Slaves of Babylon explained

Slaves of Babylon
Director:William Castle
Producer:Sam Katzman
Screenplay:DeVallon Scott
Story:DeVallon Scott
Starring:Richard Conte
Linda Christian
Cinematography:Henry Freulich
Editing:William A. Lyon
Color Process:Technicolor
Distributor:Columbia Pictures
Studio:Columbia Pictures
Runtime:82 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English

Slaves of Babylon is a 1953 American adventure film directed by William Castle and starring Richard Conte and Linda Christian[1] [2]

William Castle called it a "low budget extravaganza".[3]

Plot

In 586 BC the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the armies of king Nebuchadnezzar and its people were brought captive into Babylon. After decades of subjugation by their Babylonian masters the Jews are crying out for a saviour. The prophet Daniel dispatches Nahum, one of his faithful servants, to search the faraway empire of Media for a young shepherd named Cyrus, who unknowingly is destined to become Cyrus, king of the Persians, who holds the key to the freedom of the Jewish people.

Cast

Production

The film was announced by Katzman in November 1951. It was part of an eight-film slate he was making at Columbia, others including Prince of Pirates with Paul Henreid, Serpent of the Nile, Cairo to Suez, Jack McCall, Desperado, The Pathfinder, Siren of Bagdad and Flame of Calcutta.[4]

In January 1952 the film was formally put on the schedule. It was part of the early 50s boom in Biblical era pictures.[5] In May Kaztman said the film would start in November.[6]

In July Richard Conte was announced as Nahum.[7]

In October 1952 it was announced Richard Conte's wife Ruth would make her film debut in the movie under the name "Ruth Storey" and that Linda Christian would also appear.[8] The same month Katzman said William Castle would direct following Conquest of Cochise.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: Sam Katzman: He Makes The Serials . . 243 . New South Wales, Australia . 20 September 1953 . 8 March 2016 . 15 . National Library of Australia.
    News: Schallert, Edwin. Drama: Dunne and MacMurray Reunion Hinted; Sam Katzman Slate Notable. Los Angeles Times. 21 November 1951. A7.
  2. News: SLAVES OF BABYLON (Columbia). Picture Show. London. 62. 1605. Jan 2, 1954. 10.
  3. Book: Castle, William. Step right up! : ... I'm gonna scare the pants off America. 1976 . Putnam . 124.
  4. News: Drama: Dunne and MacMurray Reunion Hinted; Sam Katzman Slate Notable. Schallert, Edwin. Nov 21, 1951. Los Angeles Times. A7.
  5. News: Gary Cooper to Star in 'Springfield Rifle;' Korvin to Stage-Direct. Schallert, Edwin. Jan 15, 1952. Los Angeles Times. 17.
  6. News: Drama: Minnelli Will Guide Astaire, Fabray; Big Oriental Fete Slated. Schallert, Edwin. May 31, 1952. Los Angeles Times. A7.
  7. News: Drama: 'Don Juan in Hell' Set; Conte to Change Pace; Hayes Covets 'Lives'. Schallert, Edwin. July 12, 1952. Los Angeles Times. 9.
  8. News: Cornel Wilde Possible for Spain Project; Ford May Guide Cinerama. Schallert, Edwin. Oct 4, 1952. Los Angeles Times. 11.
  9. News: Eva Bartók With Duff; Lovejoy Faces 'Trial;' 'Moulin Rouge' Rushed. Scheuer, Philip K.. Oct 31, 1952. Los Angeles Times. B7.