Daniela Rocca and Rod Taylor in COLOSSUS & THE AMAZON QUEEN (1960)
According to legend, Amazon warriors had one breast cut off, in order to help with their fighting or aim during battle. This aspect of the Amazons has never been shown authentically in any movie I've seen, and certainly not in this lightweight comedy. But a clever comprise was made: their uniforms had one great covered and padded down while exposing the other. It gives a faux impression of them having one breast. I always thought that this was a creative way of achieving this aspect of the female warriors. A comedy with excellent production values (from left-overs of SIEGE OF SYRACUSE (1960))
COLOSSUS AND THE AMAZON QUEEN is one of the very few Peplum films that actually works well as a comedy. The title, however, makes no sense at all.
ReplyDeleteThe origin of the word "Amazon" is disputed. A possible alternative source comes from Persian. It has nothing to do with breast amputation.
There are literally thousands of depictions of Amazons in Greek and Roman art. Not a single one of them shows right breast removal.
In legend the Amazons were the archenemies of the Ancient Greeks. Accordingly Greek heroes Hercules, Theseus, and Achilles each had to kill an Amazon Queen in single combat.
Feminists today regard this as a monstrous example of Ancient Greek sexism. However, one cannot be a hero without a worthy opponent.
Wall to wall beautiful babes in that film!
ReplyDeleteI read an interview in good old Starlog magazine where Rod Taylor was kind of embarrassed by his participation in this movie. He referred to it as his "skeleton in the closet", but admitted the filming experience was enjoyable. At the time he was apparently involved with Anita Ekberg, and spent some time in Italy, which in turn led to him being cast in this movie.
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