Solomon and Sheba (1959)
Director: King Vidor
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| https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176236332980 |
Have been drawn to this particular genre of Hollywood films made during its golden era, when biblical stories were retold, sets were enormous, and actors were larger than life.
The Ten Commandments (1956), with its biblical storytelling, Ben-Hur (1959), with its iconic chariot race, and Spartacus (1960), with its cinematographic extravagance, all fall into this category. Hoping to replicate their previous box-office successes, the studio released the lavish production Cleopatra (1963). Its production costs, which included a $1 million paycheck to Elizabeth Taylor, the highest to an actress at that time, her extensive wardrobe, and shooting locations, nearly bankrupted the producers. Fortunately, Hollywood recovered their losses later through The Sound of Music (1965).
The Abrahamic scriptures offer a rich source for storytelling, similar to Hindu scriptures. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was popular to retell these stories with considerable artistic licence, adding elements of romance, suspense, and the moral and spiritual sins condemned by the Good Book. As a result, many films captivated audiences but were often disputed by theologians and historians alike for their historical accuracy. One such film is ‘Solomon and Sheba’ (1959).
The story of the Israelites has a fascinating history. What is now called Israel, the land of the Jews, existed as early as 3000 BCE. This region, including present-day Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, was inhabited by the Canaanites. The Canaanites were polytheists, the main deities being El, Asherah, Baal and Anat. Maybe, (since historians are divided), around 1270 BCE, the Exodus brought Canaanite slaves to this land. This group of people probably became monotheistic after being under the rule of Akhenaten, who worshipped Aten, the Sun God (different from Ra).
After 40 years in the wilderness, the slave mentality of the escapees evolved into one that could be ruled by their leader, Joshua. The Ten Commandments gave them guidance. The chiefdoms were united by Saul, their first King. Their later descendants, King David, expanded the kingdom and made Jerusalem their capital. Under King David, the land they occupied was called Israel, and it had a vast expanse and trade with its many neighbours.
The movie begins as King David is dying. David appoints the level-headed younger son, Solomon, as his heir rather than the military-minded elder son, Adonijah. Israel's enemy allied to bring down Solomon's rule. In cahoots with them is Adonijah's team. The Queen of Sheba, a nation south of the Arabian Peninsula, volunteers to visit Solomon with her gifts, assess the monarch, and probably sway him away from his people.
King Solomon's legendary wise decision at the court involving a baby and two grieving mothers, and the decision to cut the baby in half, is depicted here.
In the Biblical version, Sheba was just another kingdom with which Solomon had dealings. Their meetings were described as intellectual and diplomatic, between equals. In the movie version, they are romantically linked. Sheba, a non-believer of the Israeli God (should be logically referred to as Yahweh, but is referred to here as Jehovah), persuades Solomon to erect pagan temples. This angered Yahweh and led to his downfall, which is portrayed in the movie.
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| Gina Lollobrigida as Queen Sheba https://culturaltrash.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/ history-vs-hollywood-solomon-and-sheba-1959/ |
In the Ethiopian traditions, romantic liaisons are described, and a lineage is also said to have existed. King Solomon's son is said to have ruled Ethiopia.
Solomon is credited with building the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem and bringing peace and prosperity. His life began with deep devotion to God and later ended in a downfall. The temple was later destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar when he attacked and took the Jews as slaves. This happened after Solomon's reign.
Solomon is said to have had a large harem and over 700 foreign wives. In his later years, his popularity dwindled as he was influenced by his wives and had built pagan worship temples. His building spree also caused his citizens to pay more taxes.
After his demise, Israel split into two warring nations - the idolatrous Northern kingdom of Israel with its ten tribes and the Southern, Judah. The people from Judah came to be known as Jews. They were eventually conquered by Assyria and Babylon, respectively.
This is a rare instance in which Yul Brynner, who plays Solomon, is seen wearing a crown with hair. He, who often shaves his head after his successful role of King Mongkut in 'Anna and I', wore a wig. Tyrone Power was cast and completed two-thirds of filming before dying of a heart attack. Brynner was his replacement.
It paints a picture of ancient Israel as peaceful and a land of justice and liberty. In reality, as the Bible dictates, slavery was accepted, and imperial expansion was at its height. War is always ugly.
