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Visitors Review

Reginald D. Garrard 2013-05-14 10:42:28

The movie belongs to Laughton and Anderson

Though the movie is known for star Rita Hayworth's "dance of the sevenveils," the over-the-top performances of Sir Charles Laughton and DameJudith Anderson are worth the price of admission. The pair play Herodand Herodias, two of the other central figures in the eventualbeheading of John the Baptist, played to the hilt by Alan Badel.Laughton alternates between seriousness and buffoonery as the king whocondemns the Baptist to death at the request of his wife. Andersonplays his wife in the same sinister wizardry as she had done earlier as"Mrs. Danvers" in "Rebecca." These are two pros that always made actingmincemeat of anyone around them.Hayworth looks good in her royal garb and does well in the role of theunwitting temptress, used by her mother to swing the tide against "TheBaptist." Co-star Stewart Granger is along for the ride as Hayworth'slove interest.Composer Daniele Amfitheatrof's music for the celebrated dance is quitememorable, made the more by Hayworth's foot and body work.

2013-05-14 05:02:36

loved this classic.

This review is from: Salome [VHS] (VHS Tape) these old christian classics will not be forgotten. i have seen these all again and really enjoyed them. they are not to be overlooked.

2013-05-10 22:02:02

Hayworth was made for color film!

Religious epics from the 50's ran the gamut from well-made and reverential films like "The Robe" and Academy Award-winning champ "Ben-Hur" to the camp entertainment of "The Ten Commandments" to downright awful productions like "The Silver Chalice"(Jack Palance at his overacting best).Well, "Salome" falls somewhere in the middle. It is both historically inaccurate and captivatingly seductive while attempting to be as pious as audiences of the decade demanded in their Bible-based dramas.This Rita Hayworth vehicle does well as a showcase for the actress/dancer whose natural beauty was enhanced in glorious Technicolor. As the daughter of King Herod, Hayworth's Salome is a study in contrasts: one that is torn between her duty to the monarchy and to the romantic advances of Christian-convert Stewart Granger.Charles Laughton is somewhat hammy as Herod, but all great actors have their occasional over-the-top roles. Dame Judith Anderson adds another evil matriarch to her long line of "bad girls" as Heroditus, wife of Herod and chief catalyst behind the beheading of John the Baptist (Alan Badel).Hey, the flick ain't Shakespeare, but it does hold the interest especially Hayworth's "Dance of the Seven Veils".

2013-05-10 10:13:22

Big budget doesn't always mean quality

This is another one of those big-budget, all-star cast biblical films made back in the fifties. This one here really isn't worth watching. The screenplay is adulterated and doesn't really follow the New Testament in the description of John the Baptist's life and teachings. As with most other biblical movies, it suffers from overacting from many of its stars and especially from Alan Badel (John the Baptist). The video versions aren't any different from TV viewings except that there won't be any commercials in the videocassette.

Jim 2013-04-16 21:44:19

VERY inaccurate

Obviously the directory never read the Bible. Or truth was something that just got in the way of the story he wanted to do. Nevertheless, the movie is somewhat enjoyable, but flawed.

BA_Harrison 2013-04-16 11:13:17

Not the greatest story ever told, but fun nevertheless.

The Bible has all of the best stories and the tale of Salome and howshe dances for Herod in exchange for the head of John the Baptist isamongst the most filmed. However, in this version, Salome (played bysexy Rita Hayworth) unwittingly causes the baptist's death, rather thanintentionally, making the movie something of a laughable affair.But if one can forget about the accuracy of the story for the duration,there is a lot of fun to be had from this cheesy star-studded effort.Stewart Granger plays his usual role of hero straight-faced, whilstCharles Laughton is marvellously oily as lecherous King Herod. Hammingit up even more than Laughton is Judith Anderson, whose evil QueenHerodias glowers theatrically throughout the proceedings. Blue-eyedAlan Badel is miscast as John the Baptist but, obviously believing thathe is capable of an Oscar worthy performance, he gives the parteverything he has—which isn't much! 40's sex symbol Rita Hayworth,famed for her dancing, is perhaps a little too old for the part, butshe still manages to heat up the screen, particularly when it comes toher performing the legendary Dance of the Seven Veils.As Biblical tales go, 'Salome' has plenty of melodrama and intrigue,but not enough action or spectacle for this viewer. For examples of howthese things should really be done, watch Ben Hur or The TenCommandments.

st-shot 2013-04-08 14:29:22

No one's using their head in Salome.

