April 25, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 21 ‘Camelot’ explores royals, knights, and ideals by Dennis Seuling “Camelot” (Warner Home Video) is now on Blu-ray in celebration of its 45th Anniversary. The film was made in the wake of the hugely successful “Sound of Music,” when Hollywood equated big box office with lavish musicals. Many tanked (“Dr. Dolittle,” “Star,” “Paint Your Wagon”), while others fulfilled their producers’ expectations and became profitable. “Camelot” was a popular favorite, if not a critic’s darling. It took Hollywood eight years to get “Camelot” from the stage to the big screen and was not without controversy when initially released. Critics complained it was too long, songs were cut from the original score despite the movie’s length, and there was an overemphasis on close-ups. Based on T.H. White’s “The Once and Future King” (based, in turn, on Thomas Mallory’s “Le Morte D’Arthur”), the sumptuous film adaptation of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s hit Broadway show takes viewers to the legendary land of King Arthur (Richard Harris); his queen, Guinevere (Vanessa Redgrave); and handsome Lancelot (Franco Nero), the dashing Frenchman who journeys to Camelot, inspired by Arthur’s call for nobles to gather at his Round Table for acts of selflessness and chivalry. Jack Warner, still in the driver’s seat in the studio he founded with his brothers decades before, bypassed Julie Andrews, who originated the role of Guinevere on Broadway, for the film adaptation. Four years earlier, Warner chose Audrey Hepburn over Andrews to play Eliza in “My Fair Lady.” Though “Camelot” doesn’t have as strong a book as “My Fair Lady,” also a Lerner and Loewe musical, it has a glorious score and opulent production design by John Truscott. Many of the scenes suggested in the play are shown in detail in the movie. King Arthur (Richard Harris) and Guinevere (Vanessa Redgrave) share a quiet moment in the film adaptation of Lerner & Loewe’s ‘Camelot.’ The opening scene, which shows the initial meeting of Arthur and his bride-to-be, is set in a magical-looking snow-covered forest. A crucial tournament, portrayed in all its splendor and pomp, is particularly impressive, as it occurs at an emotionally dramatic peak. Another scene, in which Guinevere, her ladies-in-waiting, and fawning knights enjoy a sunny day is captured in scenic detail as they sing and dance joyfully. The (continued on Crossword page)