The War Lord (1965)

The War Lord starring Charlton Heston (not to be confused with The Lord of War starring Nicolas Cage) lends a whiff of familiarity to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, King Arthur, and Kingdom of Heaven. Though relegated to a swampy domain, Heston is the Duke of Ghent's landed steward -- yet one who reflects beyond the easy answers and tends to forgo the brutish path to prestige and power (that is, taking what he wants from his subjects). Nevertheless he allows his grasping second-in-command and the obsequious priest to rationalize his desire for a comely virgin, which ultimately weakens his command. Though betrayed by others, he is loyal to the end, even at the risk of his life. Here is Heston in another noble role, choosing his words carefully as well as chewing them while proving to be a hero with one tragic flaw -- or two, if you count his betrayer. This movie is available only on videocassette; I acquired a copy through the public library system. 3.5 stars.