Cromwell (1970) Reviews

The production had many talented actors, but the story line was somewhat historically inaccurate: Many destroyed English estates (reported by English historians) are due to Cromwell's religious zealotry, as well as a very bad feeling remaining among the Irish towards Cromwell. These two examples highlight the whitewashing job done by the script writers. Nevertheless, it was entertaining and made me interested in reading some history books about the man and the era.
Close this Review

Coincidentally, we watched Cromwell just before Easter. Being served two hours' worth of overcooked ham sated our appetite to the point of reconsidering what to eat on Easter Day. Richard Harris' range went from bellowing to whispering (with a few croaks in between); not all of it matching the meaning of the dialogue. At any point in the movie, I wasn't sure whether to gird myself for a convulsion of rage or lean forward to hear his soul mumble. His reaction shots consisted of staring dully forward with an extremely irritating method-acting pout. He did manage to leave a few bits of unchewed scenery on the floor, however. But the direction was awful, especially the battle scenes that had all the intensity and authenticity of a home movie.
Close this Review