The Egyptian
The Egyptian is a 1954 American epic historical drama film made by 20th Century Fox. Filmed in CinemaScope with color by DeLuxe, it was directed by Michael Curtiz and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It is based on Mika Waltari's 1945 novel of the same name and the screenplay was adapted by Philip Dunne and Casey Robinson. Leading roles were played by Edmund Purdom, Bella Darvi, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Gene Tierney, Peter Ustinov, and Michael Wilding. Cinematographer Leon Shamroy was nominated for an Oscar in 1955.
Plot
Sinuhe (Edmund Purdom), a struggling physician in 18th dynasty Egypt (14th century BC), is thrown by chance into contact with the pharaoh Akhnaton (Michael Wilding). He rises to and falls from great prosperity, wanders the world, and becomes increasingly drawn towards a new religion spreading throughout Egypt. His companions throughout are his lover, a shy tavern maid named Merit (Jean Simmons); and his corrupt but likable servant, Kaptah (Peter Ustinov).
Cast
- Angela Clarke
- Bella Darvi
- Bruno VeSota
- Carl Benton Reid
- Donna Martell
- Edmund Cobb
- Edmund Purdom
- Gene Tierney
- George Melford
- Henry Daniell
- Ian MacDonald
- Jean Simmons
- John Carradine
- Judith Evelyn
- Larry Duran
- Leo Gordon
- Michael Ansara
- Michael Wilding
- Mike Mazurki
- Mimi Gibson
- Nico Minardos
- Peter Ustinov
- Tommy Rettig
- Victor Mature
More details
author | Casey Robinson Mika Waltari Philip Dunne |
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contentLocation | Egypt |
director | Michael Curtiz |
editor | Barbara McLean |
genre | drama historical |
keywords | 18th dynasty egypt 18th dynasty of egypt afterlife akhenaten akhnaton aten atenism baketamun beketaten christian condemn embalm epilepsy epileptic epileptic seizure evangelization exile fortune gordien foster parents future generation hate crime hatred help horemheb hunt iron jesus christ kill life story meet monolatristic monolatry old friend one night poison pray red sea return home spread struggle the king train typology valley of the kings write |
musicBy | Bernard Herrmann |
nomination | Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Color |
producer | Darryl F. Zanuck |
productionCompany | 20th Century Fox |
publisher | 20th Century Fox |
theme | epic religion |