The Viking Queen (1967)

The Viking Queen Poster

Set in ancient Britain, at a time when much of Europe was ruled with harsh tyranny by Rome, a tribe of Britons led by Selina, set out to defy the invaders and discard their yoke of bondage. The Roman commander, Justinian, is sent to quell the uprising, punishing the dissenters with brute force but when he becomes emotionally attached to Selina, he is torn between his duty to Rome and his love for the Viking Queen.

Film Overview
"The Viking Queen" is a British historic experience movie released in 1967 by Hammer Films. Directed by Don Chaffey, the film uses the settings and aesthetics of iron age Britain to tell a tale of conflict and love. The narrative centers on Salina, a British princess destined to rule, and Justinian, a handsome Roman, illustrating the struggle between her responsibility towards her individuals and her love for the Roman soldier.

Story
The plot of "The Viking Queen" unfolds in Britain during the Roman guideline. After the death of King Priam, his child, Salina, is chosen as the queen, but with a condition: she must share her power with Justinian, a worthy Roman. As Salina rises the throne as the Viking Queen, she promises to honor her daddy's last desire of keeping peace and harmony in the kingdom.

Nevertheless, Salina's loyalties are tested when she falls for Justinian, resulting in an ethical problem where she must pick in between her duty and her heart. Moreover, the growing discontent and rebellion among her people versus the Roman tax collectors add to her trials. Meanwhile, the atrocious Octavius, intending to seize power, controls this discontent to his benefit.

Conflict and Climax
In spite of their love for each other, Salina and Justinian are constantly pulled apart by their contrasting loyalties. As the stress in between the Romans and Britons escalate, Salina's struggles to keep peace ended up being harder.

The movie reaches its climax when Octavius stimulates a full-blown rebellion in the kingdom, seizing this opportunity to take control. Salina is required to pick between her love for Justinian and her responsibility to her individuals. Lastly, she decides to lead her individuals into fight versus the Romans.

Ending of the Film
With the Viking Queen leading them, the Britons combat increasingly versus the Romans. Nevertheless, in the harsh and heartbreaking fight that occurs, both Salina and Justinian lose their lives. This awful ending highlights the impossibility of their love story amid the dispute and power has a hard time that tore them apart.

In spite of the loss of their leaders, the Britons emerge victoriously against the Romans, symbolically bring back the taken power and autonomy to Salina's individuals.

Cast & Production
The lead roles are played by Don Murray as Justinian and Carita Jarvinen as Salina. The film also includes an ensemble cast that consists of Andrew Keir, Adrian Paul, and Niall MacGinnis. The entire movie, under the production of Hammer Films, was shot in Ireland.

Although "The Viking Queen" was inspired by historical events, it doesn't assure historic accuracy; instead, it weaves a dramatic story of love, duty, and dispute. The film's core strength lies in its rich storytelling, combined with the duration outfits and sets that beautifully record the essence of the age. In spite of blended evaluations, the film stays fascinating due to its engaging story and the extreme performances of the lead stars.

In conclusion, "The Viking Queen" from 1967 is a historical adventure film that immerses viewers into an epic tale of love and responsibility versus the backdrop of Roman Britain. As the story unfolds, it wonderfully catches the tension and dispute that emerge from the clash of cultures and the pursuit of power.

Top Cast

  • Don Murray (small)
    Don Murray
    Justinian
  • Donald Houston (small)
    Donald Houston
    Maelgan
  • Carita
    Salina
  • Andrew Keir (small)
    Andrew Keir
    Octavian
  • Adrienne Corri (small)
    Adrienne Corri
    Beatrice
  • Niall MacGinnis (small)
    Niall MacGinnis
    Tiberian
  • Wilfrid Lawson (small)
    Wilfrid Lawson
    King Priam
  • Nicola Pagett (small)
    Nicola Pagett
    Talia
  • Percy Herbert (small)
    Percy Herbert
    Catus
  • Patrick Troughton (small)
    Patrick Troughton
    Tristram
  • Nita Lorraine (small)
    Nita Lorraine
    Nubian Girl-Slave