Robert Rossen directed only ten films, three of which are undisputed classics. This is certainly not one of them but is not without interest. It is customary to take a swipe at Hollywood historical epics and when Charlton Heston turned down the role of Alexander he said ''it is the easiest kind of movie to make badly."
Mr. Rossen has again written the screenplay and has evidently read his Plutarch. As played by Richard Burton the title character is resolute, courageous and combines a thirst for glory with a passion for supremacy. He also possesses a keen intellect which is due not least to his being tutored by none other than Aristotle. He is capable of both great magnaminity and excessive cruelty but of course the cruelty has been toned down here in keeping with the compromises of the Hollywood of the time. Not content with conquering the Persian empire he continued into India and of the 120,000 foot and 15,000 horse he took in, scarcely a quarter came out. He died at just thirty-three and his tombstone read "A tomb now suffices him for whom the world was not enough."
Viewed as a biopic it is somewhat bare-boned which is typical of the genre but hopefully it should encourage a few to read more of Alexander's life and complex character and to judge him in the context of his times.
Plenty of 'dubbing' going on of course, most of which is voiced by Robert Rietty whilst a band of sterling British thesps bring their own voices with them notably Harry Andrews, Peter Cushing, Michael Hordern, Niall MacGiness and Barry Jones. As for the ladies, Claire Bloom is alas far too twee and Danielle Darrieux far too French. The most fascinating casting is that of Fredric March as Philip of Macedon who is riveting in the role and brings all the subtleties of characterisation one has come to expect from this brilliant artiste.
Following this and 'The Robe', Mr. Burton vowed to make no more sword and sandals movies but of course he had not reckoned on the lure of Cleopatra. Never say never again.
Mr. Rossen has again written the screenplay and has evidently read his Plutarch. As played by Richard Burton the title character is resolute, courageous and combines a thirst for glory with a passion for supremacy. He also possesses a keen intellect which is due not least to his being tutored by none other than Aristotle. He is capable of both great magnaminity and excessive cruelty but of course the cruelty has been toned down here in keeping with the compromises of the Hollywood of the time. Not content with conquering the Persian empire he continued into India and of the 120,000 foot and 15,000 horse he took in, scarcely a quarter came out. He died at just thirty-three and his tombstone read "A tomb now suffices him for whom the world was not enough."
Viewed as a biopic it is somewhat bare-boned which is typical of the genre but hopefully it should encourage a few to read more of Alexander's life and complex character and to judge him in the context of his times.
Plenty of 'dubbing' going on of course, most of which is voiced by Robert Rietty whilst a band of sterling British thesps bring their own voices with them notably Harry Andrews, Peter Cushing, Michael Hordern, Niall MacGiness and Barry Jones. As for the ladies, Claire Bloom is alas far too twee and Danielle Darrieux far too French. The most fascinating casting is that of Fredric March as Philip of Macedon who is riveting in the role and brings all the subtleties of characterisation one has come to expect from this brilliant artiste.
Following this and 'The Robe', Mr. Burton vowed to make no more sword and sandals movies but of course he had not reckoned on the lure of Cleopatra. Never say never again.