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The Vikings
Directed by Richard Fleischer and produced by its star Kirk Douglas, The Vikings (1958) is an epic historical adventure that remains a benchmark for the genre. The film tells a sweeping tale of two brothers—the Viking prince Einar (Kirk Douglas) and the slave Eric (Tony Curtis)—who are unaware of their shared bloodline. Their rivalry escalates into a brutal conflict over the throne of Northumbria and the love of the captive Princess Morgana (Janet Leigh).
Renowned for its commitment to authenticity, the production used full-scale replica Viking longships and avoided studio backlots in favor of dramatic, real-world locations. The film’s stunning Technicolor cinematography by Jack Cardiff captured the rugged beauty of the Norwegian fjords and the medieval fortresses of France, setting a visual standard for historical epics.
Locations
The production was an international undertaking, moving across Europe to find landscapes that could authentically represent 9th-century Scandinavia and Britain.
Maurangerfjord and Hardangerfjord, Norway
The stunning opening sequences and the scenes of the Viking village were filmed in the Maurangerfjord, a branch of the Hardangerfjord. The production built a complete Viking settlement at Kvalnes, utilizing the deep, mirror-like waters and towering snow-capped mountains to create an atmosphere of primordial grandeur. The local residents were often used as extras, adding to the film's sense of scale.
Fort de la Latte, Brittany, France
The film’s climactic siege and the final duel between Einar and Eric were filmed at the Fort de la Latte, a 14th-century castle perched on a cliffside in Brittany. Doubling as the castle of King Aella of Northumbria, the fortress provided the perfect verticality for the famous "drawbridge" sequence and the sword fight atop the high stone towers. Map Location
Lim Fjord, Croatia (then Yugoslavia)
While much of the sailing was done in Norway, some of the longship voyaging sequences were filmed in Lim Fjord on the Istrian Peninsula. The narrow, canal-like inlet provided calm waters and steep hillsides that successfully mimicked the geography of Northern Europe, allowing the crew more predictable weather for complex maritime stunts. Map Location
Cap Fréhel, France
The rugged coastline surrounding Cap Fréhel in Brittany was used for the various landing sequences and coastal pursuits. The pink sandstone cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves provided a visceral, dangerous backdrop for the Vikings' arrival in "Northumbria." Map Location
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Director
Richard Fleischer
Cast
Kirk Douglas
Tony Curtis
Ernest Borgnine
Janet Leigh
James Donald
Alexander Knox
IMDB
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