Though released at about the same time, "The Long Ships" was not intended as an epic spectacular film in the line of "The Vikings" (1958), "Ben Hur" (1959), "Spartacus" (1960) or some other of the 50's and early 60's classics. This movie has to be assumed just as what it was planned to be: a colorful period costume extravaganza in the times of the Vikings with lots of action and adventure; as such it stands as a most enjoyable product all the way.
A very impressive color photography in beautiful open-wide outdoor locations, perfect settings and an interesting cast help too. Richard Widmark is the Viking chief that leads his men in the search of the "Mother of Voices" a legendary huge bell made of gold; Sidney Poiter plays a sort of villainous Muslim leader who also wants the bell and fights the Vikings for it. Oscar Homolka, Russ Tamblyn and Lionel Jeffries (in an unusual character) are there too. Beautiful Italian actress Rosanna Schiaffino adds the feminine touch as Poitier's favorite wife.
If you don't think much in realistic terms and just let yourself go with action and adventure you'll surely have a good time with this film.
Just for the record: in Argentina "The Long Ships" was renamed as "Los Invasores Vikingos" ("The Viking Invaders").
A very impressive color photography in beautiful open-wide outdoor locations, perfect settings and an interesting cast help too. Richard Widmark is the Viking chief that leads his men in the search of the "Mother of Voices" a legendary huge bell made of gold; Sidney Poiter plays a sort of villainous Muslim leader who also wants the bell and fights the Vikings for it. Oscar Homolka, Russ Tamblyn and Lionel Jeffries (in an unusual character) are there too. Beautiful Italian actress Rosanna Schiaffino adds the feminine touch as Poitier's favorite wife.
If you don't think much in realistic terms and just let yourself go with action and adventure you'll surely have a good time with this film.
Just for the record: in Argentina "The Long Ships" was renamed as "Los Invasores Vikingos" ("The Viking Invaders").