This Technicolor extravaganza built around "Gilda" Hayworth's big dancenumber as a watered down Salome is one dishonest and cowardly piece ofcommerce to behold. With its attractive stars, superb supporting stageand film actors as well as a highly respected director of epics(Wilhelm Dieterle) and a master cinematographer (Charles Lang) Salomestumbles along for the entire duration with two left feet.Taken from the familiar Biblical story of John the Baptist and laterspiced up by Oscar Wilde the producer's (Rita being one) tweak it alittle by downplaying Salome's culpability and having the rap to pinnedon mom (Judith Anderson) allowing Salome a chance to get religion andStew Granger as the film ends on a highly solemn and spiritual notewith the camera tilting to the sky where the words "This was thebeginning" are emblazoned. This after the stunning Miss Hayworthfinishes her incestuous two step striptease grinding up a marblestaircase in front of her step father, besotted Charley Laughton withDame Judith smirking approval. The marketers must have thought'something for the whole family'.Where do we begin? Dieterle who directed Laughton in Hunchback as wellas the unique fantasy world of a Midsummer's Night Dream fails toengage or create anything of authenticity or sincerity from performersto the cold barren sets and women draped in fabric colors usuallyreserved for Christmas wrapping. The B&W mastery of Lang ( Ace in theHole, The Magnificent Seven) is no where evident in garishly lit scenesdripping gold and bleeding red.Hayworth and Grainger are beautiful and brittle with Rita softeningSalome; reducing what should be driving vengeance to limpid piety.Cedric Hardwicke isn't around long enough to chew scenery but AlanBadel as a tripped out JtB is. Laughton's Herod is the biggest travestyof all as he monstrously overacts, spending most of his time waving hisarms or gripping Roman columns, his utterances unconvincingly pepperedwith pregnant pauses and hammy anxious expressions. He along withalmost anyone else involved in this pitiful production one might wellargue deserve the same fate as the Baptist. Salome is an out an outabomination.

sports7272 2013-04-08 07:00:46

It ain't necessarily so.

The things that you're liable to read in the bible it ain't necessarilyso.Does anyone really believe what it says in the bible?And for that matter who cares?Films are made as entertainment,not documentaries of fact So Rita Hayworth is past her best,but 10th rate Rita is better thanfirst rate any actress can achieve today.The film is worth watching as a colourful spectacle,especially thedance of the seven veils.What Jean Louis can do with a few saris and a few thousand yards ofsilk deserves an Oscar.

2013-03-26 08:31:27

a re-evaluation

Forget the critics and concerns over over-acting, under-acting, scriptquality, and historical accuracy. Relax and settle back with your favoritesnack and enjoy this opulent visual feast. Charles Laughton as apleasure-obsessed Herod and Judith Anderson as a scheming power-hungryHerodias delightfully chew up the scenery, while Jean Louis' costumesalonemake this movie worth watching. But the crowning achievement of this filmisthe electrifying Dance of the Seven Veils as performed by Rita Hayworth.Both earthy and ethereal at the same time, she commands our fascination aswell as Herod's. As she effortlessly glides- minus 6 veils- up the stepstoplace herself at Herod's feet- offering him the promise of unimaginablepleasures- she is stunningly photographed and glowing with a golden aura.Had she made no other films, this dance performance alone would haveensuredher place as Hollywood's reigning Love Goddess.

st-shot 2013-03-25 22:25:49

No one's using their head in Salome.

