Man of La Mancha is a 1972 musical film adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. The film stars Peter O'Toole as Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote, and Sophia Loren as Aldonza/Dulcinea.
The film opens with Cervantes, accompanied by his manservant, being thrown into a dungeon in Seville. While there, they are confronted by the other prisoners, who steal their possessions. Cervantes manages to salvage a manuscript, which he claims is his unfinished masterpiece.
The prisoners demand a trial, and Cervantes decides to defend himself and his manservant by staging a play, using costumes and props found in the dungeon. He casts the prisoners in various roles, including Don Quixote, Sancho Panza, Aldonza, and a variety of other characters.
The play follows the story of Don Quixote, a man who believes himself to be a knight, and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, as they embark on a quest to right the wrongs of the world. Along the way, they encounter Aldonza, a prostitute whom Don Quixote sees as a pure and virtuous lady, and whom he renames Dulcinea.
As the play progresses, it becomes apparent that Don Quixote's quest is ultimately futile, and that his vision of the world is at odds with reality. However, despite his many failures and setbacks, Don Quixote remains determined to make the world a better place, and to live up to his knightly ideals.
The film features several well-known musical numbers, including "The Impossible Dream" and "Dulcinea." It was generally well-received by critics, and was nominated for five Academy Awards.