Taglines: Their greatest battle would be for her love.
First Knight movie storyline. Lancelot lives by the sword. In fact, they’re next door neighbours, so teaming up to fight for money comes pretty naturally. Lady Guinevere, on her way to marry King Arthur is ambushed by the evil Sir Malagant. Fortunately Lancelot is lurking nearby and he rescues his future queen. They fall in love, but Guinevere still fancies the idea of wearing a crown, so she honours her promise to Arthur. Can Lady Guinevere remain faithful, or will this Pretty Woman become a lady of the knight?
First Knight is a 1995 medieval film based on Arthurian legend, directed by Jerry Zucker. It stars Richard Gere as Lancelot, Julia Ormond as Guinevere, Sean Connery as King Arthur and Ben Cross as Malagant. Supporting cast are Ben Cross, Liam Cunningham, Christopher Villiers, Valentine Pelka, Colin McCormack, John Gielgud and Stuart Bunce.
Filming was shot on location in Great Britain. Exteriors were done in Gwynedd, North Wales and in England around Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, with the wedding scene being shot at St Albans Cathedral. Interiors were completed at Pinewood Studios. The film earned a domestic gross of $37,600,435 and $90,000,000 in foreign markets; overall, earning a combined take of $127,600,435 worldwide.
About the Story
The film’s opening text establishes that King Arthur (Sean Connery) of Camelot, victorious from his wars, has dedicated his reign to promoting justice and peace and now wishes to marry. However, Malagant (Ben Cross), a Knight of the Round Table, desires the throne for himself and rebels.
The film opens with Lancelot (Richard Gere), a vagabond and skilled swordsman, dueling in small villages for money. Lancelot attributes his skill to his lack of concern whether he lives or dies. Guinevere (Julia Ormond), the ruler of Lyonesse, decides to marry Arthur partly out of admiration and partly for security against Malagant, who is shown raiding a village. While traveling, Lancelot chances by Guinevere’s carriage on the way to Camelot, and helps spoil Malagant’s ambush meant to kidnap her. He falls in love with Guinevere, who refuses his advances. Though Lancelot urges her to follow her heart, Guinevere remains bound by her duty. She is subsequently reunited with her escort.
Later, Lancelot arrives in Camelot and successfully navigates an obstacle course on the prospect of a kiss from Guinevere, though he instead kisses her hand. He also wins an audience with her husband-to-be, Arthur. Impressed by Lancelot’s courage and struck by his recklessness and freewheeling, Arthur shows him the Round Table which symbolizes a life of service and brotherhood, and warns Lancelot that a man “who fears nothing is a man who loves nothing.”
That night, Malagant’s henchmen arrive at Camelot and kidnap Guinevere. She is tied up and carried off to Malagant’s headquarters, where she is held hostage. Lancelot poses as a messenger to Malagant only to escape with Guinevere and return her to Camelot. Once again, Lancelot tries to win her heart, but is unsuccessful. On the return journey, it is revealed that Lancelot was orphaned and rendered homeless after bandits attacked his village, and has been wandering ever since.
In gratitude, Arthur offers Lancelot a higher calling in life as a Knight of the Round Table. Amidst the protests of the other Knights (who are suspicious of his station), and of Guinevere (who struggles with her feelings for him), Lancelot accepts and takes Malagant’s place at the Table, saying he has found something to care about. Arthur and Guinevere are subsequently wedded.
However, a messenger from Lyonesse arrives, with news that Malagant has invaded. Arthur leads his troops to Lyonesse and successfully defeats Malagant’s forces. Lancelot wins the respect of the other Knights with his prowess in battle. He also learns to embrace Arthur’s philosophy, moved by the plight of villagers.
First Knight (1995)
Directed by: Jerry Zucker
Starring: Sean Connery, Richard Gere, Julia Ormond, Ben Cross, Liam Cunningham, Christopher Villiers, Valentine Pelka, Colin McCormack, John Gielgud, Stuart Bunce
Screenplay by: William Nicholson
Production Design by: John Box
Cinematography by: Adam Greenberg
Film Editing by: Walter Murch
Costume Design by: Nanà Cecchi
Set Decoration by: Malcolm Stone
Art Direction by: Robert W. Laing, Giles Masters, Stephen Scott, Michael White
Music by: Jerry Goldsmith
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some brutal medieval battles.
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: July 7, 1995
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