Solomon and Sheba
| Solomon and Sheba | |
|---|---|
 Lobby card |
|
| Directed by | King Vidor |
| Produced by | Ted Richmond Tyrone Power |
| Screenplay by | Anthony Veiller Paul Dudley George Bruce |
| Story by | Crane Wilbur |
| Starring |
Yul Brynner |
| Music by | Mario Nascimbene Malcolm Arnold (add. music) |
| Cinematography | Freddie Young |
| Editing by | Otto Ludwig |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
| Release date(s) |  24 December 1959 |
| Running time | 139 min |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $5 million |
Solomon and Sheba is a 1959 Biblical epic film made by Edward Small Productions and distributed by United Artists. The film stars Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, George Sanders and Marisa Pavan, with David Farrar, Harry Andrews, Jack Gwillim, Laurence Naismith, William Devlin, Jean Anderson and Finlay Currie. It was directed by King Vidor and produced by Ted Richmond and Tyrone Power from a screenplay by Anthony Veiller, Paul Dudley and George Bruce, based on a story by Crane Wilbur. The music score was by Mario Nascimbene with some additional cues by Malcolm Arnold, the cinematography by Freddie Young. The film was shot in Technirama.
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[edit] Plot synopsis
The film's theme differs substantially from Biblical sources, most notably in representing the Queen of Sheba as an ally of ancient Egypt in opposition to King Solomon of Israel.
Under the rule of King David, Israel is united and prosperous, although surrounded by enemies, including Egypt and its allies. The ageing King favours Solomon to succeed him, but his elder brother Adonijah (George Sanders), a warrior, declares himself King. When David learns of this, he publicly announces Solomon to be his successor. Adonijah and Joab, his general, withdraw in rage, but Solomon later offers his brother the command of the army, knowing that it may be used against him.
Israel continues to prosper under Solomon's rule. The Queen of Sheba (Gina Lollobrigida) conspires with the Egyptian Pharaoh to undermine Solomon's rule by seducing him and introducing Sheban pagan worship into Jerusalem. She makes a magnificent entry to Israel, bringing many gifts.
Solomon is indeed bewitched by the beautiful Queen and allows himself to be seduced. He loses the trust and loyalty of his people, but cannot help himself. The Queen blackmails him into allowing a Sheban 'love festival' to be held. Lightning from heaven destroys the Sheban altar and damages the newly-built Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon is publicly rebuked by the people; the High Priest and Nathan the Prophet disown him.
The Queen, now a believer in the power of the God of Israel, comes to the temple, but is stoned by the angry people.
Adonijah appears and fights Solomon for the crown, but Adonijah is killed after the Queen prays for Solomon's redemption. She is miraculously healed of her wounds, and returns to her homeland, now pregnant by Solomon.
[edit] Production
The film was shot in Madrid and Valdespartera, Zaragoza, Spain. It was the last film directed by Hollywood veteran King Vidor.
During filming in Madrid, the original star of the film, Tyrone Power, died of a heart attack after a gruelling duel scene with George Sanders. (The two had also filmed a sword fight in the 1942 film The Black Swan.) Yul Brynner took over the role, though Power can still be seen in long shots. The film is probably most noted for an orgy scene featuring Sheba (Lollobrigida) (see the lobby card) which was extremely licentious for Hollywood motion pictures of that era.
[edit] Cast
- Yul Brynner as Solomon
- Gina Lollobrigida as Queen of Sheba
- George Sanders as Adonijah
- Marisa Pavan as Abishag
- David Farrar as Pharaoh
- John Crawford as Joab
- Finlay Currie as David
- Harry Andrews as Baltor
- José Nieto as Ahab (as Jose Nieto)
- Maruchi Fresno as Bathsheba
- William Devlin as Nathan
- Jack Gwillim as Josiah
- Jean Anderson as Takyan
- Laurence Naismith as Hezrai (as Lawrence Naismith)
- Julio Peña as Zadok (as Julio Pena)
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Solomon and Sheba (1959 film) |
- Solomon and Sheba at the Internet Movie Database
- Solomon and Sheba at the TCM Movie Database
- Solomon and Sheba at AllRovi
- "Solomon & Sheba, Inc." Biblical Archaeology Society
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