Sodom and Gomorrah

Given the cast and what looks like a decent allocation of resources, this ought to have been much better. As it is, it is very much a poor cousin in the family of biblical epics - despite the fact that it has one of the better stories from the Old testament. Lot (Stewart Granger) is the leader of the Hebrews who rather naively believes that he and his tribe can peacefully co-exist with the rather decadent and profligate Sodomites under their Queen (Anouk Aimee). Stanley Baker (Astaroth) provides the jealousy and plotting and Pier Angeli the smouldering glamour. The tale is pretty much faithful to the Genesis chapters from which it comes, but it is a very slow-burning, stodgy affair that takes an age to get going. Baker (not often said) is by far the more engaging character of the four leading roles, otherwise it is really just a lavishly staged and costumed portrayal of decadence and luxury with an instantly recognisable score from Miklós Rósza. Granger was a class act on screen; he had charisma in spades which he uses to less effect here but he still lends enough presence to keep this from being a total write off.