Mit dem CinemaScope-Ritterfilm “Der eiserne Ritter von Falworth / The Black Shield of Falworth” [USA 1954, Rudolph Maté] habe ich als Kind den ein oder anderen Sonntagnachmittag vor dem heimischen Fernseher verbracht. Die letzte Sichtung des Films ist dementsprechend auch schon eine Weile her. Mein Gedächtnis auffrischen könnte ich ab dem 21. September 2009, denn dann veröffentlicht das britische Label Eureka den Film erstmals in High Defintion. Bonusmaterial scheint nicht geplant zu sein. Hoffentlich sind die Angaben bezüglich des Bildformats falsch, denn dieser frühe CinemaScope-Film hatte ein Bildformat von 2.55:1, auf der Label-WebSite ist jedoch ein Format von 2.35:1 angegeben.

For the very forst time anywhere in the world in glorious1080p High definition and in its original aspect ratio The Black Shield of Falworth, starring TONY CURTIS & JANET LEIGH was Universal-International’s first feature in CinemaScope.

In one of his earliest and most dashing performances, a young Tony Curtis pursues his real-life bride Janet Leigh, while defending the British throne in this swashbuckling saga filled with jousts, jests and medieval super heroics.

The setting is England in the reign of King Henry IV, Miles (Curtis) is a headstrong, handsome peasant determined to learn the name of his slain father and discover his true heritage. His fiery ambition and swift sword lead him to the majestic MacWorth castle. There he must compete for both knighthood as well as the hand of the fair Lady Anne (Leigh), but her love is claimed by the evil, conniving Sir Walter Blount. All the while the English throne is being challenged to the death – from sinister forces within.

Soon the fate of the realm, and his beloved Lady Anne, will depend upon his martial skill, but not before Miles must unlock the secret of his own shocking, mysterious identity. With its outstanding supporting cast and dazzling set design this is truly an epic tale of which legends are made!

Starring the ever charismatic, multi-award winning Tony Curtis (Some like It Hot, Smell of Sweet Success, The Defiant Ones), the OSCAR® nominated Janet Leigh (Psycho, The Manchurian Candidate) and directed by the OSCAR® nominated cinematographer Rudolph Maté.