A mad King Herod (Edmund Purdom) during the ending of HEROD THE GREAT (1959)
You know that PEPLUM movies made in Italy are often disregarded simply because they're Italian productions. This movie is a great example. Great cast, excellent performance, solid production (sets, costumes, fx...) and story. If this had been made in the UK or Hollywood, with the same production, the movie would be remembered fondly but today it's almost totally forgotten. It's a sad thing since this one is so good. British bad boy Edmund Purdom gives a solid performance: you can see how evil Herod is and yet one doesn't despise him in a cartoonish way. One witnesses his evil ways.
I agree with what you say about this being dismissed because it is made in Italy but the same fate befell some Hollywood productions that are now all but forgotten. If I mention The Egyptian to most people I get a puzzled look.
ReplyDeleteAmen on your praise, brother. I grew up with these great Biblical epics, and even as a kid, I pretty much skipped over the religious stuff and glommed the gorgeous European actresses in flimsy harem costumes. Sylvia Lopez, yawzuh! Edmund Purdom might not have been a Laurence Olivier, but he had good looks and charisma.
ReplyDeleteAny actor that can go from this fantastic movie to the amazing Pieces has my nod of respect.
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