Top Five Swordfights

Tyrone Power vs. Basil Rathbone in The Mark of Zorro (1940)

5. Dangerous, flamboyant and vigorous! Choreographed by Fred Cavens, this fight utilizes Rathbone’s amazing line and extension. Rathbone was an accomplished fencer, which was taken advantage of in many of his film roles. Power is an admirable partner for him, keeping up with every thrust and parry. A fine example of the art of screen swordplay!

4. Harvey Keitel vs. Keith Carradine in The Duellists (1977)

This was the debut film by director Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner). These fights, choreographed by the brilliant William Hobbs are dirty, gritty and violent. No Hollywood swashbuckling here. Based on a short story by Joseph Conrad, Keitel and Carradine play two officers in Napoleon’s army who end up dueling with each other over the course of 20 years. A very underrated film!

3. Michael York vs. Christopher Lee in The Four Musketeers (1974)

Arguably the best film adaptation of the Musketeers story. Directed by Richard Lester and once again choreographed by Hobbs, these fights are by turn hilarious, dangerous and breathtaking. The climactic duel between York (as D’artagnan) and Lee (as Rochefort) throughout a church devolves into an appropriately sloppy mess as both combatants get winded.

2. Mandy Patinkin vs. Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride (1986)

A classic! The fights on the Cliffs of Insanity, choreographed by Bob Anderson, exemplifies everything grand about the swashbuckling genre. Director Rob Reiner specifically wanted an Errol Flynn-like feel, so he hired Anderson, who had actually worked with Flynn. The actors performed 95% of the choreography themselves, with a few doubles thrown in. Exciting, fun and an all-around terrific fight!

1. Liam Neeson vs. Tim Roth in Rob Roy (1995)

One of the best swordfights put on film. It beautifully encapsulates the entire relationship between these two characters throughout the course of the film. Once again choreographed by Hobbs, this is a no-holds-barred fight between two people who have causes worth dying for. Everything from the mis-matched weapons to the lack of music, only the grunts of the actors and the clash of steel, makes this an edge of your seat with a great twist ending!