A Baker's Dozen

At Harvest Court, there was a minor scandal when it was discovered that there was a gentle present who'd never seen Boondock Saints (Gasp!). Now, true, Boondock Saints isn't a period movie and it doesn't really have any great moral message to be passed on, but if you're going to spend any time in the Brotherhood encampment, it's one of those movies you have to see. It seems just about everyone has a list of must-see movies and most of us in the Society have our own mini-list of must-see SCA movies. I'm no different, and I thought it might be fun to list some of my must-see movies. I've arranged these movies in the order I think they should be watched by new fencers. And you may notice that I've left out a lot of the usual must-see movies (Highlander, Monty Python's The Holy Grail, Braveheart, etc.), but that's because they are the usuals.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) - When most people thing of Robin Hood, they think of Errol Flynn.

The Three Musketeers, The Four Musketeers, Return of the Musketeers (1973,1974,1989) - These three movies have to be combined into one entry as not only do they have the same cast throughout, but all three were written and directed by the same people, giving the series a wonderful sense of continuity.

The Princess Bride (1987) - Well, duh. Not only is this movie fun and well written, it contains one of the best fencing scenes since Errol Flynn crossed swords with Basil Rathbone in The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Knight Riders (1981) - Yes, this one is slow and campy, but it gives a wonderful insight into the honor and fealty of the S.C.A. If nothing else, it's worth it for speech Alan gives Morgan after he splits off.

The Man Who Would Be King (1975) - If for no other reason than Sean Connery's crown is made of foil grips. This movie is based on a story by Rudyard Kipling and tells the story of an army deserter who sets himself up as a king and the results of his deception.

Ladyhawke (1985) - Most people focus on the story of Navarre and Isabeau, which is a pretty standard love story, but what I like is the story of Phillipe's (the Mouse's) and Father Imperius' redemption.

Henry V (1989) - Or just about any of Kenneth Branagh's Shakespeares. Great acting, great costuming, great locations, great sets, what more is there?

The History of the Word: Part I (1981) - Where else can you cover a couple thousand years worth of history. This movie's probably most famous for the Spanish Inquisition and the French Revolution.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) - Really, you should see most of Mel Brooks' other movies first, as Mel unabashedly stole from them when he made this one. Like The History of the Word, this movie doesn't really contain any deep message, but it is a fun time killer and might just give you a line or two for your next event.

The Three Musketeers (1993) - The Disney version. Porthos is such a wonderful boor in this one, but the main reason I included it is that it makes a wonderful lead-in to The Man in the Iron Mask.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) - This is another redemption story, but unlike Ladyhawke, this is the redemption of lost glories.

Like I said, these are a few of my must-sees. What are some of yours, and why?