Rating: 
Summary: A Viking Flick From Valhalla
Review: A real comic book of a movie with a bizarre cast, nonsensical script, shaky special effects, repetitive music yet a striking visual style with occasionally impressive direction. The Long Ships is one of those films that is so awful that it becomes enjoyable - a real Saturday afternoon popcorn flick that would make a great double bill with that other misguided epic - Taras Bulba.I'm always amazed that Hollywood has not made more films about the Vikings, especially after the success of Kirk Douglas's film in the late fifties. The Long Ships seems a poor relation in comparison - I'm sure the ships were the ones left over from The Vikings. The director of The Long Ships - Jack Cardiff - was director of photography on The Vikings. But there the similarity between the two films ends. The heroes of this soggy saga are two all-American Norsemen - Richard Widmark and (!) Russ Tamblyn (the only ones without beards) - who lead a motley crew of English, Irish and Scottish Vikings whose thane is a Hungarian (the always watchable Oscar Homolka). The bad guys, by an incredible plot device, are the Moors of North Africa led by an unsmiling and uncomfortable Sidney Poitier. At least the rest of the cast know that the film is tongue in cheek (just listen to the dialogue) but Poitier is so gravely serious that you suspect he is auditioning for Othello. The wonderful British character actor Lionel Jeffries is blacked up as a comic mute eunuch in what must surely be the strangest piece of casting of the century. The female members of the cast were obviously selected for their physical charms rather than any acting ability - and what a great pity it is that Rosanna Schiaffino ever changed out of her initial costume. The plot revolves around the search for a huge bell made of solid gold - "as tall as three tall men". There is plenty of action along the way. A battle on a beach is particularly well staged - the sight of the Moorish army in the distance is reminiscent of Omar Sharif's entrance in Lawrence of Arabia. But there are also too many shots of model ships in a very obvious studio tank. Much of the film was shot in Yugoslavia with Croatia's famous Lim Fjord standing in for Scandinavia. The contrast between the grainly Nordic scenes and the brightly lit Moorish ones is a nice touch and, hopefully, intentional. Much of the film is a cheerful mixture of disparate elements, recklessly blending action, gore and comedy. The one thing everybody remembers about it is the Mare of Steel whose effects are discreetly and, some would say, disappointingly edited. In the end, it is hard to dislike The Long Ships even if it is a bargain basement variation on a better Viking film. But at least it has more humour than Kirk Douglas's movie. Richard Widmark gets the best line in the film after the mighty golden bell goes crashing down a cliff to the sea. But you still wonder what the casting people were thinking about.
Rating: 
Summary: The best Viking movie I have seen!
Review: A yarn of long ships and tall men. The long ship: one especially constructed as King Harald's funeral ship. The hero: Richard Widmark, a ne'er-do-well as crafty as Odysseus. His father: Krok, a tremendous beer-swilling thane, builder of the long ship. King Harald dupes Krok, paying him a mere two gold pieces for his two years of effort. So Rolf (RW) and his brother Orm consider it fair to steal the long ship to search for a legendary golden bell, "as tall as three tall men" to recoup their fortunes. To guard against reprisals against their family while they are absent, Rolf and Orm also kidnap the king's lovely daughter. Thereby is the stage set for the search for the bell, the pursuit by the king, and the exciting clash with the Moors, led by Sidney Poitier. If you like action and adventure, you must see this movie!
Rating:
Summary: the long ships
Review: Finally, a digital ride on the Mare of Steel.Widmark, and Poitier play it to the max in one of the best Viking films of all time.A must see for action/adventure lovers.
Rating:
Summary: Where is that golden bell?!
Review: Finding a good viking film is never an easy task. One must wade through a lot of bad movies before discovering that rare gem. The 1964 lusty epic "The Long Ships" is not a gem. In fact, it is so laughably bad as to be amusing - but that's a good thing.
Certainly not as horrid as "The Norsemen," but far inferior to "The Vikings" and "The 13th Warrior," this film tells the tale of a band of vikings in search of a huge golden bell. Led by Richard Widmark and Russ Tamblyn (that's right, Russ Tamblyn), these colorful warriors steal a ship, oar through a maelstrom and battle Moors, all the while trying to find that darn golden bell. Sidney Poitier, starring in probably the worst film of his career, is the leader of the Moors. He's got a sexually frustrated wife back home who's irritated with his obsession with finding this golden bell. Everyone's looking for the golden bell. I suppose when found, it can be melted down and provide untold riches for all involved. Which is really kind of a shame, because when it rings, it makes such beautiful music. Anyway, Poitier and the Vikings reluctantly join forces to find the golden bell - which is about 20 feet tall. Such a golden bell must be awfully heavy, but it's carted around on a Gilligan's Island-like raft and pulled by a few horses once they reach land. At one point the bell falls down a cliff, killing a lot of vikings, and then oddly floating on the ocean. Thank goodness it didn't sink because I don't think viking scuba gear had been invented yet. Oh well, I first saw this film as a child and thought it was the greatest darn film in history. It plays like a comic book, with Richard Widmark delivering Indiana Jones wisecracks throughout. It's a lot of fun if in the right mood and the battle sequences are exciting. The sets are also appropriately elaborate. The film clocks in at over two hours and it drags because of it. But to edit "The Long Ships" down would mean to delete the scene where the vikings stumble upon a female harem. Rather than escape with their lives, they decide to sample the wares, which of course leads to chaos. I was half expecting John Cleese to make an appearance any second.
