Camelot is a 1967 American musical drama film directed by Joshua Logan and starring Richard Harris as King Arthur, Vanessa Redgrave as Guenevere, and Franco Nero as Lancelot. The film is an adaptation of the homonymous musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. Lerner also wrote the screenplay.
In the opening scene, King Arthur (Richard Harris) is preparing for a great battle against his friend, Sir Lancelot (Franco Nero), a battle he does not wish to fight but has been forced into. Arthur reflects on the sad circumstances which have led him to this situation, and asks his childhood mentor, Merlyn, for advice. Merlyn appears to him and tells Arthur to think back.
Arthur thinks back to the night of his marriage to his now-estranged wife, Guenevere. It is an arranged marriage, and he has never met her before. He is understandably afraid of what lies ahead ("I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight"). His solitude is broken by Guenevere and her entourage. Guenevere is also worried about marrying a man she has never met, and longs for an easier life ("The Simple Joys of Maidenhood"). Like Arthur, she flees from her entourage to reflect on her future. Arthur (overhearing Guenevere and realizing who she is) accidentally falls out of the tree in which he is hiding. He and Guenevere converse, as she does not know his true identity, and realize they have things in common. Arthur tells her what a wonderful place his kingdom is ("Camelot") and they almost kiss, but are interrupted by men sent to find Arthur. The king's identity is revealed, and although Arthur gives Guenevere the chance to leave she gladly goes back with him to be married.
In an age of wonder where magic was so real
Knights stood brave with honor
brandishing their steel
As we heed our call to arms the
message comes so clear
To protect the land we love we must
never fear
*Searching for a place for us to right all our wrongs
Courage, honor, bravery have made us
all so strong
Now we feel the power as we ride into
the night
Nothing that can stop us we will
forever fight for Camelot
Now we heed the battle cry we let our
freedom ring
Fighting for the truth and light and the
one who would be king
As he drew the sword from stone they
fell unto their knees
To purge the land of dragons fire and
destroy evil and greed
(repeat *)
Welcome to Camelot evil will rule us
not welcome to Camelot
Fighting, Killing, Raging, Attacking,
Destroying, Defending the land
love
called Camelot
Welcome to Camelot evil will rule us
not welcome to Camelot, welcome,