The Sword and the Rose (1953): Cast & Plot
The Sword and the Rose is a 1953 adventure drama directed by Ken Annakin, starring Glynis Johns as Princess Mary Tudor, Gérard Oury and Fernand Fabre. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 32m (92 min)
- Director
- Ken Annakin
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Walt Disney Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Sword and the Rose About?
The premise of The Sword and the Rose without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Mary Tudor’s quest for true love collides with royal politics when Henry VIII arranges her marriage to the King of France. Attempting to escape to America with her lover, she’s captured after being “un‑hatted” on the ship. Henry promises she may choose a second husband if she consents to the French match. After King Louis dies, the Duke of Buckingham kidnaps Mary and forces a marriage, but she’s rescued by her lover in a dramatic beach battle.
The Sword and the Rose Themes & Keywords
· 48 tags- king
- sword fight
- swashbuckler
- escape
- wrestler
- princess
- based on novel
- cult favorite
- held at swordpoint
- men in tights
- king henry viii character
- france
+36 more Show fewer
- arranged marriage
- swashbuckler adventure
- beach
- england
- duke of buckingham character
- dauphin
- forced marriage
- cardinal wolsey character
- shootout on a beach
- rescue mission
- rapier
- sword duel
- sword fighting
- knife fight
- knife
- flintlock pistol
- wrestling ring
- escape from prison
- duel
- fight to the death
- swordsman
- dagger
- love interest
- kiss
- kidnapping
- ambush
- opening action scene
- musket
- wrestling
- wrestling match
- warrior
- tough guy
- adventure hero
- hero
- mixed martial arts
- martial arts
The Sword and the Rose Cast & Characters
Glynis Johns leads the cast as Princess Mary Tudor, with Gérard Oury as Dauphin of France and Fernand Fabre as Ambassador of France. Directed by Ken Annakin; 34 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ken Annakin
- Glynis Johns as Princess Mary Tudor
- Gérard Oury as Dauphin of France
- Fernand Fabre as Ambassador of France
-
Michael Gough as Duke of Buckingham
Also Starring in The Sword and the Rose
· 30 more- Patrick Cargill French Diplomat
- John Serret French Squire
- Bob Simmons French Champion
- Richard Todd Charles Brandon
- James Robertson Justice King Henry VIII
- Jean Mercure King Louis XII
- Jane Barrett Lady Margaret
- Russell Waters Sailor
- Hal Osmond Costermonger
- Rosalie Crutchley Queen Katherine
- Robert Le Béal Royal Physician
- Peter Copley Sir Edwin Caskoden
- Ewen Solon Guardsman
- Thomas Heathcote Wrestling Second
- Norman Pierce Innkeeper
- Anthony Sharp French Diplomat
Show all 34 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Helen Goss Princess Claude
- Ernest Jay Lord Chamberlain
- Rupert Evans Bargeman
- Richard Molinas Father Pierre
- Bryan Coleman Earl of Surrey
- D.A. Clarke-Smith Cardinal Wolsey
- Caven Watson Captain Bradhurst
- Paddy Ryan Bargeman
- John Vere Lawyer Clerk
- Arthur Brander First Mate
- Gaston Richer Grand Chancellor
- Douglas Bradley-Smith Squire
- Philip Lennard Chaplain
- Phillip Glasier Royal Falconer
More from Ken Annakin
More films directed by Ken Annakin, best-rated first: Swiss Family Robinson, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men, The Pirate Movie and The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.
The Sword and the Rose Plot Summary
What happens in The Sword and the Rose from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Mary Tudor, Glynis Johns, falls in love with a new arrival at court, Charles Brandon, Richard Todd. She persuades her brother, James Robertson Justice King Henry VIII, to appoint him Captain of the Guard, a move that sets up a tense balance between affection and power. Henry, intent on securing peace, aims to marry Mary to the aging Louis XII of France, [Jean Mercure], as part of a broader treaty. Meanwhile, Mary’s longtime suitor, the Duke of Buckingham, grows wary of the common-born Brandon and cherishes his own hopes of winning Mary. This is a story where personal longing collides with political strategy, and every choice could tilt the balance of an aging realm.
Full summary
The whole story of The Sword and the Rose, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Sword and the Rose?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who portrays Mary Tudor in the film?
The Sword and the Rose Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “When Knighthood Was In Flower” and “La rose et l'épée”.
- Also known as
-
- When Knighthood Was In Flower
- La rose et l'épée
- La spada e la rosa
- Το Ξίφος και το Ρόδον
- Kard és rózsa
- La espada y la rosa
- Eine Prinzessin verliebt sich
- Entre a Espada e a Rosa
- החרב והשושנה
- A Espada e a Rosa
Seen The Sword and the Rose?
Movies Like The Sword and the Rose
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Tudor Rose, When Knighthood Was in Flower and The Black Rose.
The Sword and the Rose FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Sword and the Rose, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Sword and the Rose?
The Sword and the Rose runs 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes).
When was The Sword and the Rose released?
The Sword and the Rose was released on July 23, 1953.
Who directed The Sword and the Rose?
The Sword and the Rose was directed by Ken Annakin.
More films by Ken Annakin Who is in the cast of The Sword and the Rose?
The Sword and the Rose stars Glynis Johns as Princess Mary Tudor, Gérard Oury as Dauphin of France and Fernand Fabre as Ambassador of France, among 34 credited actors.
Does The Sword and the Rose have a post-credit scene?
No. The Sword and the Rose has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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