Miramax has a new banner for remastered Hollywood films from the ”good old days of Hollywood.” It is called Miriam Collection.

“El Cid” is the first film of remastered collection by Miriam.

Anthony Mann (“The Naked Spur,” “The Glen Miller Story”), a seasoned director at the time, took the epic tale of Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar, a Spain nobleman of the 11th century, and had Charlton Heston carry his sword with Sophia Loren at his side loving him and hating him.

Loren creates a touching scene at the beginning of the film; it’s her moment in the movie and truly shows her talent as an actress.  Then, a sword fight had me on the edge which was followed by an over the top combat scene between Heston and knight using lances as a tilting match to the death.

I don’t like reviewing movies. I rather encourage you to see “El Cid” with an introduction by Martin Scorese who eloquently describes the film and gives Mann the credit he deserves.