"The Flame and the Arrow"

[Tox Collector]

Any of you old timers remember this film?  I saw it when it came out in 1950, and it made quite an impression on me -- particularly the archery aspects of the film.  Just came across mention of the film in the August, 1950 issue of "Archery" magazine, which had this to say:

"Archers will get a thrill when they see "The Flame and the Arrow," recently released by Warner Brothers.  The action in the Technicolor production takes place in 12th Century Italy.  It concerns itself mainly with a shooting war between the Lombardy mountain men and the heavily armored soldiers of Ulrich of Hesse who seeks to take over the entire country.

However, Burt Lancaster, playing the role of Dardo, manages to arouse his countrymen to the extent they overpower their conquerors in one final climatic battle.

It will also be of interest to archers to know that Howard Hill does the shooting in the spectacular close-ups."

I never knew that Howard Hill did the trick shooting.  I recall that the archery shooting was very impressive.

[Blackhawk]

I may have to buy that release.  I recall seeing it on TV a few years ago and loved it.  

Burt Lancaster was probably the most athletic of actors at that time (would have made a great Robin Hood too), and I did notice his shooting form was pretty good.  Most likely Hill gave him some lessons.

...and Virginia Mayo (1920-2005) was one hot lady of that era and I loved all her movies.

[TonyW]

 

   

Watch the original 1950 trailer here:

 http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flame_and_the_arrow/

[Larry m]

Great film!!
It's my understanding Mr. Lancaster had a background in gymnastics and did all the stunts in the movie.
Ahhh Yes, Virginia Mayo!!!

Another very good one produced from that era was the "Black Rose". Tyrone Power as a 13th Century Saxon Nobleman on a journey to the far east with his trusty longbow Sara.

[Horney Toad]

Burt Lancaster looks like he was in good shape!

[Tox Collector]

Tony W. -- thanks for posting the pics and other info.  I still vividly recall the film after all these years.  I just never knew that Howard Hill did the 'shooting'!  I can still picture an arrow thudding into an upright beam in the interior of a castle.  It was a great film.

[hardbern]

Originally posted by Larry m:

....

Another very good one produced from that era was the "Black Rose". Tyrone Power as a 13th Century Saxon Nobleman on a journey to the far east with his trusty longbow Sara.

The stunts, bows & arrow here were done by 3 Brits: Richard "Dick" Galloway, Crescenzo Forte (emigrated to US in '52 & worked for Amarco) & George Birnie (Eddings, TexTox, Royal Scots Bows, Ben Pearson). They also started what became Border Archery today!

[Shane Reed]

Thank you for sharing.

[Larry m]

Thank You Trace! Great info.....
Love these old archery adventure films of my youth. Some of them are hard to find anymore.

Tox's (appreciated) post on the "Flame and the Arrow", (just picked up a dvd to replace my vhs) has me looking on line for them again. The quality of the archery in many of these old classics can be very good!

The "Black Rose", which was always a favorite was near impossible to find until a few years back. The book was published in 1945 by Thomas B. Costain and the film came out in 1950.

Truly a Wonderful Story!!

[TonyW]

Looking for both on TCM.

[Tom Phillips]

I have the movie on VHS  COOL movie !!