Rating: 
Summary: Viking--Where is the Bell ? !
Review: I had not seen "The Long Ships" since it was released theatrically 40 years ago--yet it left a lasting impression. Of course, I am delighted that Columbia has issued this beautiful DVD--wide-screen, gorgeous colour--it is a treat to look at ! I think some of the negative reviews must come from people who took this movie far too seriously. What we have here is good, old-fashioned "hokum"--the actors knew it--the director knew it--so lighten up, and enjoy this rousing, exciting adventure. I'm sure that Widmark and Poitier realised that they were not going to win Oscars for this movie--but sometimes even the best actors like to do things that are fun ! I suspect that Widmark was in his 40s, yet like that other famous "viking"--Kirk Douglas--he obviously stayed in shape, and acquits himself well in the action scenes. Mr. Poitier must have had a ball, wearing an outlandish wig, and flowing "Moorish" robes. Movie buffs will see many familiar faces in this one, although--in a number of cases--they may not be so apparent at first. Terrific character actor, Lionel Jeffries, with heavy make-up and a top-knot, is the eunuch guarding the harem ( not too well ! )--his purpose is clearly comic relief. Stalwart British actors, David Lodge and Edward Judd, are "on board" as thick-bearded vikings. Another viking is played by that quintessential Scotsman, Gordon Jackson--I suppose some Scots might have travelled to Norway ? Clifford Evans ( on leave from Hammer Films ? ) is dignified as the viking king. Russ Tamblyn, always an acrobatic, athletic force, has his moments as the younger viking brother. Rossana Shiaffino and Beba Loncar are beautiful women--but that's all. Finally, the award for unbelievable over-acting goes to Oscar Homolka, as Widmark's ( and Tamblyn's ) father--his "drunken" scene at the mandatory "viking orgy" is quite surreal ! There are a number of memorable scenes, and I agree with other reviewers about the "Mare of Steel"--in 40 years, I never forgot it. You will not forget the poor "guinea pig" selected for a demonstration of this lethal device. Will Mr. Widmark be next ? Start chewing those finger nails ! One small criticism--as I mentioned, Columbia has done a beautiful job of presenting this film in all of it's colourful glory. However, someone in the "proof-reading" department really blew it. On the cover of the DVD case, the two stars' names are at the top--Mr. Poitier's name is spelled incorrectly. He is only one of the biggest stars in the history of film--so this glitch is unfortunate. Anyway--for history scholars and lovers of authenticity--stay away. For the rest of us who like pure entertainment, "The Long Ships" is an exciting voyage !
Rating:
Summary: This movie is my favorite!
Review: I love this movie! It's so funny and has lots of action in it! I especially like Russ Tamblyn and Richard Widmark.
Rating:
Summary: Swashbuckler in the old hollywood tradition!
Review: I saw this one at the old MAYFAIR theatre in Ottawa in 64,and have never forgotten it! I own it on VHS, but it would be a great full-screen epic to watch on DVD if it becomes available! Sidney Poitier is excellent as the Saracin lord who is obsessed with the legend of the Golden Bell! Richard widmark has always been one of my favourite actors, and this picture is non-stop thrills,from his daring escape at the beginning of the picture to his;and his viking cohorts brush with " the mare of death " (Sids' unique way of dispatching his enemies), near the end. A winner on all counts! - R.L.
Rating:
Summary: Great Matinee Entertainment
Review: I think that this DVD (super transfer)proves a point that there is still a market for this form of entertaiment and without a doubt is far superior to most of the trash we get nowadays in the cinema. Its not that often one can say that this is a Family Movie and a very good one at that. I cant wait for more titles like this
Rating:
Summary: Terrific action/humorous film!
Review: I've seen the movie 3 or 4 times, and still have fun watching it. It is action packed & is a fast paced movie. Shows Richard Widmark & Sidney Poitier in their prime.
Rating:
Summary: A 1964 Viking Epic Film
Review: It is two or three stars - no more. This is simply an average to bad Viking film. Unless you love Viking films, do not waste your time. Sidney Poitier stars in this film, but it is probably the worst film of his career. The acting in this film is not realistic and seems kind of hokey. The story is about searching for and finding a huge golden bell.
| 
