Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46861 in DVD

Customer Reviews

Well worth owning.
In searching for this movie I found there are two DVD products available along with a VHS version. There were complaints about the video/audio quality on the other DVD and VHS versions, so I bought this one. This DVD is also produced in China like the other version, but I have no complaints about the video or audio quality. According to the box: "For this new edition a 35mm interpositive was made from the original 3-strip Technicolor nitrate negative, and digitally transfered. The soundtrack has been transfered from the 35mm optical positive protection master.".
My only complaint is that it is not in wide screen format.
Because it is a product of China the subtitles are in Chinese and it doesn't have the usual top menu system. You pop the DVD in and the movie begins playing. There are no special features except at the end of the movie you can watch the theatrical trailers for two other DeMille classics.
I won't waste time reviewing the plot or actor's performances - there are already some great reviews containing that information on the other versions available here, which I would only be duplicating.
I recommend you read the reviews of the other DVD and VHS version, then play it safe and buy THIS one because of the poor quality reports on the others.

Be Careful when Samson Runs Free & More Careful yet when He is in Chains!
The '50 was the "Sword & Sandal Movies" decade. Uncountable films of the genre were released. The most notable: "The Ten Commandments" (1956) and "The Robe" (1958). Also in a very good supporting second line "The Egyptian" (1954), "Land of Pharaohs" (1955) and "Helen of Troy" (1956).
"Samson & Delilah" (1949) was nearer to the first group than the second.

A renowned specialist as Cecil B. DeMille was summoned to direct this movie.
He had a solid and successful experience in the genre, from first "Ten Commandments" (1923) version (he was responsible also for 1956's version) thru "The King of Kings" (1927) till "Cleopatra" (1934) and "The Crusades" (1935), he directed one blockbuster after other.

The script is based on the Biblical tale of Samson. This Hercules-like hero appeared among the Jews when they were oppressed by the Philistines.
The film depicts him as a rather naïve peasant in love with a Philistine girl. In order to gain her hand he kill barehanded a lion and won the prize.
Unfortunately for everyone a conjunction of mishap transform his wedding day in a bloody tragedy.
Delilah, his would-be sister-in-law swears revenge. She will not stop until poor Samson is rendered powerless and delivered into his enemies' hands.

The movie is outstanding in several categories: Costumes and Set Decoration both won the Oscar; Cinematography, Special Effects and Music Scoring were nominated. Remember that in those days the Oscar Award was an undisputed Major Award.

As for the performing, Victor Mature had the perfect physique-du-role and he will profit from it in following years starring and co-starring "The Robe" (1953) and "Demetrius & the Gladiators" (1954) amongst other films.
Hedy Lamarr was a gorgeous vamp as Delilah and played the seducer's role perfectly.

For me there are two unforgettable scenes: one Samson defeating an entire Philistine army armed only with an ass' jaw bone; the other the Hero smashing the temple.

It is a very good Ancient History related film.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Lamarr's beauty took audience's breath away...
Hedy Lamarr took the title role of Delilah and made it her own... She was full and sparkling as the Philistine temptress, the central figure of Samson's last love story, dark and troubled when she took advantage of Samson's confidence to betray him to his enemies, repent and full of love when she sees him blinded and disgraced... Her name has since become synonymous with a voluptuous treacherous woman...

Victor Mature was a mighty, troubled Samson, beset by conflicting emotions, totally dominated by a pagan woman... He teases with her, perhaps showing some smarts here for a change... He falls victim to his enemies through the love of Delilah, a sophisticated beauty with innate elegance, who beguiles him into revealing the secret of his strength... His performance was always up to the standard of Lamarr... Together, they acted with wonderful passion and were as convincing dramatically as long-suffering Hebrews as they were Philistines drunk with victory...

George Sanders, whose dignified presence was a perfect match for the Saran of Gaza, admires Samson for his strength, and envies him for the love of his people... He persuades Delilah to find out what is the source of Samson's strength so they can destroy him...

"Samson and Delilah' is a film of emotion, of love, and action... It is at once a wonderful, and rich historical look at an ancient era, an excuse for beautiful and passionate music, and a thrilling climax hardly rivaled in its size and lavishness... The film is wonderful to look at, and the music is terrific...

Look for Russ Tamblyn playing the little shepherd Saul...