This film was recently shown on British TV. I remember seeing the original in St. John's Newfoundland during my national service in the US Army. It was impressive then but, alas, not now! It was just one of many Hollywood attempts to get people away from the TV set and back into the movie theaters. Burton was just starting his career and he seemed awed and somewhat subdued in this film.
Unfortunately its main purpose today is as a source for laughter. Two early scenes, 2 handers, were played behind a mammoth statue with the statues rear end dominating the screen behind the actors! I guess Burton just did not yet have the clout to say "No way, Jose'"! Also spot some of the horrendous continuity errors and look out for the "dead" extra who moves his foot away from an advancing horse. Poor Harry Andrews (an excellent actor) as the dead Darius just carries on breathing as an intolerably long shot lingers on him. I don't blame him!
Unfortunately its main purpose today is as a source for laughter. Two early scenes, 2 handers, were played behind a mammoth statue with the statues rear end dominating the screen behind the actors! I guess Burton just did not yet have the clout to say "No way, Jose'"! Also spot some of the horrendous continuity errors and look out for the "dead" extra who moves his foot away from an advancing horse. Poor Harry Andrews (an excellent actor) as the dead Darius just carries on breathing as an intolerably long shot lingers on him. I don't blame him!
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