The Castilian (1963): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1963, The Castilian is a drama and adventure film directed by Javier Setó, running about 128 minutes. “TRUE...Actually Shot in the Medieval Locations Where the Actual Story Took Place!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Also released as Valley of the Swords, this lugubrious US/Spanish co-production features the usual mid-1960s "tax shelter" international cast. Broderick Crawford plays a despotic 10th century Spanish king who, in cahoots with the invading Moors, has banished handsome Castilian nobleman Spartaco Santoni. With the surreptitious aid of Crawford's daughter Teresa Velasquez, Santoni assembles an army to march against the Moors. In keeping with the 13th century epic poem from which this film was derived ("El Poema de Fernan Gonzales") Santoni's path is smoothed by the celestial intervention of patron saints Milan and Santiago. Among the big names picking up a few tax-free dollars in The Castilian are Cesar Romero, Linda Darnell, Alida Valli and Fernando Rey.

Who’s in it. The Castilian stars Espartaco Santoni as Fernán González, Frankie Avalon as Jerifán, Cesar Romero as Jerónimo and Teresa Velázquez as Sancha, among others.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Castilian page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Castilian tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.