This Technicolor extravaganza built around "Gilda" Hayworth's big dancenumber as a watered down Salome is one dishonest and cowardly piece ofcommerce to behold. With its attractive stars, superb supporting stageand film actors as well as a highly respected director of epics(Wilhelm Diterle) and a master cinematographer (Charles Lang) Salomestumbles along for the entire duration with two left feet.Taken from the familiar Biblical story of John the Baptist and laterspiced up by Oscar Wilde the producer's (Rita being one) tweak it alittle by downplaying Salome's culpability and allowing the rap to bepinned on mom (Judith Anderson) allowing Salome a chance to getreligion and Stew Granger as the film ends on a highly solemn andspiritual note with the camera tilting to the sky where the words "Thiswas the beginning" are emblazoned. This after the stunning MissHayworth finishes her incestuous two step striptease grinding up amarble staircase in front of her step father, besotted Charley Laughtonwith Dame Judith smirking approval. The marketers must have thought'something for the whole family'.Where do we begin? Dieterle who directed Laughton in Hunchback as wellas the unique fantasy world of a Midsummer's Night Dream fails toengage or create anything of authenticity or sincerity from performersto the cold barren sets and women draped in fabric colors usuallyreserved for Christmas wrapping. The B&W mastery of Lang ( Ace in theHole, The Magnificent Seven) is no where evident in garishly lit scenesdripping gold and bleeding red.Hayworth and Grainger are beautiful and brittle with Rita softeningSalome; reducing what should be driving vengeance to limpid piety.Cedric Hardwicke isn't around long enough to chew scenery but AlanBadel as a tripped out JtB is. Laughton's Herod is the biggest travestyof all as he monstrously overacts, spending most of his time waving hisarms or gripping Roman columns, his utterances unconvincingly pepperedwith pregnant pauses and hammy anxious expressions. He along withalmost anyone else involved in this pitiful production one might wellargue deserve the same fate as the Baptist. Salome is an out an outabomination.

2013-03-20 08:21:43

A dance you'll never forget!

Rita Hayworth was not an outstanding actress, but she was breathtakingly beautiful. And her Dance of the Seven Veils? It's one of the most erotic scenes I've ever witnessed in a mainstream film. Plus, Charles Laughton and Judith Anderson are always fun to watch.OK, it's not "The Magnificent Ambersons." But it's certainly enjoyable viewing.

John Fox 2013-03-19 20:15:50

Location, location, location!

I have just caught up with this film shown on television for the firsttime in decades, and had forgotten how dreadfully dreary it was. Exceptthat, I thought that Charles Laughton's performance was quiteimpressive, given the awful context in which it had to be played out. As others have commented, the film has several "location" problems. The one I spotted at the beginning of the film was at the point whenthe audience is signalled that they will next see scenes set in "Rome".And what building comes up on the screen to underline that fact andindeed to illustrate the "buildings" of Imperial Rome? Why, nothingless than the Victor Emmanuele monument built between 1895 and 1911!

2013-03-18 11:12:47

RITA HAYWORTH WAS THE ORIGINAL SCREEN GODDESS!!!

This review is from: Salome [VHS] (VHS Tape) When it comes to Bible epics there's always going to be criticism in the accuracy, so I only watch for entertainment value. In the case of Salome I could care less if it was accurate in the storytelling, I just enjoyed seeing Rita Hayworth light up the screen and She was simply magnificent as Princess Salome!!! As mentioned in other reviews the famous dance of the seven veils alone is worth seeing the film! What a Woman!!! There will never be another Rita Hayworth!!!

emswan2004 2013-03-18 05:34:21

Beauty and the Bible

While this film does vary from the biblical storyline, it's worthwatching for Rita alone. She's a vision in all her scenes and very goodin her part, culminating in her 'Dance of the Seven Veils', which is atreasure. {I only wish it wasn't montaged with the death of theBaptist.} Rita never looked lovelier than she does here and her JeanLouis costumes are all drop-dead gorgeous. Stewart Granger is prettygood, better than usual, he and Rita having good chemistry here. It'swell cast, with actors Charles Laughton and Dame Judith Anderson bothexcellent as King Herod and Queen Herodias. Arnold Moss is slitheringas the evil adviser to Queen Herodias, though Alan Badel as John theBaptist seems more like a wild-eyed madman than a holy prophet. Thoughthere are some filler segments that are not up to the rest of the film,still I think it's excellent entertainment.

