Directions to two hours and 20 minutes, this biblical epic had a lot of problems getting released but still managed to come out with a profit. Perhaps the prophets weight of the Biblical times were looking over them and ask God to give King Vidor a break for his last film. It's an entertaining but overstuffed example of how certain producers and writers effort's to climb onto the certain bandwagons of hit genres of the time didn't always come together. The 1950's were overloaded with these sword-and-sandal widescreen extravaganzas, and if people could spare a couple of extra hours than the usual 90 minutes, they take them in just for the spectacle and an occasional unintentional laugh.
Obviously, the big battle scene towards the end was inspired by "The Ten Commandments", and the scene of charging chariots taken by surprise with a clever battle technique is quite a shocking moments. The story surrounds Solomon's efforts to hold on to his throne when neighboring countries to conquer him because of the country's belief in one God and Solomon's alleged wisdom which they are obviously envious of. This brings on the Queen of Sheba, played by the ravishing Gina Lollobrigida who delivers a sensational performance even if she isn't physically accurate historically.
When we first see the very tough Lollobrigida, she is charging past the Israeli Army led by George Sanders (as Solomon's much older brother) and ferociously whips his face until he collapses in shock. She's not one to be taken advantage of because she is a woman, and as we learn, Sheba has always had a queen, not a king. Sanders believes that by being King David's eldest surviving son, he will be the heir, but King David (Finlay Currie) has other ideas.
That's where Solomon comes in as king, played by Yul Brynner who replaced Tyrone Power. On the surface, Brenner is perfect, but I had a hard time accepting him as an Israeli king after seeing him as the Egyptian pharaoh in "The Ten Commandments" and the King of Siam in "The King and I". Tyrone Power certainly would have been a bit more reflective, but Brynnur, even in his quieter moments, is far too big as a performer to play a man who was presumably humble yet morally strong. With a dark wig and beard, Brynner does manage to look a bit different, but that voice betrays who he is with all that extra hair. Yet, you can't take your eyes off of him because he is such a fascinating personality.
While this is big in scope and huge of heart, containing many of the great stories that the Bible tells us about one of the wisest rulers ever on the face of our Earth, it seems far too forced to be completely successful. The story of the two women fighting over a child is a classic moment as is the attempted stoning of Sheba. Marisa Pavan has a nice supporting role as a woman in Solomon's Court who is obviously in love with him and pays for that love by praying for his wisdom to return when his temptations with Sheba becomes too much. That leads to a sequence of idol worship for Sheba and her people that is completely over-the-top. Utilizing ideas that were done in different ways and other epics made before this also shows a lack of creativity to make it stand out on its own.
Obviously, the big battle scene towards the end was inspired by "The Ten Commandments", and the scene of charging chariots taken by surprise with a clever battle technique is quite a shocking moments. The story surrounds Solomon's efforts to hold on to his throne when neighboring countries to conquer him because of the country's belief in one God and Solomon's alleged wisdom which they are obviously envious of. This brings on the Queen of Sheba, played by the ravishing Gina Lollobrigida who delivers a sensational performance even if she isn't physically accurate historically.
When we first see the very tough Lollobrigida, she is charging past the Israeli Army led by George Sanders (as Solomon's much older brother) and ferociously whips his face until he collapses in shock. She's not one to be taken advantage of because she is a woman, and as we learn, Sheba has always had a queen, not a king. Sanders believes that by being King David's eldest surviving son, he will be the heir, but King David (Finlay Currie) has other ideas.
That's where Solomon comes in as king, played by Yul Brynner who replaced Tyrone Power. On the surface, Brenner is perfect, but I had a hard time accepting him as an Israeli king after seeing him as the Egyptian pharaoh in "The Ten Commandments" and the King of Siam in "The King and I". Tyrone Power certainly would have been a bit more reflective, but Brynnur, even in his quieter moments, is far too big as a performer to play a man who was presumably humble yet morally strong. With a dark wig and beard, Brynner does manage to look a bit different, but that voice betrays who he is with all that extra hair. Yet, you can't take your eyes off of him because he is such a fascinating personality.
While this is big in scope and huge of heart, containing many of the great stories that the Bible tells us about one of the wisest rulers ever on the face of our Earth, it seems far too forced to be completely successful. The story of the two women fighting over a child is a classic moment as is the attempted stoning of Sheba. Marisa Pavan has a nice supporting role as a woman in Solomon's Court who is obviously in love with him and pays for that love by praying for his wisdom to return when his temptations with Sheba becomes too much. That leads to a sequence of idol worship for Sheba and her people that is completely over-the-top. Utilizing ideas that were done in different ways and other epics made before this also shows a lack of creativity to make it stand out on its own.