The Bible has all of the best stories and the tale of Salome and how she dances for Herod in exchange for the head of John the Baptist is amongst the most filmed. However, in this version, Salome (played by sexy Rita Hayworth) unwittingly causes the baptist's death, rather than intentionally, making the movie something of a laughable affair.
But if one can forget about the accuracy of the story for the duration, there is a lot of fun to be had from this cheesy star-studded effort.
Stewart Granger plays his usual role of hero straight-faced, whilst Charles Laughton is marvellously oily as lecherous King Herod. Hamming it up even more than Laughton is Judith Anderson, whose evil Queen Herodias glowers theatrically throughout the proceedings. Blue-eyed Alan Badel is miscast as John the Baptist but, obviously believing that he is capable of an Oscar worthy performance, he gives the part everything he haswhich isn't much! 40's sex symbol Rita Hayworth, famed for her dancing, is perhaps a little too old for the part, but she still manages to heat up the screen, particularly when it comes to her performing the legendary Dance of the Seven Veils.
As Biblical tales go, 'Salome' has plenty of melodrama and intrigue, but not enough action or spectacle for this viewer. For examples of how these things should really be done, watch Ben Hur or The Ten Commandments.
But if one can forget about the accuracy of the story for the duration, there is a lot of fun to be had from this cheesy star-studded effort.
Stewart Granger plays his usual role of hero straight-faced, whilst Charles Laughton is marvellously oily as lecherous King Herod. Hamming it up even more than Laughton is Judith Anderson, whose evil Queen Herodias glowers theatrically throughout the proceedings. Blue-eyed Alan Badel is miscast as John the Baptist but, obviously believing that he is capable of an Oscar worthy performance, he gives the part everything he haswhich isn't much! 40's sex symbol Rita Hayworth, famed for her dancing, is perhaps a little too old for the part, but she still manages to heat up the screen, particularly when it comes to her performing the legendary Dance of the Seven Veils.
As Biblical tales go, 'Salome' has plenty of melodrama and intrigue, but not enough action or spectacle for this viewer. For examples of how these things should really be done, watch Ben Hur or The Ten Commandments.