Rating: 
Summary: Great action/adventure with Douglas and Curtis
Review: The Vikings is a great historical epic that is just a lot of fun to watch. Viking chief, Ragnar, leads a raid on the British coast and rapes an English woman who births a child, Eric. However, upon his birth Eric is sent away and captured by Vikings where he is brought up as a slave. Flash to 30 years later, with Eric all grown up. After a brief battle with his unknowing half-brother, Einar, the hatred between the two begins to grow. Along the way, the Vikings kidnap the princess of Wales, Morgana, whom both of the men fall in love with. Eric and Einar must fight it out not only for the love of the beautiful Morgana, but must also worry about their attack on the English king, Aella, to avenge the death of Ragnar, the father of both warriors. This movie has a plot that drifts along, but the whole thing is fun to watch. The cast does great, the action scenes are spectacular, especially the Viking attack on the english castle), and the cinematography is beautiful. As well, the Vikings theme by Mario Nascimbene is perfect for the movie with its horns and trumpets. This is a great movie full of action and adventure that should not be missed. Kirk Douglas gives an excellent performance as the ultimate Viking warrior, Einar. With his blond hair and scarred face complete with milky left eye, Douglas looks and acts like a Viking would have. Tony Curtis is also very good as Viking slave, Eric, who unbeknownst to him is Einar's half-brother. The beautiful Janet Leigh plays Morgana, the woman who is loved by two men who despise each other. Ernest Borgnine is great as Viking chief, Ragnar, the loud, boisterous father of Eric and Einar. While watching the movie, it looks like the cast had a lot of fun making the film. The Vikings also stars James Donald as Egbert, Alexander Know as Father Godwin, Frank Thring as Aella, Eileen Way as Kitala, and Edric Connor as Sandpiper. The DVD offers the widescreen presentation, making of featurette/photo gallery with director Richard Fleischer, and a theatrical trailer. Filmed mostly in the fjiords of Norway, the movie looks great, especially in the letterbox format. For a great action adventure with Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, don't miss The Vikings!
Rating: 
Summary: Kirk in his first "Norwegian" film....
Review: In 1928 MGM released the film "THE VIKING" starring Donald Crisp, a Technicolor silent... Though it told the saga of Leif Erickson, it was a giant flop... In 1999, "The 13th Warrior" also proved not so great at the box-office.
But the 1958 "THE VIKINGS" became a champion at the box-office. Beautifully shot in Norway and with the guidance of Norwegian Viking historians, the ships, set design and costumes were admirably executed.
However! What is a great effort from the cast and crew in the first half, turns into a dissapointing routine finale and it looks cheap and made for cable-TV... The fighting scenes at the Aella castle is alarmingly amateurish... Whether it is the fault of the extras or how it was shot, I can`t decide...
It`s a pity, because the star power is great and so real(compared to MGM`s glossy IVANHOE from 1952.... Sadly... in MY MIND.. the last 30 minutes is a letdown and mind u: It could easily have been a trifle longer... the final scenes are much to hurried...
The liner notes says that is also contains a featurette with director Richard Fleischer, but it`s NOT included on MY DVD....
Rating:
Summary: Into the Wolf Pit With That Punk!
Review: Well, you know, it takes all kinds and I've learned to expect anything on the internet. That said, how could anyone say Kirk Douglas is a "bad actor"? I think the guy that wrote that review has his little lord fauntleroy collar a little too tight and it's cut off the blood to his brain. Just because Kirk Douglas is twice as good looking as you and me doesn't mean we should salve our egos by pretending he's not a great actor. Geez. Talk about pathetic. (Let's also not drink our tea with our pinkies lifted, please). Into the wolf pit with that punk!
This movie is FUN FUN FUN! Of course the plot is wacky (I mean, since when is that a problem for movies that are designed as fun: e.g. Indiana jones and star wars). Just to see Ernest Borgnine play the viking Ragnar is worth the price of admission. One of the indelible scenes of my youth is Ragnar stirring up that pit of wolves then jumping in with sword held high.
