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Adventure Cult Classic

A headstrong young knight quests to save a princess from a vengeful wizard and his hungry dragon.

THE MAGIC SWORD

The Most Incredible Weapon Ever Wielded!

1962 · 1h 20m · NR · Adventure / Drama / Fantasy · IMDB TMDB

The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, goes on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard.

Quick Answer

What is The Magic Sword about?

The Magic Sword is a 1962 American action-adventure fantasy film directed by Bert I. Gordon about a young man who, armed with magical weapons and accompanied by enchanted knights, sets out to rescue a princess from a sinister wizard and his dragon.

Programmer's Pick

Bert I. Gordon serves up a technicolor fairytale where the dragons are big, the spells are hit-or-miss, and the ogres are unionized. The Magic Sword delivers old-school fantasy charm, Basil Rathbone villainy, and a hero who can't wait for his 21st—because there's a princess on the line.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Sir George, raised by his foster mother Sybil—a well-meaning yet hapless sorceress—dreams of winning the heart of Princess Helene. When Helene is abducted by the malevolent wizard Lodac, who announces his intent to feed her to his pet dragon in one week's time, George is determined to rescue her. Despite Sybil's attempts to delay him until he is older and more prepared, George seizes magical artifacts—a sword, armor, a steed, and control over six enchanted knights—to forge ahead on his quest. The film sets up a classic 'good versus evil' fantasy journey punctuated by magical dangers, betrayal, and a dash of chivalrous romance, all delivered with the lush trappings of early '60s sword-and-sorcery adventuring.

Details & Specs

Director
Bert I. Gordon
Writers
Bert I. Gordon, Bernard C. Schoenfeld
Release
1962
Runtime
1h 20m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Also Known As
The Magic Sword, Ascalon, das Zauberschwert, A Espada Mágica

Why This Matters

This 1962 adventure fantasy, directed by Bert I. Gordon and starring Basil Rathbone, is a loose adaptation of the medieval legend of Saint George and the Dragon, reflecting mid-century American interpretations of classic folklore.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Bert I. Gordon Writers: Bert I. Gordon +1 more

Why Cult

Enchanted Knight Squad

Sir George commands a party of six magically frozen knights revived for his quest—each from a different nation, adding an international flavor to the proceedings.

Basil Rathbone Wizardry

Basil Rathbone chews the scenery as Lodac, the vengeful wizard set on dragon-based revenge, elevating the menace with some classic villain flair.

Magic Arsenal

Swords, shields, armor, and horses—all enchanted and ready for action—add a delightful arsenal of magical weaponry to the quest.

Dragon Countdown

The threat is both literal and time-bound: the hero has seven days to save Princess Helene before Lodac's dragon gets its meal.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Princess Helene's kidnapping by Lodac

Threat

Vengeful wizard with a pet dragon

Effect

Imminent danger of Helene being fed to the dragon; magical obstacles for heroes

Setting

Lodac's castle and perilous journey

Questions from the Vault

When was The Magic Sword released? +

The Magic Sword was released in 1962.

Who directed The Magic Sword? +

The Magic Sword was directed by Bert I. Gordon.

How long is The Magic Sword? +

The Magic Sword has a runtime of 80 minutes.

What genre is The Magic Sword? +

The Magic Sword is classified as action, adventure, drama, and fantasy.

How does Sir George recruit his party of knights? +

Sir George uses Sybil's magic to revive six knights who had been magically frozen until he came of age, forming his questing party.

Trailers & Clips