Movie First Knight_ of Julia Ormond & Richard Gere

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FIRST KNIGHT
132 Min.
1995

Love Story, Drama
Jerry Zucker
Stephen Scott, Giles Masters
Hunt Lowry, Jerry Zucker
William Nicholson
Dinny Powell, George Gibbs
Lorne Cameron, William Nicholson

**MAIN CAST**
SEAN CONNERY As King Arthur
RICHARD GERE As Lancelot
JULIA ORMOND As Guinevere

**STORY**
This reenactment of the tale of King Arthur differs from other film versions in that all the romanticized mythology and magic have been stripped away to examine the more realistic conflicts the characters may have experienced as they tried to balance their passions with their political obligations. The story begins as Guinevere, Lady of Leonesse, sees her once-peaceful lands overtaken by the tyrannical renegade ex-knight from the Round Table, Malagant. She decides to marry King Arthur because it would forge a valuable political alliance. Unfortunately, en route to the wedding, she is abducted by Malagant and saved by the vagabond knight Lancelot. He finds himself drawn to Guinevere and kisses her, but she refuses to go further, so they head for Camelot. Just before the wedding, Malagant again abducts Guinevere and takes her to a dark dungeon, where Lancelot defies the odds and saves her. Once again, the knight's attempts at seduction are rebuffed. Then Arthur makes Lancelot a member of his table. Soon after the wedding, the royal couple learn that Malagant has taken his revenge by destroying Leonesse. A battle ensues and the villain is defeated. The following day, Lancelot comes to Guinevere before leaving Camelot. They kiss and Arthur sees them. He is crushed and orders them both sentenced for treason. In the middle of their public trial, Malagant makes a final attempt to overtake Camelot; medieval mayhem ensues. -- Sandra Brennan, All-Movie Guide