In the 16th century, poet, playwright and part-time actor Miguel de Cervantes has been arrested, together with his manservant, by the Spanish Inquisition. They're accused of presenting an entertainment offensive to the Inquisition. Inside the huge dungeon into which they have been cast, the other inmates gang up on Cervantes and his manservant, staging a mock trial, with the intention of stealing or burning his possessions. Cervantes wishes to desperately save a manuscript he carries with him and stages, with costumes, makeup, and the participation of the other prisoners, an unusual defense—the story of Don Quixote.
Peter O'Toole
as Don Quixote De La Mancha / Miguel de Cervantes / Alonso Quijana
Sophia Loren
as Dulcinea / Aldonza
James Coco
as Sancho Panza / Cervantes' Manservant
Ian Richardson
as The Padre
Harry Andrews
as The Innkeeper / The Governor
John Castle
as Sanson Carrasco / The Duke
Brian Blessed
as Pedro
Julie Gregg
as Antonia Quijana
Rosalie Crutchley
as The Housekeeper
Gino Conforti
as The Barber
Marne Maitland
as Captain of the Guard
Dorothy Sinclair
as The Innkeeper's Wife
