Review of The Sword in the Stone (1963) by Nat G — 11 Sep 2008

After the English king dies leaving no heir, in the churchyard of a cathedral in London, a sword appears imbedded in a stone inscribed, "Who so pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise king born of England." Although many try, no one can budge the sword from the stone. Deep in the dark woods, Merlin the Magician begins to teach Arthur, who is nicknamed Wart, and lives in the castle of Sir Ector where he's an apprentice squire Sir Kay. By being changed by Merlin into various animals, Wart learns the basic truths of life, but he also runs into the evil Madam Mim, who tries to destroy him. Merlin and Mim have a Wizards' Duel, during which each changes into various creatures, with Merlin using his wits to win. Finally a great tournament is held in London to pick a new king. Wart, attending as Kay's squire, forgets Kay's sword, and runs back to the inn to get it, but the inn is locked. Wart, seeing the sword in the stone, innocently, and easily, pulls it out. When the knights marvel at the wondrous sword and question where he got it, Wart has to prove himself all over again, and again he pulls the sword from the stone. Wart is proclaimed king by the marvelling warriors. Wart as King Arthur is apprehensive of his ability to govern, but Merlin returns to reassure him.

The Sword in the Stone isn't very plot oriented and the film takes its time, and sometimes rambles. The film just doesn't have a good plot and is more a film about a boy learning about the world. One thing I did like about this film is that it is for boys more than girls. Disney have made a lot of princess films and not enough king/knight/prince films. Overall this film is ok but nothing to spectacular.