Standard issue ‘Peplum’ (Italian-made Sword & Sandal spectacle) has nothing to do with Samson, the title merely a come-on for American audiences unfamiliar with the popular ‘Maciste’ strongman character. (The name refers to his rock-like strength.) Here, played by Bkln-born Lorenzo Luis Degni under the name Mark Forest, fighting for justice in ancient Egypt when the new Pharaoh completely blanks on their vow of eternal friendship after devious Chelo Alonso’s Persian Princess places the Necklace of Forget over his head and on his unimpressive shoulders. (Maciste’s shoulders another matter entirely; something New Pharaoh takes bromantic note of.) Silly, decently made, with Italian director Carlo Campogalliani over-achieving on big vista shots & mass movement compositions, but underachieving on bread-and-butter close-up action. Lion & crocodile fights played with stuffed props that wouldn’t convince a half-price ticket buyer. (On the other hand, a set piece with an unwieldy obelisk really comes off.) What a shame no one thought of bringing Mark Forest’s real life story into the action. Mr. America competing bodybuilder, ‘beefcake’ chorus boy for Mae West in her ‘50s nightclub act, future operatic tenor earning tuition with Peplum paychecks. Have them all going on at once and you’ve got the makings of a ‘Meta’ comedy. Big climax finds Forest getting a call on the Cinecittá set of this film for him to substitute at the Verona outdoor opera festival for an indisposed Radamès in Verdi’s AIDA. Off he goes, no change of costume needed (see poster), socko with a strongman physique more proportionate and less freakish than others of his ilk, he’s a sensation.*
SCREWY THOUGHT OF THE DAY: *That plot not so far off ONE NIGHT OF LOVE/’34, one of those old Grace Moore pics that made the Met mezzo a movie star. (Even the bodybuilding since she went on a big diet before filming.)
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