This re-working of the Biblical tale is an entertaining Italian "Sword & Sandal" movie,pre-dating the wave of Peplum Adventures that flooded the screens later in the decade,and well into the next.
Leonora Ruffo dazzles as Balkis,the newly crowned young Queen of Sheba,torn between her stifling cultural tradition,and her new found love for Prince Rehoboam(Gino Leurini),the son of King Solomon of Israel. Add to this scenario her jealous would-be suitor,Kabaal,Commander of Sheba's army. Her reciprocated love for Rehoboam turns to bitterness,however,as Rehoboam and his friend Isahar,in Sheba using aliases,are revealed to be spies for Israel.
They are aided and accompanied in their escape from Sheba by Ati(Dorian Gray),a handmaiden to Balkis,who has fallen in love with Isahar.
Meanwhile Balkis decides to lead her army against Jerusalem,a decision made easier by Rehoboam's perceived betrayal! This campaign results in a duel outside the city walls,with surprising combatants and consequences. These consequences later culminate in a chase and final confrontation between Rehoboam and the rascally Kabaal,which includes the endangered Balkis.
Gino Cervi is excellent as the Wise,Wily and. Judicious King Solomon(The story of the two Mothers is included and well presented). Marina Berti( Soon after her strong performance in "Quo Vadis") has a good secondary role as the beautiful,patient Phoenician Princess Zamora,waiting in vain for her betrothed, hesitant Rehoboam to name the day for their Wedding!
The sets and scenery are impressive,and are enhanced by some very good,sharp black and white cinematography by Mario Montuori: Some impressive Photogenic close-ups of Leonora Ruffo too. A mention also for the excellent Costume design:Note the Minoan influences of the ladies' apparel;Marina Berti/Zamora in particular. The action sequences are well staged: In fact solid direction all round by Pietro Francisci. Add to that Nino Rota's appropriate musical score ! Even the English dubbing is good.
One of my favourite movies of this genre.
Interestingly,this film proved very popular,and in the USA had an impressive initial 9 week run at New York's Astor Theatre.
