Heath Ledger's 2001 film 'A Knight's Tale' is set to air on Channel 4 this afternoon, offering viewers a chance to see the late actor in one of his early career-defining roles. The movie, which has been hailed by some fans as 'the greatest film of all time', follows Ledger's character William Thatcher, a peasant squire who poses as a knight and competes in medieval tournaments.
The film features an intentionally anachronistic 14th-century story, blending modern pop culture references with a soundtrack of 1970s music. It draws its name and plot points from Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Knight's Tale', part of 'The Canterbury Tales'. Alongside Ledger, the cast includes Paul Bettany as Chaucer, Rufus Sewell, and Mark Addy.
Released by Columbia Pictures on May 11, 2001, 'A Knight's Tale' received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it grossed $117.5 million worldwide against a $65 million budget, and has since gained a cult following. Fans have praised the film for its heart and feel-good story, with one viewer describing it as 'a film lacking in polish but more than makes up for it with heart'.
The movie airs on Channel 4 at 12:50pm on Saturday, October 11. It is a chance to revisit a film that helped launch the careers of several actors, including Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008.
