Watch The Sword and the Rose

The Sword and the Rose is a 1953 historical drama directed by Ken Annakin, starring Richard Todd, Glynis Johns, and James Robertson Justice. The film depicts the story of Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII, and her secret romance with Charles Brandon, King Henry's friend and trusted advisor. The movie is set in sixteenth-century England, and the royal court is preparing for King Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon. At the same time, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, returns from France after successfully completing his mission for the King. Mary Tudor, who has been banned from seeing her lover Charles Brandon, finally meets him secretly in the royal gardens. Despite their mutual love, they know that they cannot marry without the King's permission.

Mary's brother, King Henry VIII, is furious when he learns about their love affair. Charles is banished from court, and Mary is forced to marry King Louis XII of France. Before leaving for France, Mary reveals her love for Charles to her loyal maid, Bessie Throckmorton, and asks her to tell him.

Years pass, and Mary becomes a widow after King Louis dies. She returns to England and finds that Charles is still in love with her. After many trials and tribulations, including King Henry's anger and disapproval, the couple finally receives the King's permission to marry.

The Sword and the Rose is a beautifully filmed historical romance that captures the essence of sixteenth-century England. The movie boasts an impressive cast, with Richard Todd delivering a fine performance as Charles Brandon, and Glynis Johns portraying Mary Tudor with grace and poise. James Robertson Justice provides comic relief as Henry VIII's chief advisor, Cardinal Wolsey.

The Sword and the Rose also features stunning cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth, offering breathtaking views of England's countryside and impressive palaces. The carefully crafted costumes and set design add to the film's authenticity, transporting the audience to a different time and place.

However, the film's pacing is slow, and some scenes feel redundant or stretched out. The plot moves at a leisurely pace, allowing the audience to take in the visuals and soak in the historical atmosphere, but it may not be suitable for viewers seeking a more action-packed or fast-paced plot.

Furthermore, the film takes some historical liberties, portraying Mary Tudor as a more sympathetic character than history suggests. Mary Tudor was known for her cruel treatment of Protestants during her brief reign as Queen of England, which the film skips over. Instead, the movie focuses on Mary's love story with Charles Brandon, which may disappoint viewers looking for a more accurate portrayal of Tudor history.

Overall, The Sword and the Rose is an enjoyable film that offers a glimpse into the Tudor era's romance and intrigue. The film's stunning visuals, excellent performances, and lovely score by Clifton Parker make it worth watching. However, viewers should be aware that the movie takes some historical liberties, and the pacing may not suit everyone's taste.

The Sword and the Rose is a 1953 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.