arthur the King.

Merlin and the Sword
Genre	Adventure Fantasy Mystery Romance
Based on	Arthurian legend
Written by	David Wyles John Smith (narration)
Directed by	Clive Donner
Starring	Malcolm McDowell Candice Bergen
Music by	Charles Gross
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Production
Producers	Martin Poll Kathryn Stellmack David White
Production locations	Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England Yugoslavia
Cinematography	Dennis C. Lewiston
Editor	Peter Tanner
Running time	180 minutes (TV broadcast) 94 minutes (home video)
Production companies	Martin Poll Productions Comworld Productions Jadran Film
Original release
Network	CBS
Release	April 26, 1985 (1985-04-26)

Plot

A woman falls into an icy cave at Stonehenge and wakes up in Arthurian times. King Arthur's wife is kidnapped by his evil sister Morgan Le Fay. Lancelot is sent out to try to retrieve the lost queen and ends up falling in love with her.^[1]

Cast

• Malcolm McDowell as King Arthur
• Candice Bergen as Morgan Le Fay
• Edward Woodward as Merlin
• Dyan Cannon as Katherine
• Joseph Blatchley as Mordred
• Rupert Everett as Lancelot
• Rosalyn Landor as Guinevere
• Liam Neeson as Grak
• Patrick Ryecart as Gawain
• Philip Sayer as Agravain
• Ann Thornton as Lady Ragnell
• Lucy Gutteridge as Niniane
• Denis Lill as King Pellinore
• Michael Gough as Archbishop

Production

The movie was originally filmed in 1982 but was unable to secure airtime until April 26, 1985.^[2] It became available on disc April 15, 1992.^[2]

Broadcast history

It was first released in the Philippines on January 5, 1985, followed by a broadcast in the USA on April 26, 1985.

See also

• List of films based on Arthurian legend