It also has a little subtlety, for example: the motherly handmaiden of the princess gently preparing her for the inevitability of being raped by the viking Inar by saying, "well, if it weren't for the scars on his face he would be rather good looking, wouldn't he?" It was a nice and believable touch.
I think the thing I liked most, though, was the relationship between the viking king and his son. I've never known a real guy (little lord fauntleroy below excepted) who didn't want a father like that.
If any of your ancestors worshipped either Odin or Wodan (that is if you have any blonde hair in your family at all) you probably need to see this. It will heat up your Germanic blood, and how. It's a classic movie for guys who like movies.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting Viking Saga With Great Performances And Atmosphere
Review: I can always remember this film from my childhood when it was repeated on a regular basis on our Saturday night television. Back then this film was really the ultimate in exciting action adventure for a young boy like myself. I'm very thankful to this film in that it was responsible for beginning my lifelong interest in all aspects of Viking history and Mythology in general. Now having enjoyed watching it as an adult I must say that despite its numerous detractors "The Vikings", produced by Kirk Douglas makes a first class movie and does go to great lengths to incorporate as much as is possible of Viking customs and religion into it's fictional story. The end result is a terrifically entertaining film full of everything a historical epic lover like myself could ask for, beautiful on location photography, dastardly villians, beautiful maidens in distress, excellent swordplay and of course the amazingly accurate long ships created to full size (no computer generated fleets of ships here!), combined with a fairly authentic depiction of Viking life and warfare. Much discussion around this film is always directed at the casting choices and the very "Hollywood", feel to many of the characters. After a recent viewing I have to say that I feel the choices made are good ones and each of the leads in their own way create great interest in this story to make it a most entertaining two hours.
The story of "The Vikings", based on the novel "The Viking", by Edison Marshall begins with a Viking raid on the British Coastline. Led by King Ragnar, (Ernest Borgnine), a matter of much importance to later times happens when during the raid Ragnar rapes the English Queen Enid (Maxine Audley). Queen Enid's husband is killed by the Vikings and she discovers that she is pregnant by the Viking leader. The English throne passes to her evil cousin Aella (Frank Thring), and to safeguard her child named Eric (Tony Curtis), Queen Enid sends him to be raised by monks in Italy bestowing on him a sacred talisman necklace pendant that will identify his proper birth rite. Time passes and Queen Enid dies and the Viking raids increase in their ferocity. It appears that the Vikings have been getting help from one of the English noblemen Egbert (James Donald), and the vengeful Aella banishes him from the kingdom. Meanwhile Eric has grown up and along the way has also been captured by the Vikings and made a slave. Eric earns the undying hatred of Ragnar's legitimate son Einar (Kirk Douglas), who has no idea that in fact Eric is his half brother and when the rivalry between the two results in an accident where a hunting Eagle tears out one of Einar's eyes the rivalry grows into a murderous hatred for the still defiant slave. Rescued from a watery death in the sluge holes Eric becomes the property of Egbert who guesses his true identity because of the pendant he wears. During their raids along the English Coast the Vikings learn that a Welsh Princess Morgana (Janet Leigh), is on her way to be wed to King Aella and Ragnar sees that keeping her hostage would ensure a rich bounty of gold in exchange for her safety. Einar volunteers to lead the raid on Morgana's ships however once he captures her he finds himself falling in love with the feisty young princess who rejects him at every turn. Brought back to the Viking's main settlement Morgana is kept captive on one of the moored boats. Eric also has a deep attraction for Morgana despite their different "ranks", in society and engineers her escape after a hard won fight with Einar. Seeking revenge Einar quickly puts the Viking ships to sea in pursuit of Eric and Morgana however in the fog their ships hit rocks and sink. Ragnar is brought on board Eric's boat and taken as a captive to England where Morgana very reluctantly agrees to marry Aella. Ragnar dies a horrible death in King Aella's wolf pit and Eric has one of his hands cut off by the cruel Aella in return for allowing Ragnar to die like a proper Viking with a sword in his hand. Bent on revenge Eric returns to the Vikings and informs them of their Kings death and putting aside their hatred for each other Einar and Eric set out to avenge their father's death and recapture Morgana. After a seige on his Castle Aella finds himself face to face with England's rightful king and after trying to escape ends up being torn to pieces by the wolves in his own Castle pit. The love that both men feel for Morgana finally boils over into a deadly duel to the death atop the Castle battlements where Einar is killed and Eric finally is able to claim his birth rite as the real King of England and take Morgana's hand in marriage.
