Esther and the King
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Esther and the King is a 1960 U.S.A. / Italian film direction, written, and produced by Raoul Walsh. It is a religious epic. It was produced at 20th Century Fox/ Raoul Walsh Productions, and was released by 20th Century Fox. Just over 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. Based on the Old Testament, this epic recreates the tale that is the basis for Purim.
Plot
The film is set in Persia in the 4th century BC. After the King’s wife is murdered, Esther (a Jewish woman) comes to the attention of the recently widowed King Ahasuerus. The king has been trying to stifle and defeat the campaign of hatred 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.
Cast
- Joan Collins - Esther
- Richard Egan - King Ahasuerus
- Denis O'Dea - Mardoch
- Sergio Fantoni - Haman
- Renato Baldini - Kildrates
- Gabriele Tinti - Samuel
- Rosalba Neri – Keresh
- Daniela Rocca - Queen Vashti
- Folco Lulli - Tobiah
- Rick Bataglia – Simon