2013-03-13 00:36:44

Of couse it's bad BUT

It's great fun to watch! Everything about this is wrong -- te story of Salome is changed to make Salome a victim of her evil mother Herodias. Rita Hayworth looks more like 1950's Hollywood -- complete with gold hair, -- than a first century Jewish-Mediterrenean princess. But the prize for giving the most unintended laughs goes to John the Baptist in the hammiest, most overacted role ever in ANY Biblical film -- and indeed Hollywood has dozens of overacted Biblical films them. This film is enjoyable, pure kitschy entertainment - don't expect any deep theological interpretations of the Gospel account. Don't even expect an accurate interpretation.

PoppyField 2013-03-12 12:56:25

Stylised, colourful and fun!

Don't bother watching this film for historical accuracy. Watch it insteadfor entertainment value only and to see why Rita Hayworth was worshippedasa Goddess.You can almost feel the debauchery oozing out of Charles Laughton's Herodashe oils his way through the film. And Judith Anderson's Queen Herodias iscompletely over the top, but you can see where she's coming from and thatshe's a product of her circumstances. Stewart Granger is almost out ofplacehere as he's the only one not seriously hamming it up, but he still doesarelatively convincing job as Commander Claudius, improving as the filmprogresses.I love this film for the wonderful elocution-lesson delivery of thedialogueand the gloriously artificial colouring which give a lovely fantasyrecreation of biblical times: even though bad things happen, they justdon'tseem that bad. And even after all these years Rita Hayworth's dancing isavision to behold for men and women alike.

L. Denis Brown 2013-02-27 11:07:08

Pure Escapism, but a fascinating glimpse of history - Film History!

Although other films from the same period might be expected to receivea higher priority because they remain more significant today, it seemsamazing that this film has never been released as a DVD. Salome ishighly viewable, and anyone simply wanting to pass an evening bywatching a light entertaining film without regard to its message orsocial significance would probably find it an excellent choice. Suchfilms are among the most successful in video rental stores or as casualpurchases from store displays - consequently they bring in the greatestreturns for companies creating new DVD's from old films and are oftenselected in preference to much more significant works.What does Salome have going for it?. Firstly a good Technicolor printof the type which provides endlessly enjoyable images of the seas,skies and scenery so plentiful in the Mediterranean. Next a verypopular duration of around 100 minutes, a story which is widely knownand a one word title equally readily recognised. Thirdly a cast largelycomposed of great Hollywood stars of the period - a major selling pointusually far more important than the filmscript, direction or historicalaccuracy; and finally an electrifying near striptease performance by astar who has been referred to as the Hollywood love goddess of theperiod. To set against all this were the very poor reviews by mostcritics who condemned it for gross overacting, poor dialogue,unimaginative direction and historical inaccuracy - all of whichexperience suggests is of less importance than the cast for mostviewers (even those who study the critics), when they are simplylooking for an enjoyable and relaxing evening.Furthermore some of these criticisms are not easily sustained.'Overacting' is a qualitative term which first became important whenthe introduction of talkies in the 1930's made the exaggerated actionsand gestures of the silent era no longer necessary. Stage actors aretrained to overact so the distant members of their audience seated faraway 'up in the gods' can better follow what is going on. Donecarefully this type of overacting can be very effective in films withrather melodramatic story lines, and is often referred to as 'chewingup the scenery'. There is a lot of this in Salome, not only from Johnthe Baptist but also from both Herod and Herodias. Watching CharlesLaughton, as a very lecherous Herod, lasciviously rolling his eyes anddrooling at the mouth when Salome dances is one of the great joys ofthis film. It is true that Rita Hayworth was probably too old to play acharacter historically believed to have been so much younger, and shecertainly did not look the part of a Semitic princess, but she wastrained as a dancer from infancy and it is unlikely that the film wouldhave the same appeal today if any other Hollywood star of the periodhad been given the role. Historical inaccuracies are much more controversial. I take a verystrong objection to incorrect representations of what is factuallyestablished history unless it is made clear that this is being done.Here however historical records seem to be rather limited and notentirely self consistent, so some judgment is called for. Most of whatwe believe we know about Salome probably comes from records that aremore literary than historical. For hundreds of years much currentliterature comprised re-writing and fleshing out known stories whichmight have originated as oral history, legend, myth or pure fiction. Inthis case an additional complication is that the most widely knowncontemporary reference come from the Bible rather than from a worksolely written as history - something that often leads to publicreactions based more on emotion than on fact. Herod, Herodias andHerodias's daughter are well authenticated historical characters, butdoubts have even been raised as to whether the latter was actuallynamed Salome (some sources refer to her having the same name as hermother). History points to her age at the time as being 13 or 14 butthis is by inference rather than definite records. The account ofSalome dancing before Herod occupies about 200 words in each of thegospels of Mark and Matthew in the Bible. There is also a briefhistorical record of this dance and its outcome written by theRoman-Jewish historian Josephus. The story in this film reverses thebiblical story which indicates that Salome had no idea what reward toseek from Herod after dancing for him, but at the request of her motheragreed to ask for John's head. The reversal was demanded by a ColumbiaStudio head who did not want his star tagged with the label of a verybad girl, but historically it can also be found in Jules Massenet'sopera "Herodiade". In a film intended purely as a piece ofentertainment this reversal would be justifiable artistic licence solong as the change from the normally accepted story was clearlyindicated. Since this was not done, the film has been mercilessly butrather unfairly shredded by critics and viewers ever since. Nobodytoday would view it to learn the story and for those merely seeking anenjoyable evening's viewing, it is inconsequential. If a similar filmhad depicted a legend about which little was known historically, therewould have been much less controversy and, despite all its faults, thefilm would probably have remained much more highly regarded right up totoday (with copies on DVD readily available in almost every videostore). Anyone who wishes to view a more structured reconstruction ofthis story should watch the fine Ken Russell film based on the play byOscar Wilde (or even Nazimova's 1923 silent film), but for an evening'slight, enjoyable entertainment without heavy psychological musingschoose this 1953 film.

