SIGN OF THE PAGAN
With a fractured Roman Empire divided between Rome and Constantinople, Attila the Hun (Jack Palance, SHANE, SUDDEN FEAR) attempts to bring down the weakened state. Imperial soldier Marcian (Jeff Chandler) attempts to interfere with Attila's plans, only to be captured by the "Scourge of God" himself. Marcian's path leads to Princess Pulcheria (ballerina Ludmilla Tchérina, THE RED SHOES) who names him head of her guard, an important stepping stone on his way to realizing his destiny as the future Emperor of Rome. Top-billed Chandler turned down the part of Attila in favor of Marcian, leaving Palance to go all out as Attila, chewing the scenery in a memorable performance filled with Sirk-ian ambiguity. The film was shot in CinemaScope by Douglas Sirk's regular cinematographer Russell Metty, who would go on to win an Academy Award® for another sword-and-sandal epic, SPARTACUS, just six years later. DIR Douglas Sirk; SCR Oscar Brodney, Barré Lyndon; PROD Albert J. Cohen. U.S., 1954, color, 92 min. NOT RATED
AFI Member passes accepted.
Run Time: 92 Minutes
Opening Date: Monday, June 12, 2023
Genre: War drama
