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Poster for El Cid

El Cid

Seen it?

1961 | 187 min | Action, Drama, History, Romance, War

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics, action fans and history buffs. If you loved The Count of Monte Cristo or Wings, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Epic and sweeping, at 3 hr 7 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 3 hr 7 min.
  • Made in 1961: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Epic film of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz ("El Cid" to his followers), who, without compromising his strict sense of honour, still succeeds in taking the initiative and driving the Moors from Spain.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 2 Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $27 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 112K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Anthony Mann

  • Charlton HestonEl Cid Rodrigo de Vivar
  • Sophia LorenJimena
  • Raf ValloneCount Ordóñez
  • Geneviève PagePrincess Urraca
  • John FraserPrince Alfonso
  • Gary RaymondPrince Sancho
  • Hurd HatfieldArias
  • Massimo SeratoFanez
  • Frank ThringAl Kadir
  • Michael HordernDon Diego