First class action adventure of the old school of movie making is how I would best describe "The Vikings". The story of the Viking raids was a natural for Hollywood to use for one of their numerous late 1950's epic productions. Kirk Douglas is the life and soul of this production in my belief and has here one of his best pre "Spartacus", roles as the arrogant Viking warrior Einar, around whom most of the action revolves. The supporting cast often much criticised, is first rate in my belief and special credit must go to performers such as Ernest Borgnine in a terrific performances as King Ragnar, James Donald as Egbert and in a vivid smaller part Australian actor Frank Thring as the evil King Aella. Much criticism is made of the choices of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh for their respective roles however I feel both do very well by their parts and Janet Leigh's Morgana in particular is a spunky young woman who despite being constrained by the expectations of the time still manages interesting moments of independance uncommon in many epic heroines of this time. Tony Curtis is I believe first rate as Eric and delivers a well thought out performance as the young Prince robbed of his legacy and sold into a life of slavery. His scenes opposite Kirk Douglas in particular have a real fire about them and the two combined equally as well two years later in the classic "Spartacus". "The Vikings", does show its attention to some historical facts in the frequent mention of the Viking Gods and of Valhalla, that holy place that every Viking aspired to enter in the next life. These actual historical details are one of this fictional stories real strong points and the highly effective use of opening credits narrated by Orson Welles and designed to resemble the illustrations of the highly famous medieval Bayeux Tapestry also gives the film its correct period feel. The absolutely stunning on location photography done in Brittany and Norway is also a real standout and really gives "The Vikings", a memorable and most authentic look and feel to its overall production.
The image of the raiding, heavy drinking, loutish Viking barbarian is certainly played up in "The Vikings", but much else is on display here so that viewers can at least learn a bit about Viking history and beliefs. I never cease to admire the overall attention to detail in all respects present in this production and its stunning colour and cinematography is second to none for this period. Action, history and romance buffs alike are sure to get satisfying elements out of this film. As a piece of elaborate Hollywood movie maiking from the golden age of the screen epic "The Vikings", starring Kirk Douglas and Tony Cutis makes highly enjoyable viewing.
Rating:
Summary: Viking Pride!
Review: What Fidler on the Roof is to Jews, this film is to Scandanavians. My Swedish/American husband introduced me to it on our first date. I'm part Swedish, too, and we had a wonderful first date that developed into marriage. All happy couples remember their first date. We've seen this film many times since and still love it. And we're very proud of our roots.
