The Egyptian (1954)

In ancient Egypt, a poor orphan becomes a genial physician and is eventually appointed at the Pharaoh's court where he witnesses palace intrigues and learns dangerous royal secrets.

Director:

Michael Curtiz

Writers:

Philip Dunne (screen play), Casey Robinson (screen play)

Stars:

Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Gene Tierney

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jean Simmons	...	Merit
Victor Mature	...	Horemheb
Gene Tierney	...	Baketamon
Michael Wilding	...	Akhnaton
Bella Darvi	...	Nefer
Peter Ustinov	...	Kaptah
Edmund Purdom	...	Sinuhe
Judith Evelyn	...	Taia
Henry Daniell	...	Mekere
John Carradine	...	Grave Robber
Carl Benton Reid	...	Senmut
Tommy Rettig	...	Thoth
Anitra Stevens	...	Queen Nefertiti

Storyline

In eighteenth dynasty Egypt, Sinuhe (Edmund Purdom), a poor orphan, becomes a brilliant physician and with his friend Horemheb (Victor Mature) is appointed to the service of the new Pharoah (Michael Wilding). Sinuhe's personal triumphs and tragedies are played against the larger canvas of the turbulent events of the eighteenth dynasty. As Sinuhe is drawn into court intrigues, and bizarre secrets are revealed to him, he learns the answers to the questions he has sought since his birth. Short on historical accuracy, but strong on plot and characterization.

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Plot Keywords:

egypt | epic | princess | afterlife | pyramid | 

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Taglines:

"I, Sinuhe, The Egyptian, have committed every crime against man, woman and the Gods..."

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Greek

Release Date:

17 December 1954 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

L'égyptien

Filming Locations:

Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

139 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Color by Deluxe)

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

While Queen Nefertiti (Anitra Stevens) and several of her daughters are depicted, no mention is made of the Pharaoh Akhenaten's (Michael Wilding's) most famous child, his son Tutankhamen. This may be because the plot of this movie required General Horemheb (Victor Mature) to become Pharaoh on Akhenaten's death, as well as in the projected sequel. Having the true and actual heir Tutankhamen, a well known historic figure, also in this movie could have been awkward. In actuality, Horemheb became Pharaoh only after the deaths of the Pharaoh Ay, who succeeded Tutankhamen, and Tutankhamen. Horemheb was Tutankhamen's loyal Chief General during his reign.

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Goofs

The outline of the thick back padding to protect the actor victims of the archers is plainly visible in the civil conflict scenes.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Sinuhe: [Older Sinuhe voiceover] I, Sinuhe the Egyptian, write this. In my place of exile on the shores of the Red Sea. There is no more desolate spot on earth. Soon the jackals and the vultures will make a poor meal of what is left of me. No monument will mark my resting place. I will leave only this, the story of my life. I have lived fully and deeply. I have tasted passion, crime and even murder. It is for you to judge me. You must weigh the good against the evil, the passion against the...

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Alternate Versions

The version of the film shown in the UK was shorter than the standard print by several seconds. Missing and apparently censored were the two shots of Nefer's head underwater as Sinuhe is attempting to kill her.

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Connections

Featured in Biography: Darryl F. Zanuck: 20th Century Filmmaker (1995)

User Reviews

"Imortality? I hold it in My Hand."

It happens often, while growing up, a Hollywood movie impresses a youth. It not only lasts a lifetime, but inspire him to study ancient cultures as a career. Such was the case, with the 1954 film entitled "The Egyptian." Audience were awed with the sets, costumes and great acting of this film, so much so, other films soon followed in like vain. This is the story of a young Egyptian boy who was left parent less soon after he was born. With such a dubious beginning, it is not hard to wonder why he will spend his life, asking questions. The boy Sinuhe, (Sin-oh-way) which means, 'He that is alone'(Edmund Purdom) grows to manhood and continues asking why, even as he graduates from The School Of Life to become a physician. During his formative years he acquires a lifelong friend named Kaptah brilliantly played by (Peter Ustinov), and Horemheb (Victor Mature) who raises from a simple officer of the guard to Commander of the Armies. His life offers everything from a quick rise in social status to condemned criminal, to outcast, a wondering healer, and eventually to a station in life he never expected. Fine acting goes to Jean Simmons as Merit, Michael Wilding as Akhnaton, Bella Darvi as the temptress, Nefer, and John Carradine as a memorable Grave robber. Tommy Rettig, plays Thoth, the son of the Egyptian. In his final years, 'He that is alone,' finally discovers the answer he had been seeking all his life, which he bequeathes to his son, now in the care of his lifelong friend. Excellent Film! ****