Watch The Long Ships

In the year 1000, the Vikings are the most feared warriors in Europe. Harald, the Viking leader, is obsessed with finding the Golden Bell, a legendary object worth a fortune. When he learns that the bell is in the hands of the Moors, he plans a daring raid to steal it. The Long Ships begins with a sweeping panoramic view of the fjords of Norway. We see the Vikings going about their daily business, with the threat of a raid from other Viking clans always looming. Harald, played by Richard Widmark, is a seasoned warrior who has set his sights on the Golden Bell. He is convinced that the bell has the power to bring him great wealth and prestige, and he will stop at nothing to acquire it.

Harald's crew is made up of an eclectic mix of characters, including Rolfe, a hulking Viking played by Sidney Poitier, and Orm, a young boy who dreams of being a warrior. Together, they set sail for the land of the Moors, where they know the bell is being kept.

The journey is perilous, and the Vikings face a number of obstacles along the way. They battle giant octopuses, cross treacherous seas, and narrowly escape capture by the Moors. Meanwhile, Harald and Rolfe are constantly at odds with one another, with Rolfe doubting Harald's leadership and motives.

As they draw closer to the bell, the tension between Harald and Rolfe reaches a boiling point. They have a violent confrontation that leaves them stranded in the desert, alone and without their crew. They must work together to survive and make their way back to the coast, where they hope to reunite with their crew and continue their quest for the Golden Bell.

The Long Ships is a sweeping adventure film that captures the spirit of the Viking age. The production design and costumes are stunning, and the action sequences are thrilling. The film has a large scope, with scenes ranging from the fjords of Norway to the deserts of Africa.

The performances are uniformly strong, with Richard Widmark bringing a commanding presence to the role of Harald. Sidney Poitier is equally impressive as Rolfe, a character who defies the stereotype of the meek and subservient black character in Hollywood films of the era. Russ Tamblyn, who plays Orm, brings a youthful energy and naivete to the film, serving as a reminder of the human cost of the Vikings' quest for glory.

Beyond its spectacle and adventure, The Long Ships also raises questions about the nature of leadership and the cost of ambition. Harald's pursuit of the Golden Bell may bring him wealth and power, but it also puts his crew in danger and threatens to tear apart their camaraderie. Likewise, Rolfe's skepticism of Harald's motives may be justified, but it also puts him at odds with his fellow Vikings and threatens to undermine their mission.

In the end, The Long Ships is a rousing adventure film that manages to balance spectacle with substance. Its themes of leadership, loyalty, and ambition are just as relevant today as they were in 1964, and its cast of characters will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

The Long Ships is a 1963 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.