The Great Commandment (1939)
I happened on this little known religious film quite by accident during the wee hours of the morning on Easter. The Great Commandment refers to what Jesus said, an additional commandment to love one another as I have loved you. Those words are put to the test by a new follower of the Nazarene when his brother is killed by a Roman soldier during a village uprising. (IMDB bkoganbing from Buffalo, New York)
Salome (1953) Rita Hayworth, Stewart Granger, Charles Laughton
Forget the critics and concerns over over-acting, under-acting, script quality, and historical accuracy. Relax and settle back with your favorite snack and enjoy this opulent visual feast. Charles Laughton as a pleasure-obsessed Herod and Judith Anderson as a scheming power-hungry Herodias delightfully chew up the scenery, while Jean Louis' costumes alone make this movie worth watching. But the crowning achievement of this film is the electrifying Dance of the Seven Veils as performed by Rita Hayworth.
Both earthy and ethereal at the same time, she commands our fascination as well as Herod's. As she effortlessly glides- minus 6 veils- up the steps to place herself at Herod's feet- offering him the promise of unimaginable pleasures- she is stunningly photographed and glowing with a golden aura. Had she made no other films, this dance performance alone would have ensured her place as Hollywood's reigning Love Goddess. (robertvoyager@aol.com) from Boston, Massachusetts
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The Big Fisherman (1959) NOT ON VIDEO
Walt Disney arranged for Buena Vista Distribution (a company formed to release Disney films instead of RKO) to release the film as he wanted a long biblical epic to compete with the other major studios. In particular, he wanted to cash in on their successes, particularly that of BEN-HUR.
THE BIG FISHERMAN was nominated for several Oscars, a testament to the quality of the film and its technical professionals. Of course, it lost to BEN-HUR (almost everybody lost to BEN-HUR).
The film is based on Lloyd C. Douglas' novel, a sequel to his massive bestselling book THE ROBE. The performances are consistently excellent. Howard Keel creates a moving and heart-felt portrait of Simon/Peter. There are several other standout performances. For example, Jonathan Harris as the chief steward in the palace of Herod Antipas. This was before his memorable turn as Dr. Zachary Smith in LOST IN SPACE. The best way to describe his characterization is to borrow a line from MY FAIR LADY: "Oozing charm from every pour, he oiled his way around the floor." Herbet Lom and Martha Hyer (as Antipas and Herodias) are particular standouts.
It is a pity that this title is not available on video, preferably on DVD, where it's widescreen image can be preserved. I'm surprised that TCM hasn't gotten hold of this, unless it's a case of who owns the legal rights; possibly Buena Vista, the original distributor (which, of course, involves the Walt Disney Studios, who have their own strong home video distribution system). Perhaps these copyright owners feel that no decent elements exist for a DVD transfer. Perhaps they feel that the title just wouldn't find a large enough market to justify the cost of transferring such a long movie. That is a misguided belief. Anyway, it's still a pity. It deserves to be seen again. (IMDB al-eaton from Longmont, Colorado)
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Howard Keel says in his posthumously published memoirs that he grabbed the part of Simon Peter in The Big Fisherman to prove his versatility as an actor. Musicals were pretty much done by that time and he was free of his MGM contract.
He got the role after John Wayne turned the part down. That one was an eye opener I have to say. My conception of St. Peter has always been that of a big hale and hearty man used to working in the outdoors.
Keel liked making the film and had high hopes for it. Unfortunately it ran up against Ben-Hur another filmed biblically based novel this time with the protagonist being a fictional character. Additionally The Big Fisherman got lost somewhere in the corporate doings of Buena Vista Films and the Walt Disney studio. Back in the Fifties, Buena Vista did distribute films not necessarily with the Walt Disney brand on them. It's been seen on television a few times, I saw it again about 12 years ago. It should be seen in theaters though. Like Ben-Hur something is lost even with a letter box version.
But can you imagine John Wayne as St. Peter? Turn that one over in your minds. (IMDB bkoganbing from Buffalo, New York
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