Chani - My favourite scene: EL CID (1961)

This epic film tells the story of the fabled Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar in medieval Spain. 

The admirable knight, Rodrigo, (Charlton Heston) shows compassion during the dark times and forgives the lives of many Moorish prisoners. These two symbolic acts give him the reverent titles of “El Cid” (the Lord) by the Moorish and “Campeador” (the Champion) by the Christians. 

The year 711 marks the beginning of the long conflict between people of Christian belief and those of the Islamic religion. One of the most memorable scenes is the last battle fought by the Cid, when, his army hopelessly outnumbered, he launches the most unbelievable attack on Moorish troops commanded by the ruthless and bloody general Ben Yusuf.

In October 1094 Islamic invaders besiege the city of Valencia, recently conquered by El Cid. Against all odds, he is fatally wounded by an arrow in the battle prior to the final victory. The probability of surviving is rather low if the mortal arrow is not taken out. But this noble and brave knight agrees with his lovely wife, Jimena (Sofia Loren), that he must head up his army even if he dies. Consequently, his body is secured upon his legendary horse, Babieca, and sent out in front of his men. When Yusuf’s army sees him, they flee in terror.

Thank you, Chani! So many classic epics I saw as a kid / teenager that I don't remember too well (I'm getting an old man by now, ha ha!) El Cid is a good example, so it's been great to find the scene on YouTube (funnily enough, it's subtitled in Portuguese) and remember those impressive, grandiose I daresay, "Cinemascope" productions.