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Esther and the King (1960)

Approved | | Biography, Drama, History | 14 December 1960 (USA)
Esther and the King Poster
Two decades before she would gain fame and some fortune as Alexis Carrington in television's Dynasty series, Joan Collins starred as Esther in this melodramatic, routine Biblical story. The... See full summary »

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(screenplay), (screenplay)

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
... Esther
... King Ahasuerus
Denis O'Dea ... Mordecai
... Haman
... Simon (as Rick Battaglia)
... Klydrathes
... Samual
... Keresh
Robert Buchanan ... Hegai
... Queen Vashti
Folco Lulli ... Tobiah
See full cast »
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Storyline

Two decades before she would gain fame and some fortune as Alexis Carrington in television's Dynasty series, Joan Collins starred as Esther in this melodramatic, routine Biblical story. The setting is Persia in the 4th century BC, as Esther comes to the attention of the recently widowed King Ahasuerus. The king has been trying to stifle and defeat the campaign of hatred fomented against the Jews by his evil minister Haman (Sergio Fantoni). Before the King can pair off with Esther and defeat the villainous Haman, there are several intervening adventures and an additional, attractive woman who competes for attention.

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

heroine | bible | biblical epic | jewish history | reference to king cyrus | See All (65) »

Taglines:

...And they brought to the king ten beautiful maidens...the fairest in all the land. And when the king beheld her that was called Esther his heart became as fire and there was a song flowing in his blood... See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

14 December 1960 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Ester E o Rei  »

Filming Locations:

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

This was first announced as a Hedy Lamarr vehicle in 1953. See more »

Quotes

Queen Vashti: I am going to the feast. Prepare me.
See more »

Connections

Version of Lamp Unto My Feet: Esther (1961) See more »

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User Reviews

Nice looking costumes, good looking actors, bad movie!
15 March 2004 | by – See all my reviews

This is a good looking movie, too bad it is so mediocre. Joan Collins is beautiful and her acting is okay, but it can't save this movie. The other actors were okay too. This movie was hampered by the campy dialogue and a mediocre script. I was unhappy that partway through the movie, the story veers away from the traditional bible story of Queen Esther. I heard that this movie is one of Joan Collins' least favorite movies, and I understand why now. Somehow, if the writer of this movie had gone the traditional route of Queen Esther accusing Haman at the banquet, there would be the much needed drama and excitement.

However, if anyone has a hankering to see a real campy film filled with pretty people, pretty clothes and silly dialogue, this is it!

I give this movie a "D".
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