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Solomon and Sheba

Solomon and Sheba
Solomonshebalc7.jpeg
Lobby card
Directed by King Vidor
Produced by Ted Richmond
Screenplay by Anthony Veiller
Paul Dudley
George Bruce
Story by Crane Wilbur
Based on Books of Kings
Books of Chronicles
Starring Yul Brynner
Gina Lollobrigida
Music by Mario Nascimbene
Cinematography Fred A. Young
Edited by Otto Ludwig
Production
company
Edward Small Productions
Distributed by United Artists
Release date
  • October 27, 1959 (1959-10-27) (London premiere)
  • December 25, 1959 (1959-12-25) (New York City premiere)
Running time
141 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $5 million
Box office $12,200,000

Solomon and Sheba is a 1959 American epic historical romance film directed by King Vidor, shot in Technirama (color by Technicolor), and distributed by United Artists. It stars Yul Brynner as Solomon and Gina Lollobrigida as Sheba; and features George Sanders as Adonijah, Marisa Pavan as Abishag, and David Farrar as the Pharaoh. The film is a dramatization of events depicted in The Bible—the tenth chapter of the First Kings and the ninth chapter of Second Chronicles. The screenplay by Anthony Veiller, Paul Dudley, and George Bruce, was based on a story by Crane Wilbur.

The film's theme differs substantially from Biblical sources and is highly fictionalized, most notably in representing the Queen of Sheba as an ally of ancient Egypt in opposition to King Solomon of Israel, and in her having a love affair with Solomon.

Under the rule of King David, Israel is united and prosperous, although surrounded by enemies, including Egypt and its allies. The ageing King favours Solomon to succeed him, but his elder brother Adonijah (George Sanders), a warrior, declares himself King. When David learns of this, he publicly announces Solomon to be his successor. Adonijah and Joab, his general, withdraw in rage, but Solomon later offers his brother the command of the army, knowing that it may be used against him.


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