Also released as The Dark Avenger, The Warriors is a slight, if fitfully entertaining, costume adventure with an aging Errol Flynn in the lead role.
It’s the 14th Century, and Edward, the Black Prince (Flynn) watches over England’s holdings in France, specifically the region known as the Aquitaine. Though a treaty has been reached that essentially ended the Hundred Years' War, several French noblemen, led by the Comte de Ville (Peter Finch), remain determined to rid themselves of English rule.
To gain an upper hand on the Black Prince, de Ville and his knights kidnap Lady Joan Holland (Joanne Dru) and her younger brothers. The always-daring Edward, with the help of Sir John (Rupert Davies), takes drastic measures to ensure their safe return.
Despite being a bit too old to still be playing a swashbuckling hero, Flynn does his best with the part of Edward, and there are times he’s still convincing with a sword. In addition, The Warriors was shot on-location in England, which added a touch of authenticity.
But there’s nothing here we haven’t seen before, and when all is said and done, you’ll find – as I did – that you’d have been better off watching some of Flynn’s earlier classics (The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, etc) instead of this dry retread.
Rating: 4 out of 10
