Review of The Vikings (1958) by A A — 28 Aug 2013

The Vikings directed by Richard Fleischer and produced by Jerry Bresler - art director Harper Goff - cinematography by Jack Cardiff. Film stars Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh (Psycho) and Ernest Borgnine. Adapted from the novel The Viking by Edison Marshall - the screenplay was written by Calder Willingham and Dale Wasserman.

Film was consulted with historians from the University of Oslo, and some blueprints of Viking Ships from Viking Museum served as the basis for ships seen in the movie. Film sheds its light on the rowdy lifestyle of Vikings, the drinking, messy and ugly eating behavior and axe-fights.

Set in 8th or 9th century somewhere near the England (GB - Great Britain) - the film is narrated by Orson Welles, the story follows Viking king Ragnar (Ernest Borgine) and his son Einar (Kirk Douglas) as they attempt to kidnap Princess Morgana (Janet Leigh). But Einar falls for her, and then so does Viking slave Eric (Tony Curtis), who also turns out to be the illegitimate son of Ragnar from queen whom he impregnated long ago in a raid in which he killed the king.

The Vikings is near perfect on giving us best understanding on the lifestyle and engagement of theirs - someone less familiar with these infamous people must check out The Vikings. Movie bears strong performance from Ernest Borgnine and Kirk Douglas. Starts to send chills with its outstanding locations selected in Norway for filming in the beginning - dialogues are superb to be entertained and raise our excitement. Fort de la Latte castle a famous tourist attraction in France, was depicted as residential castle of the king of England.