Captain from Castile

The Spanish inquisition and the invasion of Cortez into Mexico - Henry King style! A film firmly split in two halves, Captain From Castile may at times over stretch its aims on the, but the sweepingly gorgeous texture is quite something to behold. Tyrone Power takes up the lead role of Pedro De Vargas and firmly cements his star status with a wonderful performance, handsome and brave, he carries the film easily on its joyous course from Spain to Mexico, whilst stoic male support comes from Cesar Romero (Cortez and never better), Lee J. Cobb (Juan Garcia) and John Sutton (Diego De Silva). Head female duty falls to a vibrantly young Jean Peters (in her film debut) as Catana Perez, pretty and beguiling, her gorgeous green eyes shining bright in this Technicolor spectacle, she is the perfect foil to Power's dash and swagger. Production costs are thought to have been over $4 million, yet even though the film sadly lost money, the money spent is still evident at every turn and it proved to be very popular with critics and film lovers alike. Director Henry King wonderfully utilises the panoramic vistas of the Mexican locale and the costumes come right out of the top draw, but one of the most striking things in this magnificent production is the score from Alfred Newman. Stirring and emotionally hard, it has to rank as one of the best scores to have ever been composed. I strongly recommend the isolated score option on the excellent Region 1 DVD. It's a far from perfect film for sure (the no battle pay-off at the finale is a great disappointment), but the harking back to old historical days of yore can induce a tingle on the spine, and in that respect the piece delivers handsomely. Just like its leading man ironically enough. 8/10

source: Captain from Castile

Trailer—Captain from Castile

Captain from Castile

The period is the early 16th century and the place is Spain. So why is everyone speaking with an American accent? Talk about credibility problems!! Looking forward to a nice old-fashioned swashbuckling action film, a la Captain Blood or The Sea Hawk, I wound up disappointed as this film almost put me to sleep in the first half hour alone. I have no complaints with the Technicolor, which always looked super in the 1940s films, nor the costuming in here. Jean Peters looked great, too, but I can't say the same for the story which, to me, was just uninvolving and flat. Tyrone Power as Spaniard "Pedro de Vargas?" No, that didn't work, either. He's about as Spanish as I am, and he was too old to play the role which called for a very young adult male.

I could not put it into better words. This movie has it all love,action,betrayal,adventure,misery,loyalty,jealousy,honor and Tyrone Power. I first saw this film on AMC a year ago and i love it from beginning to end. Tyrone Power gives an incredible performance as a spanish nobleman who is on the run. If anyone else likes Tyrone Power in this film be sure to check out "the eddy duchin story" and "the razor's edge" he acts better in these films . This man could act his ass off, too bad he does not get that much recognition as other classic hollywood stars. He is definitely one of my top ten favorite actors of all time.

The conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortez in the early 16th Century is the backdrop of a story of love,courage and adventure in this entertaining swashbuckler. The movie was Jean Peters's first and she's a beguiling creature in this ,although her acting leaves a lot to be desired at this point in her career.Cesar Romero as Cortez paints an entertaining portrayal of this ruthless opportunist. The stunning color-cinematography is something to behold. Captured on the screen is an erupting volcano in the background of some of the action. Tyrone Power does his usual competent job in this kind of adventure story.The movie is very entertaining but it does drag a bit in its 2 and a half hour running-time.

Tyrone Power is a nobleman forced to flee his home during the Spanish Inquisition. A series of adventures follow featuring a beautiful peasant girl (Jean Peters) who escapes with him. Both of them are hunted by an evil officer (John Sutton) and later all are involved in following Cortez on his expedition to Mexico. Swordplay, battle scenes, triumphal marches and a bittersweet love story combine to make this the kind of adventure-romance Tyrone Power inevitably found himself in at Fox. The color photography is gorgeous and the music, by Alfred Newman, is outstanding, ranging from tender love themes to dances and the march for Cortez. It's lavish entertainment on a grand scale--with just a few slow stretches--but all in all guaranteed to give you satisfying entertainment. Parents beware: the Inquisition scenes are realistic and there are scenes of brutality not advisable for the very young.