Solomon and Sheba (1959)

A previous reviewer states that this film IS historically inaccurate. You CANNOT make such a daft statement. We're talking about ancient history here where they are few if any contemporary writings and witnesses etc so NO ONE knows exactly what happened. Anyway does it really matter? A film should be watched and enjoyed for its entertainment value NOT its historic accuracy.I personally love this film. I love any film about ancient history and cultures. This film was made in 1959 when Hollywood still knew how to make great biblical epics. The scene where the Egyptian army is destroyed by the Israelites using their highly polished shields is sheer brilliance!Yul Brynner was brought in to replace Tyrone Power who died 3 day into filming, and here gives one of his best ever performances. Gina Lollobrigida is beautiful and seductive as the Queen of Sheba.I give this film 9 out of 10.

Two Outstanding Set-Pieces, the "Orgy" Ritual and the Final Battle Highlight this Slow, Talky, sometimes Dull Display of Hebrews, Egyptians, and for Spice the "Queen of Sheba" around a Thousand Years B.C.Taken from a few Snippets in the "Old Testament" it tells the Extra-Biblical Story of Solomon (Yul Brynner) and the Queen of Sheba (Gina Lollobrigida). "Sheba" (as she is called here) is sent by Pharaoh to Spy and Seduce Solomon into Revealing His Secrets.Speaking of Revealing. Sheba is Shown in an Array of Alluring Apparel to the Delight of Solomon and 1950's Audiences. There is much Prancing and Dancing.The Movie is Typical Cornball for the Genre that was about to End its Cycle a Year Later with "Ben-Hur" (1959) and although that Film Swept the Oscars the "Biblical Epic" and the Cheap Sword and Sandal Imitators were Designed for the Dustbin of Hollywood History after a Ten Year Run.This one is Worth a Watch with Low Expectations and for Eye-Candy Enthusiasts.Note...Tyrone Power died of a heart-attack during filming and was replaced by Brenner. The production does have a faded glow residue.

I saw SOLOMON AND SHEBA (1959) when I was 10 years-old and remember being quite impressed with King Vidor's last film. The production values seemed above average and the actors really stood as ancient figures in a frieze in my schoolboy's imagination. I have been able to watch the film several times since then and can only say that I am happy they did try to finish the film after the catastrophe of Tyrone Power's death. The situation faced by all must have been so desperate that everyone deserves praise for the great common effort necessary to pull the production through. I have reservations regarding the casting of several actors who seem totally wrong in their respective roles, notably George Sanders/Adonijah and David Farrar/Pharaoh. Yul Brynner does a decent job for someone who was rushed into Solomon's role. It is unfair to criticize him, trying to compare his performance to Tyrone Power's as we imagine it to have been. Gina Lollobrigida is excellent as Sheba. In fact, I see her at the center of the whole film, its unifying element. Her beauty is truly breathtaking and her orgiastic dance is the only good thing in a pagan ritual that deserved to be better choreographed. No doubt King Vidor deserved to end his illustrious career with a better film, but SOLOMON AND SHEBA remains a valid effort, nothing he should be ashamed of. Seen today, the film does stand as one of the finer biblical spectacles of the era, way better than THE ROBE (1953), THE SILVER CHALICE (1954) or ESTHER AND THE KING (1960).

1959...you want to go out to dinner and a show. You have your friends or perhaps you and your hunny bunny to go with. You may eat at home or go out...but all that is leading toward going to see this movie at that time. It was well worth a night out. Entertaining, good story, good length, has action, love, repentance, war, betrayal...In other words, all the human emotions that go along with mankind. The actors respect their roles and give all they have...The director understood some of the basics and gave the movie a good foundation. We cannot judge this movie by todays standards, so don't even try. It must stand on its own and in its own world. BTW, it would have done better if the starring role was more God centered and less everything else....Popcorn, some junior mints, red vines and this movie will keep you out of trouble for a couple of hours and give you pleasant thoughts to boot......enjoy