Slaves of Babylon
Slaves of Babylon is a 1953 American adventure film directed by William Castle and starring Richard Conte and Linda Christian[1][2]
| Slaves of Babylon | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | William Castle |
| Produced by | Sam Katzman |
| Screenplay by | DeVallon Scott |
| Story by | DeVallon Scott |
| Starring | Richard Conte Linda Christian |
| Cinematography | Henry Freulich |
| Edited by | William A. Lyon |
| Color process | Technicolor |
Production company | Columbia Pictures |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 82 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
William Castle called it a "low budget extravaganza".[3]
Plot
In 586 BC the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the armies of king Nebuchadnezzar and its people were brought captive into Babylon. After decades of subjugation by their Babylonian masters the Jews are crying out for a saviour. The prophet Daniel, dispatches Nahum, one of his faithful servants to search the faraway empire of Media for a young shepherd named Cyrus, who unknowingly is destined to become Cyrus, king of the Persians, who holds the key to the freedom of the Jewish people.
Cast
- Richard Conte as Nahum
- Linda Christian as Panthea
- Maurice Schwartz as Daniel
- Terence Kilburn as Cyrus
- Michael Ansara as Belshazzar
- Leslie Bradley as Nebuchadnezzar
- Ruth Storey as Rachel
- John Crawford as General Avil
- Ric Roman as Arrioch
- Robert Griffin as King Astyages
- Beatrice Maude as Cyrus' Foster Mother
- Wheaton Chambers as Cyrus' Foster Father
- Paul Purcell as Overseer
- Julie Newmar as Dancer-Assassin (as Julie Newmeyer)
Production
The film was announced by Katzman in November 1951. It was part of an eight-film slate he was making at Columbia, others including Prince of Pirates with Paul Henreid, Serpent of the Nile, Cairo to Suez, Jack McCall, Desperado, The Pathfinder, Siren of Bagdad and Flame of Calcutta.[4]
In January 1952 the film was formally put on the schedule. It was part of the early 50s boom in Biblical era pictures.[5] In May Kaztman said the film would start in November.[6]
In July Richard Conte was announced as Nahum.[7]
In October 1952 it was announced Richard Conte's wife Ruth would make her film debut in the movie under the name "Ruth Storey" and that Linda Christian would also appear.[8] The same month Katzman said William Castle would direct following Conquest of Cochise.[9]
References
- "Sam Katzman: He Makes The Serials". The Sunday Herald (Sydney) (243). New South Wales, Australia. 20 September 1953. p. 15. Retrieved 8 March 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
Schallert, Edwin (21 November 1951). "Drama: Dunne and MacMurray Reunion Hinted; Sam Katzman Slate Notable". Los Angeles Times. p. A7. - "SLAVES OF BABYLON (Columbia)". Picture Show. 62 (1605). London. Jan 2, 1954. p. 10.
- Castle, William (1976). Step right up! : ... I'm gonna scare the pants off America. Putnam. p. 124.
- Schallert, Edwin (Nov 21, 1951). "Drama: Dunne and MacMurray Reunion Hinted; Sam Katzman Slate Notable". Los Angeles Times. p. A7.
- Schallert, Edwin (Jan 15, 1952). "Gary Cooper to Star in 'Springfield Rifle;' Korvin to Stage-Direct". Los Angeles Times. p. 17.
- Schallert, Edwin (May 31, 1952). "Drama: Minnelli Will Guide Astaire, Fabray; Big Oriental Fete Slated". Los Angeles Times. p. A7.
- Schallert, Edwin (July 12, 1952). "Drama: 'Don Juan in Hell' Set; Conte to Change Pace; Hayes Covets 'Lives'". Los Angeles Times. p. 9.
- Schallert, Edwin (Oct 4, 1952). "Cornel Wilde Possible for Spain Project; Ford May Guide Cinerama". Los Angeles Times. p. 11.
- Scheuer, Philip K. (Oct 31, 1952). "Eva Bartók With Duff; Lovejoy Faces 'Trial;' 'Moulin Rouge' Rushed". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.