The Long Ships 1964
"The Viking adventurers who challenged the seas... and conquered the world!"
Directed by the legendary Jack Cardiff, *The Long Ships (1964)* is a sweeping adventure that pits Viking explorer Rolfe against a cunning Moorish ruler in a race to uncover the legendary "Mother of Voices"—a golden bell said to hold unimaginable power.
Director: Jack Cardiff
Cast
Richard Widmark
Rolfe
Sidney Poitier
Aly Mansuh
Russ Tamblyn
Orm
Rosanna Schiaffino
Aminah
Oskar Homolka
Krok
Edward Judd
Sven
Lionel Jeffries
Aziz
Beba Lončar
Gerda
Clifford Evans
King Harald
Gordon Jackson
Vahlin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long Ships (1964) about?
This 1964 adventure follows Viking explorer Rolfe and Moorish ruler El Mansuh as they race to uncover the mythical golden bell known as the "Mother of Voices." Their quest leads them from Scandinavia to Africa, where alliances are fragile, betrayal is inevitable, and the treasure itself may be nothing more than a legend.
Who directed The Long Ships?
The film was directed by Jack Cardiff, a celebrated cinematographer turned director known for his visually stunning work in classic films.
Who stars in The Long Ships?
The film features Richard Widmark as Viking explorer Rolfe, Sidney Poitier as Moorish ruler El Mansuh, alongside Russ Tamblyn and Rosanna Schiaffino in key supporting roles.
Is The Long Ships (1964) worth watching?
While not a blockbuster by modern standards, *The Long Ships* offers a thrilling mix of adventure and drama, with strong performances from its leads. Its historical setting and epic scale make it a solid choice for fans of classic Viking films, though expectations for realism should be tempered.
How long is The Long Ships?
The runtime for *The Long Ships* is 126 minutes, or roughly 2 hours and 6 minutes of high-seas adventure and intrigue.
🎥 Trailer
About The Long Ships (1964) — Viking vs Moorish treasure hunt with Richard Widmark & Sidney Poitier
Directed by the legendary Jack Cardiff, *The Long Ships (1964)* is a sweeping adventure that pits Viking explorer Rolfe against a cunning Moorish ruler in a race to uncover the legendary "Mother of Voices"—a golden bell said to hold unimaginable power. As Rolfe and El Mansuh navigate treacherous seas and hostile lands, their reluctant alliance is tested by ambition, betrayal, and the relentless hunt for mythical treasure. With sweeping landscapes, epic battles, and high-stakes drama, this 1964 classic blends historical adventure with larger-than-life stakes.
Starring the magnetic Richard Widmark as the Viking Rolfe and the charismatic Sidney Poitier as the wily El Mansuh, the film pairs two titans of cinema in a story of power and obsession. The richly textured drama unfolds against a backdrop of Viking raids and Moorish intrigue, where every character is driven by their own vision of destiny. Atmospheric and visually stunning, *The Long Ships* captures the spirit of an era when the world was still wide open to exploration—and the line between hero and villain was never so blurred.
