Cheap The 300 Spartans (DVD) (Richard Egan, Ralph Richardson, Diane Baker) (Rudolph Maté) Price

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Customer Reviews of The 300 Spartans

Unfairly Neglected Epic Retelling Of A Memorable Moment In Greek History
The late 1950's and early 1960's where a boom time for both Hollywood and international film makers when historical epics based on the stories from ancient civilizations were all the vogue. The country of Greece with its rich and wonderful historical background provided many of the subjects for these films ranging from those based on the Greek myths and legends as seen in "Jason and the Argonauts" through to ones that used actual historical incidents as the basis for their story as in this effort, the superbly put together, "The 300 Spartans". Often dismissed as simply another entry in the endless cycle of "sword and sandal" flicks common at this time, I believe that is an unfair judgement on this film which has so many worthy qualities about it in terms of both surprisingly high production values through to sterling individual performances. The defence of the pass of Thermopylae by 300 brave Spartan soldiers against the onslaught of the huge Persian army in 480 B.C. is one of the most unforgettable moments in ancient Greek history and in "The 300 Spartans", this incident which proved so important for the continued existence of Greece as a free state is treated with the respect and dignity that it richly deserves. While still managing to be a rousing spectacle this film always preserves the vital human element of this inspiring story and spends important time exploring what motivated these men to sacrifice their lives for their country and never simply sacrifices these story elements to become simply another typical "sword and sandal", action story. .........

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Old movie; it is what it is.
This is an older movie, and that means a few things. It may come off as a little campy to younger viewers. There are no big special effects, no CGI, no elaborate sets. The acting and direction is typical of movies 40 years ago - not slick, and lacking in the intensity you would might find in a movie like Gladiator The Spartans looks surprsingly un-athletic in comparison to the buff actors you's find in Troy or Alexander. It's a little like watching a play that was filmed. <
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>All that said, it is what it is: an old movie about the battle of Thermopylae. And if you love watching any movie you can get your hands on about Ancient Greek history, you'll probably get a kick out of it. And I'm not aware of any other film adaptation of the battle, so it may be all there is out there.

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The Gates of Fire (Thermopylae)
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>This 1962 excellent historical drama takes us back to Ancient Greek Times during the Persian Wars. It's the very known and yet inspiring, titanic struggle of 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians, under Spartan king Leonidas's (Richard Egan) leadership in Thermopylae, versus the huge army of Persian King Xerxes, who attempted to bring to an end the freedom of the independent Greek States, incorporating them within his vast empire and become world's ruler. Although it ended in victory for the Persians, the battle is noted primarily for the bravery shown by the Greeks and, in particular, by the Spartans and their king, Leonidas I, who won eternal fame as the ultimate symbol of the heroic death. <
>"The 300 Spartans" revives the Battle of Thermopylae in this unfortunately not very known production of 20th Century Fox. Rudolph Maté both directed and scripted the movie brilliantly. The usual prerequisites of impressive costumes and sets and massive battle sequences that all Hollywood epics circa the mid '50s to late '60s had, are all present in this film, but unlikely to other contemporary "historical" films the script is historically very accurate inspired from Greek history. The battle scenes, filmed in their original location in Greece, are well made for it's time and hundreds soldiers of the Royal Greek Army take part as extras. <
>Manly Richard Egan holds the main role of King Leonidas and replies, in perfect Greek "Molon Lave"(come and take it) to Persian threats. Sir Ralph Richardson as Themistocles, and David Farrar as ruthless Xerxes, give memorable performances. Also note Anna Synodinou, a great Greek tragedian actress, in the role of Leonidas' wife Queen Gorgo. Handsome Barry Coe (Philo) and lovely Diane Baker (Hellas) play a young couple of Spartans in love. The problems begin when they learn that Philo's father is collaborating with the Persians along with the exiled ex-king of Sparta and Xerxes's military advisor, Demaratos. This love story although fictional, adds a romantic tune to the whole plot. Kieron Moore stars as repulsive Ephialtes, the Greek traitor, who advised Xerxes that by following a mountain path the Persians could outflank the Greek forces. <
>Manos Hadjidakis conducted a wonderful melodious musical score for this movie. <
>I hope that a likely new movie about the Battle of Thermopylae will be more better or at least will match, this spectacular but quiet old, epic. <
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