Review of Cromwell (1970) by Stephen N — 16 Nov 2007

Cromwell once said 'paint me warts and all', advice which the makers of this film singularly failed to follow. However despite the film's bias towards the Parlimentarians (the Royalists it has to be said are a difficult bunch to like) and the historical liberties it takes, especially in Cromwell's status within the Parliamentarian army, this is the best depiction of the English Civil War.

By the Sword Divided is too earnest in its attempt to be evenly balanced and Blackadder: The Cavalier Years was an all too brief interlude. Richard Harris' Cromwell, is the highlight of his acting career as is Alec Guinness' startingly portrayal of Charles I (the resemblance between the two is uncanny).

Also watch for an appearance of a young Timothy Dalton as Prince Rupert (a man who lacked even more synapse connections than Charles).