(1951 d. Mervyn LeRoy)
Quite long trailer for the epic
of the early 50's which had a running time of 171 minutes, and starred Robert
Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, Leo Genn and Buddy Baer. Notable in its
time for Ustinov's playing of Nero, a certain emphasis on brutality and a
scantily robed Deborah Kerr, tied to a post in the arena, whilst strongman Buddy
Baer barehanded fights a full grown Bull.
The stirring score was, written
by Miklos Rozsa, just dipping his feet in the water of epic films for the first
time. It was a very successful film in its time, and this long trailer (but not
the longest version produced so I am informed) shows many scenes from the film,
including the burning of Rome, and Deborah Kerr at the stake.
The print is of good though not
quite perfect quality, there are signs of damage on the master, and the colour
has faded a bit, but the 8mm prints by Cine Magnetics are first class, any
slight defects being on the master, and of no real importance. The sound as one
would expect from Curt Buchanan is first class, even though recorded at a low
level.
An excellent trailer, in typically 50's style, and an absolute must for the collector of the epic or spectacular. Recommended.
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Originally Distributed by: US Steel Valley
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This page was last updated 02 Dec 2002