I haven't seen this very rare film yet so I'm assuming that's Jole Fierro. But I'm certain that's Tamberlani behind her. It looks like such an interesting pre-HERCULES epic that's simply impossible to get a hold of.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
By the Gods!
I haven't seen this very rare film yet so I'm assuming that's Jole Fierro. But I'm certain that's Tamberlani behind her. It looks like such an interesting pre-HERCULES epic that's simply impossible to get a hold of.
Gods of Egypt Official Trailer
Trailer for the film I posted about almost 2 years ago starring Gerard Butler.
Some of the least convincing CGI I've seen in a long time.
Monday, January 18, 2016
By the Gods!
Turhan Bey and Gloria Grahame squabble over a spy in PRISONERS OF THE CASBAH
This film is basically a comedy. If you don't get it, you won't like it. I like it.
Movie Poster Mondays
Belgian poster for POPPEA'S HOT NIGHTS
Ah yes orgies. A PEPLUM cliché! Not to be confused with POPPEA - A PROSTITUTE IN SERVICE OF THE EMPEROR
Thursday, January 14, 2016
By the Gods!
A thirsty Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) is given water by an unseen Jesus (Claude Heater) in BEN-HUR
Jesus often remained hidden in several biblical films made in the past, like he did in this film. It's almost as if it was blasphemous to show his face. Things would change considerably with the release of a couple films made after this, such as KING OF KINGS and THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD. Things would change even further with the TV mini-series JESUS OF NAZARETH directed by Zefferelli.
I actually like this approach. It gave Jesus a mysterious and mystical aspect few films or TV productions mentioned above were able to achieve. I don't know if an entire film on his story would work this way but making Jesus too human often robbed him of this special aura.
I actually like this approach. It gave Jesus a mysterious and mystical aspect few films or TV productions mentioned above were able to achieve. I don't know if an entire film on his story would work this way but making Jesus too human often robbed him of this special aura.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
By the Gods!
The film is well made (beautiful costumes and sets, etc) and it's solid entertainment but it's a mostly studio bound effort. Until the end with this duel. The film needed more of scenes like this to be more memorable. This was Gianna Maria Canale's last film.
Before and After : SPARTACO - SINS OF ROME
The first frame is from the old public domain copy and the second is from a restored version.
Gianna Maria Canale and Massimo Girotti are the actors.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
By the Gods!
Part of the cast from SON OF PARTACUS
From left to right : Franco Balducci, (short man uncredited), Roland Bartrop, Jacques Sernas, Gianna Maria Canale, Ombretta Colli and Steve Reeves. Cleaner is uncredited.
Nice scene. Shows the Romans as rich people wasting their time doing nothing important.
The Young Messiah - Trailer
Trailer for new Biblical film to be released in March, before Easter. Part of it was shot at Cinecittà.
Monday, January 11, 2016
By the Gods!
Massimo Girotti has a stern hold on Mylène Demongeot in GOLD FOR THE CAESARS
Everyone hates each other in this film. The title could be The Hateful Bunch. IMO, Massimo's role is never really defined. Mylène's hairstyle are totally anachronistic. That's Giulio Bosetti in the background. A solid film nonetheless if a bit unspectacular.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
By the Gods!
Solomon (Yul Brynner) welcomes Sheba (Gina Lollobrigida) in SOLOMON & SHEBA
Great production values (costumes, sets, etc) but terrible script. The film was plagued with problems, including the death of Tyrone Power who was to play Solomon. Gina looks like a million bucks here. Gina is still alive today, which is remarkable when you think about it.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
By the Gods!
Frank Gordon and Liana Orfei in MACISTE VS HERCULES IN THE VALLEY WOE
The identity of Frank Gordon has been a mystery for a very long time. This is his ONLY film credit so it's difficult to figure out who he is. Word on the street says his real name is Franco Gori. The beautiful Liana Orfei is related to Moria Orfei, who died recently. Liana is still alive.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Helen of Troy
PEPLUM X Tuesdays
Rossana Podestà
(this is my last PEPLUM X post. I'm trying to make changes for 2016 and I'm retiring this series)
Rossana Podestà
(this is my last PEPLUM X post. I'm trying to make changes for 2016 and I'm retiring this series)
Monday, January 4, 2016
By the Gods!
Tamara Lees and Carlo Ninchi in QUEEN OF BABYLON
One of the things I love about the PEPLUM genre are the costumes. Even if the film is so-so, if the costumes are wonderfully executed, it can save it from disaster. I have a beau fitful German copy of this film and I'll try to make a Fan Dub with the English track, which is so-so but the film looks quite good in its original state. This film wasn't shot in widescreen.
Movie Poster Mondays
German poster for THE PRODIGAL
Looks more exciting than the actual finished product