The Ceremony of Innocence on Video – 1970

In this adaptation of the Ronald Ribman play, 11th century England is a bloodied land, embattled and beset by hordes of invading Danes and disputatious nobles. The vacillating King Ethelred is drained of the decisive initiative he needs to save his throne and reputation. With exquisite lighting and liberal use of close shots, this production conveys the claustrophobic miasma of fear and violence of a period when lives were undoubtedly nasty, brutish, and short. Features an exceptional cast, including Emmy-nominated James Broderick (Alice's Restaurant), 3-time Emmy and 2-time Golden Globe winner Richard Kiley (The Thorn Birds), and Jessie Royce Landis (To Catch a Thief, North by Northwest). Also starring Larry Gates.