Rossana Podestà was a regular face in PEPLUM films for nearly 10 years. She first appeared in ULYSSES (1954) with Kirk Douglas and quickly made HELEN OF TROY (1956), directed by Robert Wise and co-starring Jacques Sernas. It was unusual for a Hollywood made epic to star two relatively unknown European actors who's voices had to be dubbed. Unfortunately her Hollywood career was cut short because the film wasn't a success and Rossana's career was relegated to European films, including other PEPLUM films. For 10 years she didn't seem to age at all, looking basically the same in all of them: a captivating beauty who could act. Rossana also appeared in THE SLAVE OF ROME which was Photo of the Day yesterday.
Uploaded to the BABES & BEAUTIES page
A young Rossana Podestà watches the wrestling match in ULYSSES
Rossana as Helen in HELEN OF TROY
Rossana with Jacques Sernas in HELEN OF TROY
Comic book cover for the Robert Wise epic
Rossana shared the screen with Yvonne De Carlo in THE SWORD & THE CROSS
Rossana in ALONE AGAINST ROME
Rossana in SODOM & GOMORRAH
Publicity photo for SODOM & GOMORRAH
Rossana Podestà lets a horse quench its thirst while filming SODOM & GOMORRAH
Several years after it's initial release HELEN OF TROY was rereleased and was a bigger hit. I think the reason was that audiences were more familiar with the actors. Rossana Podesta is a favorite of mine and a really good actress.
ReplyDeleteI like her as Helen, she is very attractive and has that other world quality, perhaps because of being dubbed. The DVD has a nice interview with her in character as Helen.
ReplyDeleteShe did quite a few other films too but was never in the Sophia or Gina league.