Rating:
Summary: Great action/adventure with Douglas and Curtis
Review: The Vikings is a great historical epic that is just a lot of fun to watch. Viking chief, Ragnar, leads a raid on the British coast and rapes an English woman who births a child, Eric. However, upon his birth Eric is sent away and captured by Vikings where he is brought up as a slave. Flash to 30 years later, with Eric all grown up. After a brief battle with his unknowing half-brother, Einar, the hatred between the two begins to grow. Along the way, the Vikings kidnap the princess of Wales, Morgana, whom both of the men fall in love with. Eric and Einar must fight it out not only for the love of the beautiful Morgana, but must also worry about their attack on the English king, Aella, to avenge the death of Ragnar, the father of both warriors. This movie has a plot that drifts along, but the whole thing is fun to watch. The cast does great, the action scenes are spectacular, especially the Viking attack on the english castle), and the cinematography is beautiful. As well, the Vikings theme by Mario Nascimbene is perfect for the movie with its horns and trumpets. This is a great movie full of action and adventure that should not be missed. Kirk Douglas gives an excellent performance as the ultimate Viking warrior, Einar. With his blond hair and scarred face complete with milky left eye, Douglas looks and acts like a Viking would have. Tony Curtis is also very good as Viking slave, Eric, who unbeknownst to him is Einar's half-brother. The beautiful Janet Leigh plays Morgana, the woman who is loved by two men who despise each other. Ernest Borgnine is great as Viking chief, Ragnar, the loud, boisterous father of Eric and Einar. While watching the movie, it looks like the cast had a lot of fun making the film. The Vikings also stars James Donald as Egbert, Alexander Know as Father Godwin, Frank Thring as Aella, Eileen Way as Kitala, and Edric Connor as Sandpiper. The DVD offers the widescreen presentation, making of featurette/photo gallery with director Richard Fleischer, and a theatrical trailer. Filmed mostly in the fjiords of Norway, the movie looks great, especially in the letterbox format. For a great action adventure with Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, don't miss The Vikings!
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT EPIC
Review: Kirk Douglas gives one of his greatest performances, this is the kind of movies I like, it has a lot of action, romance, wonderful scenes. But I really hated Curtis, Kirk Douglas was better and he should kill him and get together with Leigh.
I think the movie has weaknesses.
Rating:
Summary: Blimey! It's the Vikings!
Review: I remember as a small child watching this magnificent epic adventure on the big screen at Rockefeller Center in New York, in 1958. The music in this film is truly magnificent and effectively reinforces the audience's emotional reactions to dramatic scenes. Three musical high points are particularly potent. First, when a Viking utilizes a mammoth tusk as a horn to welcome returning warriors; next: when a Valkarie's voice heralds the coming of the North Wind to save an important character; and finally, when an unseen choir sings the triumphant welcome of another important character into heavenly Valhalla.
Rating:
Summary: "Erik, he's your brother!!"
Review: While not a cinematic masterpiece, "The Vikings" does the job. My only problem is, in typical 50's fashion, it woefully over-simplifies things ("Vikings are simple, happy people who churn beer and flirt with their serving wenches!") but whatever... it's still fun. Surprisingly, I first saw this movie when I was about twelve and it's actually a pretty good educational tool -- I learned a little bit about Norse gods (how can you not when they mention "Odin" every five minutes), what "Valhalla" is, and even a bit about the Vikings and their raiding techniques.
The plot: Early in the movie, we see the Vikings pillage an English town (as the Vikings often did, along the English coast). Their chief, Ragnar, rapes the English queen and impregnates her. Since the baby (a boy) is illegitimate, the queen hands him over to a monk who will raise the child. Years later, we catch up with the son (Tony Curtis) who is now a full-grown man. He was indeed raised by monks but was recently captured while at sea and sold into slavery. Now, he is a slave of the Vikings. Erik is noble and proud. Einar (Kirk Douglas) is the spoiled, arrogant (yet somewhat likeable) son of the Viking chieftain, Ragnar. Erik and Einar are similar in age and their personalities clash.
This group of Vikings soon kidnaps a Welsh princess (Vivian Leigh) in order to ransom her. However, Einar, having his pick of Viking wenches, is intrigued by princess Morgana's rejection of his advances, not to mention her stunning beauty. Simultaneously, Eric also falls for her, and she for him, despite their "class" differences.
HOWEVER, this wouldn't be a fun 50's time-piece without a dramatic twist! Remember that Eric is no mere slave, he is a prince and, even better, does not know it! (The necklace he wears, given to him by his mother, proves it.) The story picks up from here and I won't ruin the ending but it culminates in the classic line uttered by an anguished Morgana: "Eric, he's your brother!!" Enjoy!
P.S. The acting is A standard...
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