Watching this movie is an interesting experience. It is indeed a real stinker, probably one of the worst big-budget epics made during that decade. It has one of the worst scripts ever utilized for a motion picture, with many laughable lines, terrible miscasting and horrible acting. Newman was right to be embarrassed by this film, but Virginia Mayo and Jack Palance should have been equally embarrassed. And Herbert Rudley tops them all as far as bad acting.
Yet.... it is beautifully designed, beautifully photographed, is beautifully composed for CinemaScope (the original stereophonic soundtrack is here as well), and boasts one of the greatest music scores ever written. Plus the fact that it was directed by a major talent whose other films are worth knowing: Victor Saville. That such a talented man could be responsible for this major disaster is indeed very disturbing. Sadly, it virtually ended his career.
This is worth a rental to see at least once to satisfy your curiosity. Turn up your speakers so you can bathe in the music at least.
Yet.... it is beautifully designed, beautifully photographed, is beautifully composed for CinemaScope (the original stereophonic soundtrack is here as well), and boasts one of the greatest music scores ever written. Plus the fact that it was directed by a major talent whose other films are worth knowing: Victor Saville. That such a talented man could be responsible for this major disaster is indeed very disturbing. Sadly, it virtually ended his career.
This is worth a rental to see at least once to satisfy your curiosity. Turn up your speakers so you can bathe in the music at least.