Paula Hammond - Features EditorWho doesn’t love a good old swashbuckling romp, liberally peppered with plenty of derring-do, sword-fights and heroism? No, Lionheart isn’t big on nuance—or history—for that matter, but the Danziger Brothers ‘70s TV series does exactly what it sets out to do, delivering wholesome family entertainment, complete with chaste heroines, knightly good guys, and villainous bad guys.
Notable Irish actor Dermot Walsh gives a memorable performance as King Richard I, ably supported by Sheila Whittingham as his wife, Lady Berengaria, Iain Gregory as his faithful retainer Blondell, and a scene-stealing Trader Faulkner as the wicked Prince John.
The complete series runs to 39 episodes, including a sequence of stores set on Crusade in the Holy Land, and the visuals have been transferred from original film elements especially for this box set.
Featuring a rousing soundtrack by Bill LeSage and memorable theme tune from Buddy Kaye and Philip Springer, the series also includes appearances from notable character actors of the period – including Francis de Wolff, Glyn Owen, Anton Rodgers, Conrad Phillips, Nigel Green, Lisa Daniely, Margaretta Scott and Francis Matthews, among many others.
The six-disc box-set includes a wealth of special features including:
- Lionheart… Remembered and The Danziger Studios Story documentaries.
- Archive interviews with Sheila Whittingham, Trader Faulkner and Iain Gregory.
- Greensleeves: 1971 presentation with commercial breaks.
- Image gallery.
- Colouring Book image gallery.
- Limited edition booklet written by Derek Pykett.
