A captured architect designs an ingenious plan to ensure the impregnability of the tomb of a self-absorbed Pharaoh, obsessed with the security of his next life.A captured architect designs an ingenious plan to ensure the impregnability of the tomb of a self-absorbed Pharaoh, obsessed with the security of his next life.A captured architect designs an ingenious plan to ensure the impregnability of the tomb of a self-absorbed Pharaoh, obsessed with the security of his next life.
- Kyra
- (as Luisa Boni)
- Egyptian Architect
- (uncredited)
- Captain of the Guard
- (uncredited)
- Dancer at the Party
- (uncredited)
- Priest
- (uncredited)
- Nabuna, Nellifer's Bodyguard
- (uncredited)
- Bit Part
- (uncredited)
- Mea
- (uncredited)
- Dancer at the Party
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe movie was Producer and Director Howard Hawks' first commercial failure. It caused him to take a break from directing and travel through Europe for a few years. His next movie, Rio Bravo (1959), was the longest break between two movies in his career.
- GoofsIn the opening scene the pharaoh is described as a descendant of the sun god Amon / Amun. But during the Old Kingdom the the sun god was Ra. Amun only rose to prominence, and merged with Ra, as Amun-Ra, during the Middle Kingdom, some thousand years later.
- Quotes
Vashtar: Listen to them, Vashtar! This is a funeral, but they're not sad. They almost seem as if they're happy
Vashtar: The life they hope for in the future seems to mean more to them than their present life.
Vashtar's servant: I wonder if any of them ever saw or spoke to someone living in the future.
Vashtar: I don't think so, Mikka.
Vashtar's servant: I'd rather enjoy this life. Mind you, the wine in the grave sounds like a good idea, but how do I know I'll be thirsty?
- ConnectionsEdited into The Story of Mankind (1957)
It falls into the filmic splinter of historical epics that thrived greatly in the 50s and 60s, where a cast of thousands are costumed up to the nines, the sets sparkle and location photography smooths the eyes. Land of the Pharaohs has all these things, what it does lack is a high end action quotient, the makers choosing to craft a picture about intrigue in Pharaoh Khufu's (Hawkins) court as the great pyramid is constructed. This is not to say it's a dull picture, it maintains interest throughout, with shifty shenanigans afoot, femme fatale connivings and plenty of slaves standing proud for their cause. While the big finale is devilishly potent.
However, one has to really close off the ears at times to avoid the dreadfully wooden dialogue, and some scenes are painfully misplaced, such as the sight of a miscast 45 year old Hawkins wrestling with a bull, I kid you not. Also miscast is Collins, undeniably sexy, but never once does she convince as an Egyptian princess, and her make-up is awful. There are stars in the film, but it does in fact lack star power. The real stars are Tiomkin, Garmes and Harlan, who each bring the spectacle of the production to vivid life. It was a minor flop at the box office and Hawks pretty much disowned it, but it's not without intelligence and in spite of its flaws it's a good watch for historical epic loving adults. 6.5/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- Dec 28, 2013
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Howard Hawks' Land of the Pharaohs
- Filming locations
- The Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan, Egypt(Quarry scenes)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,900,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 46 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.55 : 1