Samson and Delilah Overview:

Samson and Delilah (1949) was a Action - Adventure Film directed by Cecil B. DeMille and produced by Cecil B. DeMille.

The film was based on the The Bible The Book of Judges from & novel "Judge and Fool" by Vladimir Jabotinsky written by unknown author published in 6th century BCE.

SYNOPSIS

This is DeMille's grandest biblical epic and that's saying something. At a cost of $3 million, DeMille created a Technicolor version of the Old Testament world of the Danite shepherd who slays his Philistine captors with the jaw of an ass, but who succumbs to the wiles of a woman. As the hunky hero, Mature is in top form, his chiseled face straining as he fells his enemies but its fleshiness also hinting at his weakness. Lamarr also struts and poses to great effect, but the main attraction here in the spectacle itself, from Samson's shows of strength, his battles with the Philistines, and his climactic destruction of the temple.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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Academy Awards 1950 --- Ceremony Number 23 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Art DirectionArt Direction: Hans Dreier, Walter Tyler; Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Ray MoyerWon
Best CinematographyGeorge BarnesNominated
Best Costume DesignEdith Head, Dorothy Jeakins, Elois Jenssen, Gile Steele, Gwen WakelingWon
Best Music - ScoringVictor YoungNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

Samson and Delilah

By RBuccicone on Dec 27, 2010 From MacGuffin Movies

Samson and Delilah (1950) ???? Biblical tales typically fail to grab my interest, probably primarily because the time period does not interest me. And frankly, I should probably stop using George Sanders as a guidepost for which movies I pursue. Samson and Delilah was alright, and Hedy Lamarr?thorou... Read full article


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Quotes from

Samson: What is sweeter than honey?
Semadar: What is stronger than a lion?


Delilah: No man leaves Delilah.


Samson: The oldest trick in the world. Silk trap, baited with a woman.
Delilah: You know a better bait, Samson? Men *always* respond.


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Facts about

According to the biography 'The Presidents and the Preacher', Cecil B. DeMille originally offered the role of Samson to the young Billy Graham, then experiencing his first national fame as an evangelist. Graham turned the offer down flat, telling DeMille that he had no ambitions beyond his calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The director told Graham that he'd been certain that the young evangelist would refuse the offer, but that in actually doing so Graham had restored DeMille's faith.
Victor Mature won the role of Samson over Burt Lancaster, who had a bad back and was considered too young. Henry Wilcoxon was considered, but thought to be too old.
At the premiere, Cecil B. DeMille asked Groucho Marx what he thought of the film. Groucho replied, "Well, there's just one problem, C.B. No picture can hold my interest where the leading man's tits are bigger than the leading lady's." DeMille was not amused, by Marx's remark, but Victor Mature apparently was.
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