Very true, this incredible film has touches of De Mille, however, produced by the team who amazingly brought KING KONG to life. The special effects, state of the art back in the day, remain unforgettable. Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack put as much energy and creativity into this 30s epic as they did in Kong.
Historically inaccurate, but an outstanding tale of good versus bad. Preston Foster turns in what should have been an Oscar winning performance as the struggling blacksmith Marcus, tragically losing his wife and son and his faith, becoming a corrupt gladiator and eventually the richest man in the doomed town of Pompeii. As the incredible tale unfolds, Marcus adopts Flavius, the young son (John Wood) of a man he killed. Flavius meets Jesus Christ in his adult years and comes the challenging relationship between the two.
Beautifully mounted sets, endless action and exceptional acting make this a winner. Australian actor Wood is quite good as Flavius, perhaps the best performance of his career. Wood served in WWII, captured and held by the Japanese for many years, a hero off screen to many as well.
Interesting casting of Basil Rathbone as none other than Pontius PIlate, Alan Hale as Burbix, Louis Calhern and beautiful Dorothy Wilson as Clodia. Ward Bond has an early role as Murmex. A roster of classic movie stars if there ever was.
Based on Lord Lytton's book, thoughtfully written by Ruth Rose, wife of Schoedsack, who also co-wrote KING KONG, and perhaps had the giant of giants in mind. The explosive climax is one you definitely will not forget, and for a film nearing the century mark. It's that brilliant. A work of art, a labor of love to be sure. Later re-released in color, which is an absolute treat to see in all its glory.
Remade in 1960, starring muscular Steve Reeves, which also has its moments, but alas, the original is always the best. As mentioned by other reviewers, this film does hold up to KING OF KINGS and THE GREATEST STORY EVERY TOLD, again with shades of Cecil B. DeMille. Running time at 96 minutes and worth every second.
Thank you to TCM for running this masterpiece through the years. Always on dvd and remastered blu ray for completists.
Historically inaccurate, but an outstanding tale of good versus bad. Preston Foster turns in what should have been an Oscar winning performance as the struggling blacksmith Marcus, tragically losing his wife and son and his faith, becoming a corrupt gladiator and eventually the richest man in the doomed town of Pompeii. As the incredible tale unfolds, Marcus adopts Flavius, the young son (John Wood) of a man he killed. Flavius meets Jesus Christ in his adult years and comes the challenging relationship between the two.
Beautifully mounted sets, endless action and exceptional acting make this a winner. Australian actor Wood is quite good as Flavius, perhaps the best performance of his career. Wood served in WWII, captured and held by the Japanese for many years, a hero off screen to many as well.
Interesting casting of Basil Rathbone as none other than Pontius PIlate, Alan Hale as Burbix, Louis Calhern and beautiful Dorothy Wilson as Clodia. Ward Bond has an early role as Murmex. A roster of classic movie stars if there ever was.
Based on Lord Lytton's book, thoughtfully written by Ruth Rose, wife of Schoedsack, who also co-wrote KING KONG, and perhaps had the giant of giants in mind. The explosive climax is one you definitely will not forget, and for a film nearing the century mark. It's that brilliant. A work of art, a labor of love to be sure. Later re-released in color, which is an absolute treat to see in all its glory.
Remade in 1960, starring muscular Steve Reeves, which also has its moments, but alas, the original is always the best. As mentioned by other reviewers, this film does hold up to KING OF KINGS and THE GREATEST STORY EVERY TOLD, again with shades of Cecil B. DeMille. Running time at 96 minutes and worth every second.
Thank you to TCM for running this masterpiece through the years. Always on dvd and remastered blu ray for completists.