Sign of the Pagan
| Sign of the Pagan | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Douglas Sirk |
| Produced by | Albert J Cohen |
| Written by |
Oscar Brodney Barre Lyndon |
| Based on | story by Oscar Brodney |
| Starring |
Jeff Chandler Jack Palance Ludmilla Tcherina Rita Gam |
| Music by |
Hans J. Salter Frank Skinner |
| Cinematography | Russell Metty |
| Edited by | Milton Carruth |
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Production
company |
Universal Pictures
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| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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92 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $2.5 million (US rentals) |
Sign of the Pagan is a 1954 American CinemaScope Technicolor historical drama war film directed by Douglas Sirk starring Jeff Chandler, Jack Palance, Ludmilla Tcherina and Rita Gam.
During the fifth century, the Roman Empire is divided into two parts: the West, with its capital in Rome, run by Emperor Valentinian III, and the East, with its capital in Constantinople, run by Emperor Theodosius.
The Empire is under attack by the Huns under Attila. Roman soldier Marcian is carrying a message from Valentinian warning Theodosius against the Huns, when he is captured by Attila. Attila is impressed by Marcian's honesty and courage. He carves out the arrow that has been shot into his leg, causing Marcian to pass out.
Over the next few days, Attila keeps Marcian hostage in the hopes of learning more about the Romans' plans. The Huns capture a local king's family and Attila orders them killed, except for the daughter, Ilduco, whom he takes as his wife. Later, when Attila's daughter, Kubra, shows off her father's prize stallion, Marcian steals it and flees to Constantinople.
In Constantinople, Marcian is befriended by General Paulinus, who confides that Theodosius is planning to join forces with the Huns against Valentinian. This is confirmed when Marcian brings his emperor's message to Theodosius, who throws him out.
Theodosius' sister, Princess Pulcheria, calls Marcian to her chambers. She admits that she loves Rome, but is kept prisoner within the palace walls. She names Marcian the captain of her guard, asking him to protect her from Theodosius' mutiny.
That night, Theodosius holds a feast to welcome the Hun leaders. Although Attila has not been invited, he arrives to command the allegiance of all other Barbarians, and easily defeats the strongest man in Constantinople. Frightened, Theodosius offers him furs and jewels, but Attila demands only that Marcian teach the Huns how to use Roman weapons.
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Wikipedia