Alexander the Great (1956 film)
| Alexander the Great | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Robert Rossen |
| Produced by | Robert Rossen |
| Written by | Robert Rossen |
| Starring |
Richard Burton Fredric March Claire Bloom Danielle Darrieux |
| Music by | Mario Nascimbene |
| Cinematography | Robert Krasker |
| Edited by | Ralph Kemplen |
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Production
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| Distributed by | United Artists |
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Release date
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Running time
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141 minutes |
| Country | United States Spain |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $2.5 million (US) |
Alexander the Great is a 1956 epic historical drama film written, produced and directed by Robert Rossen about the life of Macedonian general and king Alexander the Great. It was released by United Artists and stars Richard Burton as Alexander along with a large ensemble cast. Italian composer Mario Nascimbene contributed the film score.
In the beginning of the film, Demosthenes is propagating for war to resist Philip II's takeover of Greek city-states.
While Philip II is leading a campaign to take over Olynthus, he is informed that his spouse Olympias has borne him a son who, she claims, is "a god born of a god." Philip is angry because he suspects that Olympias has committed adultery and that she was not impregnated by a god; however, General Parmenio advises the king to let Alexander grow up and succeed him.
While growing up, Alexander receives instruction in history, mathematics, logic and other subjects from Aristotle in Mieza. Alexander is eager to rule and tells his tutor that like Achilles he would rather have a "short life with glory" than a "long life of obscurity." Philip then decides to send Alexander to the Macedonian capital, Pella, as a regent to rule the city while Philip is away fighting wars. This is done to prevent Olympias from spreading rumors about her husband's death. Alexander uses this opportunity to rule in his own right — he becomes neither a pawn of his mother nor his father. Alexander later joins Philip and they go on campaigns of conquest together to places such as Athens in the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE. After the battle is won, Alexander demands that no Greek city-state ever bear arms against Pella and that they supply men, arms, and ships for the war against Persia.
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Wikipedia