I glad to have finally watched this film for several reasons. First, because I like Tyrone Power in most of his films. Second, because I thought it might help me understand the concept behind bullfighting...something I have never been able to comprehend. And I can now say, having watched this film, that I still don't understand the concept of bullfighting. It seems like one of the dumbest, cruelest sports I have ever been aware of. Oh well, one out of two ain't bad.
If there's a problem with the film -- and it is an extremely well done movie -- it's that we already know how the film will end. That's obvious even before the opening credits role. The question is: will it be able to hold our attention for the 125 minute running time? And, despite a lull here and there, it does hold one's attention.
Oh, there is one other problem with the film. I don't think they utilized some of the supporting actors very well. Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell come off very well here; each is excellent. Rita Hayworth...well, she's reasonably good here, but I didn't find her performance anything special...other than for her looks.
This film was made a decade before Anthony Quinn became a true star, rather than an almost bit player. But I think in this film he showed great potential, but unfortunately he gets very little screen time. J. Carrol Naish comes off a little better, but not much. John Carradine gets more screen time than he often did in films; boy, was he skinny!!! George Reeves (later Superman) has a small role here; quite a handsome guy.
There are many nice little touches here that make you think you are experiencing Spanish culture of the era. Good production values.
Recommended...at least once.
If there's a problem with the film -- and it is an extremely well done movie -- it's that we already know how the film will end. That's obvious even before the opening credits role. The question is: will it be able to hold our attention for the 125 minute running time? And, despite a lull here and there, it does hold one's attention.
Oh, there is one other problem with the film. I don't think they utilized some of the supporting actors very well. Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell come off very well here; each is excellent. Rita Hayworth...well, she's reasonably good here, but I didn't find her performance anything special...other than for her looks.
This film was made a decade before Anthony Quinn became a true star, rather than an almost bit player. But I think in this film he showed great potential, but unfortunately he gets very little screen time. J. Carrol Naish comes off a little better, but not much. John Carradine gets more screen time than he often did in films; boy, was he skinny!!! George Reeves (later Superman) has a small role here; quite a handsome guy.
There are many nice little touches here that make you think you are experiencing Spanish culture of the era. Good production values.
Recommended...at least once.