Movielogr
The Last Days of Pompeii (1935)
Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack
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In this action-filled spectacle set in ancient Pompeii, a blacksmith becomes a Roman gladiator, though his rise to wealth and power is jeopardized by his son’s Christianity and the eruption of Vesuvius.
Rated NR | Length 96 minutes
Actors
Preston Foster | Alan Hale | Basil Rathbone | John Wood | Louis Calhern | David Holt | Dorothy Wilson | Wyrley Birch | Frank Conroy | William V. Mong | Murray Kinnell | Henry Kolker | Edward Van Sloan | Zeffie Tilbury | John Davidson | Ward Bond | Warner Richmond | Jim Thorpe | Buster Wiles | Hannah Williams | Jason Robards Sr. | John T. Murray | Cliff Lyons | Paul Kruger | James Dime | Douglas Cosgrove | Art Felix | Winston Hibler | Marc Loebell | Theodore Lorch | Thomas E. Jackson | Frank Mills | Margaret McWade | Edwin Maxwell
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/08/2014 | TV | Streaming | Video on Demand | 3.5 stars |
| (Average) 3.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
The rags-to-riches story of a blacksmith turned gladiator turned devoted father and materialistic businessman, with surprising religious overtones, and a smash-bang finale.
Who needs CGI? The dynamic trio of Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, and Ruth Rose spin a dramatic yarn set in the first century. When the fireworks break loose, Willis O’Brien is on hand to add visual panache. If some of the music sounds familiar, that’s Max Steiner’s distinctive compositions, borrowed for this production.
In front of the camera, Preston Foster is stolid as Marcus, though he’s upstaged by Basil Rathbone, who gives a superb performance as the haunted Pontius Pilate. Alan Hale, Ward Bond, and Louis Calhern are among the familiar faces who, improbably, pop up.
All in all, it’s a good, mid-30s adventure flick.
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