Legend (1985, GBR/USA) C-113m. SCOPE ***½ D: Ridley Scott. Starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, David Bennent, Alice Playten, Billy Barty. Magical, visually breathtaking fantasy about beautiful Princess Sara, who stumbles into an adventure that the Brothers Grimm might have invented. An evil demon seeks to envelop the land in eternal darkness by killing the last two unicorns alive, using the Princess as a pawn. Enter young hero Cruise, who has fallen in love with the innocent girl. Brilliant production design complements director Scott's overwhelming visual style, with touches of his earlier BLADE RUNNER (1982). Jerry Goldsmith's score was replaced by Tangerine Dream for 89m. U.S. release in 1986. Director's Cut runs 113m., released as an Ultimate Edition on DVD, retains the Goldsmith score and improves film substantially, including some potent scenes of horror. After this film director Scott turned away from fantasy and horror for good, too bad! Written by William Hjortsberg.


© Ron Altman