Sign of the Pagan (1954)

With the Roman Empire divided, Attila the Hun hopes to conquer. In his way are a brave centurion, a beautiful princess...and Christianity.

Director:

Douglas Sirk

Writers:

Oscar Brodney (screenplay), Barré Lyndon (screenplay) (as Barre Lyndon)

Stars:

Jeff Chandler, Jack Palance, Ludmilla Tchérina

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Chandler	...	Marcian
Jack Palance	...	Attila
Ludmilla Tchérina	...	Princess Pulcheria (as Ludmilla Tcherina)
Rita Gam	...	Kubra
Jeff Morrow	...	General Paulinus
George Dolenz	...	Emperor Theodosius
Eduard Franz	...	Astrologer
Allison Hayes	...	Ildico
Alexander Scourby	...	Chrysaphius
Howard Petrie	...	Gundahar
Michael Ansara	...	Edecon
Leo Gordon	...	Bleda
Moroni Olsen	...	Pope Leo I
Fred Nurney	...	Chamberlain
Sara Shane	...	Myra

Storyline

Roman centurion Marcian is captured by Attila the Hun en route to Constantinople, but escapes. On arrival, he finds the eastern Roman emperor Theodosius plotting with Attila to look the other way while the latter marches against Rome. But Marcian gains the favor of Pulcheria, lovely sister of Theodosius, who favors a united Empire. As Attila marches, things look bleak for the weakened imperial forces. But the conqueror has an awe of the power of the Christians' God...

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Plot Keywords:

constantinople | istanbul | byzantine empire | theodosian dynasty | marcian | 

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Taglines:

Against the ravaging hordes of ATTILA...stood a warrior's might and a people's faith! Against his ruthless pagan lusts...the power of a woman's love!

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Genres:

Adventure | Biography | Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 December 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Atila frente a Roma

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,300,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.00 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final film of Moroni Olsen.

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Goofs

All of the mounted troops have stirrups, which would not come into use in Europe for at least another four hundred years.

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Quotes

Pope Leo I: Rome is a Christian city, and the Temple of God!

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Crazy Credits

After the list of actors at the start of the film it says: "AND Statesmen, Citizens, Soldiers of the Armies of the Roman Empire and the Hordes of Attila"

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Connections

Referenced in The Long Day Closes (1992)

User Reviews

A classic because of Jack Palance

This movie is not exactly great, but it is probably my personal favorite. And it's all because of Jack Palance's performance as Attila the Hun. I just love Jack Palance. He is one of Hollywoods first real tough guys. Before Stallone and Van Damme, there was Palance. It is sad that his early films have been sort of forgotten. They were classics. And "Sign of the Pagan" was one of his finests acting jobs. He played the part like he was born for it. All the other characters in the film were far less colorful. He stole the show! The story of the movie is definitely more Hollywood then history. And the real Attila the Hun was a dwarf. But that's okay, it still is most enjoyable. I've watched it maybe about 100 times. I don't think most people will want to do that. However, the princess is a mighty hot looking babe with a fine body. She could dance for me anytime. Attlia gets to kiss her too. Lucky Guy!