Review: 'Crossed Swords' a Fast, Fun Romp for an All-Star Cast

In the long, rich career of filmmaker Richard Fleischer, he had many gun-for-hire jobs that almost always benefited from his reliable technical process and ability to wrangle star-studded casts while also giving them the freedom to play around with their roles. "Crossed Swords" is one of those gun-for-hire projects, enlivened a bit by Fleischer's eye for action. Not much sets this apart from the other popular adaptations of Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper," yet it looks and feels like an old-school adventure film that you'd watch on a Saturday morning. And for simple pleasures like that, the cost is priceless.

Kino Lorber and their Studio Classics sub-label brings "Crossed Swords" to Blu-ray for the first time ever in the U.S., boasting a rich 1080p presentation sourced from a new 4K master. The mastery of cinematographer Jack Cardiff is on full display here, and the upgraded video quality definitely helps to make all the lavish sets and colors shine. There's a great interview with star Mark Lester included as a special feature, as well as an SD version of the 121-minute international cut.

Based upon Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper," "Crossed Swords" follows commoner Tom (Mark Lester) as he finds a doppelganger in Edward, Prince of Wales and the two switch clothes as a practical joke. But soon they're both separated and forced to take on each other's lives. Chaos naturally ensues.

The film is aided by a colorful cast, including Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch, Ernest Borgnine, George C. Scott, and Charlton Heston. It'd feel fair in assessing the film as having the bravado of an old DeMille epic, but with the playfulness and fun found in a lot of Fleischer's work. It doesn't always cohere into something genuinely memorable, but it sure zips through the plot and let a bunch of talented actors do what they please.

Again, Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray of "Crossed Swords" looks terrific in motion and is the best the film has looked at home. If you're a fan of swashbuckling adventure films, you're sure to find plenty of enjoyment here. Don't forget to adjust your expectations, as this is a Fleischer B-side that's handsome and forgettable.

Other special features include:

� Audio commentary with film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson
� Theatrical trailer

"Crossed Swords" is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.