Review of The Last Days of Pompeii

An entertaining early disaster movie with a solid performance from Preston Foster as the main character Marcus whose rise from Pompeiian blacksmith to a wealthy man owning gladiators is the main thrust of the story until Vesuvius blowing its top brings the film and the plot to an end satisfactorily. The shoeing in of the Pontius Pilate and Jesus strand doesn't quite work but otherwise the movie held my attention. The evocative sets and costumes look like money has been spent on them and the ensuing chaos and destruction when the volcano erupts still looks good today. It is easy to see that the director and producer of this film also made 'King Kong'. Besides Preston Foster there is capable acting from Basil Rathbone, Louis Calhern, young David Holt and Alan Hale. A pleasant Sunday afternoon viewing experience.