Epic film of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz ("El Cid" to his followers), who, without compromising his strict sense of honour, still succeeds in taking the initiative and driving the Moors from Spain.
Production
11th-century Spain built in Rome. Hollywood: never subtle, always committed.
Cinematography
Every frame a fresco. Mann shot battles like Renaissance paintings in motion.
Costume
Sophia Loren's wardrobe alone: bigger budget than most modern films.
Director
Anthony Mann
Charlton Heston
El Cid Rodrigo de Vivar
Sophia Loren
Jimena
Raf Vallone
Count Ordóñez
Geneviève Page
Princess Urraca
John Fraser
Prince Alfonso
Gary Raymond
Prince Sancho
Hurd Hatfield
Arias
Massimo Serato
Fanez
Frank Thring
Al Kadir
Michael Hordern
Don Diego
Andrew Cruickshank
Count Gormaz
Douglas Wilmer
Moutamin
Tullio Carminati
Priest
Ralph Truman
King Ferdinand
Christopher Rhodes
Don Martín
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren reportedly despised each other. Their smoldering tension? Pure professionalism and maybe spite.
Franco's Spain funded locations for propaganda purposes. The film's 'unified Spain' narrative served multiple masters.
US
IT