2013-02-26 21:50:41

Biblical epic from classic 50s period

Biblical films have always been a staple of Hollywood even in the silent era - "Quo Vadis" (1912), "Judith of Bethulia" (1914), "The 10 Commandments" (1923), "Ben Hur" (1926), and "King of Kings" (1927) were among the more prominent. When sound films began, religious films quickly followed with DeMille's "Sign of the Cross" (1932) but the film didn't do well at the box office, and other genres (gangster, westerns, romance, historical epics) predominated in the 30s and 40s with few exceptions. But with the success of Samson and Delilah (1949) a whole new series of biblical epics appeared - "David and Bathsheba" (1951), "Quo Vadis" (1951), "The Robe" (1953), "Demetrious and the Gladiators" (1954), "The Egyptian" (1954), "The 10 Commandments" (1956) "Solomon and Sheba" (1959), and "Ben Hur" (1959). Although religious films would continue in the 60s, the 50s was the decade for religious epics."Salome" is one of the lesser examples of the 50s religious epics. It had an all star cast with Rita Hayworth (Salome), Charles Laughton (King Herod), Stewart Granger, Judith Anderson (Queen Herodias) and Cedric Hardwicke (Tiberius). Alan Badel plays John the Baptist and Basil Sydney plays Pontius Pilate.Beautiful and sexy Rita Hayworth (1918-87) appeared in more than 60 films. At first she stressed her Latin background and her skills as a dancer (which are on display in this film). After several forgettable films she made her mark in Howard Hawks' "Only Angels Have Wings" (1939) and then went on to more acclaim in "The Strawberry Blonde" (1941) with Jimmy Cagney and "Blood and Sand" (1941) with Tyrone Power. She was a major cover girl in WW2 and is best remembered for her role as "Sadie Thompson" (1953). Charles Laughton (1899-1962) is arguably the most capable actor in Hollywood's golden era. His performances in films such as "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1936) and "Witness for the Prosecution " (1958) are peerless, and when you consider he received best actor nominations for both films, separated by more than 20 years, this by itself speaks volumes. He won the best actor award for his portrayal in "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933) and gave unforgettable performances as Quasimodo in "The Hunchback of Norte Dame" (1939) and Inspector Javert in "Les Miserables" (1935). Handsome Stewart Granger (1913-93) was a popular film star in the 40s and 50s in costume dramas and swashbuckling roles like "The Magic Bow" (1948), "King Solomon's Mines" (1950), and "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1952). I liked him best in "Scaramouche" (1952).Judith Anderson (1898-1992) was nominated for an Oscar for her role in "Rebecca" (1940) and 8 times for an Emmy, winning twice. In 1960 she was awarded the title "Dame" by Britain's Queen, and is usually called Dame Judith Anderson. Anderson made only a dozen films as she specialized in theatre. Sir Cedric Hardwicke's (1893-1964) strong voice and stony appearance graced nearly 100 films. He played the evil bishop in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), Dr. Livingstone in "Stanley and Livingstone" (1939), and King Arthur in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" (1949). I remember him best as the Pharaoh in "The Ten Commandments" (1956). Hardwicke is good as usual.The film is directed by William Dieterle (1893-1972). Dieterle was trained in the German expressionist film schools and emigrated to the U.S. in 1930 where he made several well received historical epics and was nominated for an Oscar for "The Life of Emile Zola" (1937). Among his best known works are "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (1941), "Duel in the Sun" (1946), and "Portrait of Jennie" (1948).1953 was a good year for film. The top grossing films were "Peter Pan", "The Robe", "From Here to Eternity", "Shane", and "How to Marry a Millionaire". The big Oscar winner was "From Here to Eternity" (Picture, Director, Supporting Actor and Actress). Other notable films that year were "Stalag 17", "The Wild One", "Titanic", the 3-D classic "House of Wax", "Roman Holiday", "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms", "The Desert Rats", and "Niagara".The NY Times' Bosley Crowther called the film "a flamboyant, Technicolored romance, based vaguely on a Biblical tale" and "a lush conglomeration of historical pretenses and make-believe, pseudo-religious ostentation and just plain insinuated sex." Nonetheless it came in at #8 at the box office.This is not a bad film, but there are so many better biblical films from this era, it's hard to recommend it strongly. The performances are good, perhaps a little hammy but not overly so, and of course, Rita Hayworth is delicious.

