The Biblical story of Noah and the Great Flood, with a parallel story of soldiers in the First World War.The Biblical story of Noah and the Great Flood, with a parallel story of soldiers in the First World War.The Biblical story of Noah and the Great Flood, with a parallel story of soldiers in the First World War.
Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
- Al
- (as Gwynn Williams)
- …
Ward Bond
- Flood Extra
- (uncredited)
Joe Bonomo
- Aide to Leader of Soldiers
- (uncredited)
Allan Cavan
- Stockbroker
- (uncredited)
- Directors
- Michael Curtiz
- Darryl F. Zanuck(uncredited)
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFor the flood sequence, Michael Curtiz had a huge tank constructed, containing more than 1 million gallons of water, with access spillways leading to the tops of the Babylonian temple set. When cinematographer Hal Mohr questioned him about the lack of safeguards, Curtiz reportedly replied, "They're just going to have to take their chances." Mohr, a survivor of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, was so appalled that he walked off the set. Barney McGill took over as cinematographer, and the stunt proceeded as planned. The water was released from the tanks, and 15 cameramen and countless extras thrashed about in the water for hours. Three people drowned, one had to have a leg amputated, and almost a dozen suffered broken limbs and other serious injuries.
- GoofsDuring the flood sequence (1 hr. 29 min. approx.) Japheth (George O'Brien) is clearly repeatedly calling/mouthing "Maria" as he searches for Dolores Costello. Her name in the Biblical sequence is MIRIAM. (And even in the WW1 story, she is named Marie (Not Maria !).)
- Crazy creditsGuinn 'Big Boy' Williams (Al/Ham) is listed in the credits as "Gwynn Williams."
- Alternate versionsThis premiered at 135 minutes, then was immediately cut for subsequent roadshow engagements, and then the "popular" run. Over 30 minutes of footage was taken out, including all the talking scenes involving Noah. This version was 11-reels in length(about 102 minutes). Producer Robert Youngson supervised a 1957 re-release, eliminating all talking sequences and inserting a narration. This version is 75 minutes long.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Magic Movie Moments (1953)
- SoundtracksFlight of the Bumble Bee
(1900) (uncredited)
Music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Played during the ticker tape scene
Featured review
The Blood and the Flood
After God destroys civilization in The Great Flood, biblical patriarch Paul McAllister (as Noah) thanks the Supreme Being for a successful trip. God's chosen captain, some selected wives, and pairs of the planet Earth's animals rode out the storm in "Noah's Ark". Alas, men immediately returned to their wicked ways - and the whole exercise was for naught. Events quickly lead up to The Great War (aka World War I), wherein blood replaces the flood. Jesus Christ notwithstanding, beautiful blonde Dolores Costello (as Marie) is sentenced to die on a cross, as a spy for her German brethren...
Hunky husband George O'Brien (as Travis) must somehow save her!
With Ms. Costello in dire straits, we flashback to tell the story of "Noah's Art" that ended in the film's opening prologue. In the Old Testament past, ever-lovely Costello (as Miriam) is led to be sacrificed as a virgin. While we wonder how a woman resembling Costello managed to remain a virgin, Mr. O'Brien (as Japheth) is blinded and put to work at a treadmill...
Only a miracle will save him!
The juxtaposition of "The Flood" and "The Blood" draws uncomfortable parallels; probably, filmmaker Darryl F. Zanuck didn't intend to imply God caused both. This is another film inspired by D.W. Griffith's colossal "Intolerance" (1916), but executed on the relatively smaller epic scale Cecil B. DeMille used in his original silent version of "The Ten Commandments" (1923). Again, we have "Biblical" and "Modern" stories being told, and not all too well. Still, the production values and close-ups are terrific. Some of the talking parts have been restored, but the color sequences are apparently lost.
******* Noah's Ark (11/1/28) Michael Curtiz ~ Dolores Costello, George O'Brien, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams, Noah Beery
Hunky husband George O'Brien (as Travis) must somehow save her!
With Ms. Costello in dire straits, we flashback to tell the story of "Noah's Art" that ended in the film's opening prologue. In the Old Testament past, ever-lovely Costello (as Miriam) is led to be sacrificed as a virgin. While we wonder how a woman resembling Costello managed to remain a virgin, Mr. O'Brien (as Japheth) is blinded and put to work at a treadmill...
Only a miracle will save him!
The juxtaposition of "The Flood" and "The Blood" draws uncomfortable parallels; probably, filmmaker Darryl F. Zanuck didn't intend to imply God caused both. This is another film inspired by D.W. Griffith's colossal "Intolerance" (1916), but executed on the relatively smaller epic scale Cecil B. DeMille used in his original silent version of "The Ten Commandments" (1923). Again, we have "Biblical" and "Modern" stories being told, and not all too well. Still, the production values and close-ups are terrific. Some of the talking parts have been restored, but the color sequences are apparently lost.
******* Noah's Ark (11/1/28) Michael Curtiz ~ Dolores Costello, George O'Brien, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams, Noah Beery
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- wes-connors
- Apr 4, 2011
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $1,005,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 15 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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