Samson and Delilah

It probably goes without saying that the 1950s were the time of the biblical film. No doubt, the Bible has actually been the source of many other movies as far back as the silent era, but it was really during this decade, while production companies struggled to compete against the growth of television, that the genre, embodied by sword-and-sandal epics, was at the height of its popularity, producing numerous box-office hits. 'Samson and Delilah' is believed to be the very film which sparked the public's interest, becoming one of the biggest hits of that decade, as well as being one of the highest-grossing films of all time. However, compared to what soon came after, such 'The Ten Commandments,' 'Ben-Hur' and 'David and Bathsheba,' the tale of romance and vengeance can seem rather dry, leaving audiences thirsty for something with more grandeur. 

That's not to suggest the film lacks the sort of larger-than-life magnificence expected of the genre. In fact, its strength and much of its continued success is its production value, George Barnes's lush cinematography, the costume design and of course, the special effects. After all, this is a Cecil B. DeMille production, the renowned filmmaker known for his large-scale theatricality, extravagance and flamboyant, ornate staging. Most every scene is elaborately decorated and near ostentatious, every conversation lavished in radiant primaries and sparkling with the minutest detail carefully designed so that the suspension of disbelief is never ruined. Take for example, the tent scene where Delilah (a beautiful and superb Hedy Lamarr) seduces Samson (Victor Mature) to reveal the secret of his strength. It's a handsomely designed, orchestrated and executed sequence that showers the screen in rich colors.

Surely, what really brings down the house — or as it happens, what finally topples the temple — is the film's special-effects-laden grand finale, a literal "money shot" because it was the production's most expensive sequence. For those already familiar with the story, either the original tale or any other adapted version, this is where Samson regains his superhuman strength to destroy the Temple of Dagon by pushing against the huge stone pillars which support a humongous statue of the Mesopotamian god of fertility. Left to the imagination, it's a wild, fantastical moment signifying Samson's final dramatic act of faith. But in the hands of DeMille, working with special-effects supervisor Gordon Jennings, it becomes a dazzling, thrilling spectacle that astonishes — a combination of photographic optical effects and rather large models that ultimately makes the film quite memorable. 

The plot itself, inspired by the Book of Judges and based on Vladimir Jabotinsky's novel, is unfortunately not quite as impressive and fails to leave a lasting effect. Aside from its sweeping romantic element, which is actually born out of bitterness, obsession and vengeance — always the makings for a good story — there's not really not much else to the tale. The moral, is of course apparent, with ideas about faith and the sins of vanity plainly expressed through Samson fight against the Philistines, but of more interest is Lamarr's Delilah. She is the epitome of the old proverb, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," and it's fairly clear DeMille also thought her more fascinating, giving the character slightly more attention than the hero. Much of the story is really her journey from heartbroken child to vengeful, betraying vixen and then, to her eventual remorse.

DeMille makes her a complicated, layered character. It's a juicy, provocative role which Hedy Lamarr chews on with remarkable exuberance and oozing with racy magnetism. It's no wonder she takes top billing, and she does a phenomenal job carrying the whole story. It's a good thing too because Victor Mature's Samson comes off largely as big, wooden, charmless giant. Mature's concentration is in keeping his chest puffed out and arms held stiff, slightly extended to his sides, as if he's imaging himself unable to fit through doors. There's a great deal to admire in 'Samson and Delilah,' particularly in Lamarr's performance, but Mature's presence is an endlessly smiling behemoth threatening to bring the show to ruins. Remarkably, other aspects of the production, like stone pillars, hold it together for a still enjoyable sword-and-sandal biblical epic. 

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

Paramount Home Entertainment brings 'Samson and Delilah' to Blu-ray on a Region Free, BD50 disc inside a blue, eco-cutout case. At startup, viewers are taken to a static window showing a picture of the cover art with music playing in the background and menu options along the bottom.