TheLittleSongbird 2013-02-26 09:45:59

Lovely to watch, with a mesmerising Hayworth, but it is pedestrian in pace, and plays around with the biblical story

Salome certainly isn't a terrible film, far from it. But I do think, asa biblical epic it is flawed in many ways. The costumes and the scenerywere a joy to the eyes, and the music was beautiful and a treat to theears. The acting is pretty good too, with Stewart Granger handsome inhis role, and Judith Anderson deliciously cruel as Herodias, thoughAnderson to be fair has given better performances in classics like AndThen There Were None and Rebecca. Charles Laughton gives one of hiscareer's weakest performances, but he is good as King Herod to someextent. The film's portrayal of John the Baptist from Alan Badel wasalso fine, but Salome's creme de la creme is Rita Hayworth in the titlerole. Entirely captivating and so beautiful, and she danced beautifullyin Dance of the Seven Veils which also happens to be a scene fromRichard Strauss's opera of the same name. However, the film's flawsinclude pedestrian pacing, an underdeveloped script and a story thatsuffers from a lot of tampering. Overall, deeply flawed, but watchablebiblical film, that is worth watching if only for Hayworth and Dance ofthe Seven Veils. 6/10 Bethany Cox

dbdumonteil 2013-02-25 22:17:17

Why does she dance?

The reason why you 'd like to sit through this is the four leads:RitaHayworth ,ideally cast as Salome ,a libidinous Charles Laughton ,a cruelJudith Anderson and a noble Stewart Granger.Plus a stint by Sir CedricHardwicke.Plus the director of the best version of "hunchback of Notre-Dame" at his kitchiest.Plus a fabulous dance of the seven veils.Plus gaudycolors and John the Baptist's head of course.But what remains,eg the essential ,is a really "free' adaptation of the holywrits.The script writers invented a Roman soldier with whom Salome falls inlove.BUT what will puzzle the Christians is that Salome dances not to getJohn's head,but to save him!!!.A happy end which will remind you of yourSunday school days.And that's not all:the plot even involves Pontius Pilatewhom Claudius (Granger) urged to become a Christian and to repent so that hewould go down in history as a soldier of a brand new religion.Well the mandid not wash his hands ,but he did not do what he was told either...whichdid not prevent him from going down in history anyway..