El Cid 1961 Trailer

🎬 El Cid (1961 Film) El Cid is a highly acclaimed 1961 epic historical drama film directed by Anthony Mann, and produced by Samuel Bronston. Key Details & Plot Summary Subject: The film is based on the life of the medieval Castilian knight, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known by his Arabic title, El Cid ("The Lord"). He is a legendary national hero of Spain. Starring: The movie stars Charlton Heston as El Cid and Sophia Loren as his eventual wife, Chimene. Plot Overview: The story is set in 11th-century Spain, during the Reconquista, the centuries-long period when Christian kingdoms fought to reclaim territory from the Moorish rulers. Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar is presented as a brave and honorable knight who prioritizes honor and unity among the fractured Christian kingdoms. A central conflict is his complicated relationship with Chimene, whose father is killed in a duel by Rodrigo. Despite their love, she is torn between her duty for vengeance and her feelings for him. Rodrigo is later banished from the kingdom after being implicated in a subversive plot against the new king, Alfonso. During his exile, he fights both Christian and Moorish armies, earning respect from both sides for his courage, and is even given the name "El Cid" by the Moors. He eventually leads an army to the successful defense of the city of Valencia, securing his heroic legacy.