The War Lord (1965)
7/10
Historic drama set in the early Middle Ages and recreating the conflict between what passed for chivalry pitted against a barbaric world
4 December 1998
Charlton Heston portrays a Norman knight who has been given charge of a Druid peasant village located on the seacoast of England. As "The War Lord", or warden, he can pretty much rule the area as he sees fit, just as long as his lord, the Duke, is satisfied.

Eventually, Heston invokes a certain law of "first night", meaning that he had the right to possess a bride on her wedding night prior to her being with her lawful husband. He begins to attempt to steal a bride, played by Rosemary Forsyth, and breaks his word of letting her return to the village after the night ends. This sets up a conflict between the villagers and a group of sea warriors to rid the village of Heston and the Duke's small group of defenders. Finally, Heston has to fight to preserve his love for Bronwyn,(Forsyth) and also keep his vow to the Duke.

A good drama, but can be of high interest to those who enjoy films depicting life in the Middle Ages.
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