Legions of the Nile (1959) DVD

Writers:

Vittorio Cottafavi,  Giorgio Cristallini, Arnaldo Marrosu, Ennio De Concini, Natividad Zaro

 

Linda Cristal,  Ettore Manni,  Georges Marchal, Conrado San Martín, María Mahor, Alfredo Mayo

 

Released not long before a much more spectacular Cleopatra came along to make Elizabeth Taylor even more famous, this routine drama by Vittorio Cottafavi, a director who favors historical epics, is no competition. The prelude to Cleopatra's demise is the main focus of attention, but in this drama Mark Antony's presence is usurped by the Roman envoy Curridius (Ettore Manni). Curridius travels all the way from Rome to warn Antony that the powers-that-be are not thrilled with his behavior. Along the way, he faces one danger after another and then encounters Cleopatra (Linda Cristal) to make it all seem worth the effort. Gladiators in combat, underwater fights, and other impressive action scenes enliven the story. 

 

20th Century-Fox bought this film from its producers for $1 million and shelved it so it wouldn't draw potential customers away from its own upcoming "sword-and-sandal" epic, Cleopatra (1963).     

 

Region 0 (ALL), will play in all DVD players, English, 90 minutes, Eastmancolor, 20th Century Fox, good print.