Helen of Troy
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Movie Reviews of Helen of Troy
Movie Review: for love or $$$$$$$???
Summary: 5 Stars
ROSANNA PODESTA still IS the definitive version of HELEN - from THAT moment when she emerges from the sea [Ursula Andress is pretty close in "Dr. No] to those endless, and flawless close-ups of her face .... so vaguely reminiscent of Tom Tryon's CROWNED HEADS - FEDORA [another tale] seems like she - as whispered and Jack [Jacques] Sernas entered the witness protection program after this movie - unforgettable.As PARIS - Mr. Sernas is not overtly buff, neither scrawny - just a perfect model of malehood.
UNLIKE the current version which is somewhat an eye-candy fest - this one does not dwell on the physical - more or less tells us that the Trojan seige was more about almighty bullion and booty - not quite for the love of a woman.
Other performances? As Hector - Harry Andrews is suitably the family man - thrust into this saga for the honor of the family, as is the all seeing and so vunerable Cassandra - cursed and blessed with vision ..... the Greeks ? Agamemnon, Ulysses, Menelaos, Ajax, etc ... suitably depraved and very cunning.
ACHILLES? This version reveals a startling fact or two - possibly not used in the current - and this version is somewhat correct .... Stanley Baker - very apt as this hero! [So Vain, so Arrogant, and ultimately a fool...]
COSTUMES? Very detailed and obviously the helmets etc. are hand-made - or hand engraved, quite special ~ although not quite period perfect - but that does not matter ...
MAX STEINER's score is lush and extravagant ... we are treated to the Overture, etc ... very satisfying.
Would be quite a feat to see a version of THE ORESTEIA - the House of Atreus [Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Aegisthes ... and little Elektra!], or "What Happened to the Greeks AFTER the Trojan War".
Just a perfect DVD with sufficient extras to please just about everybody ....
OH YES, and a very young Brigitte Bardot plays Helen's handmaiden ..... quite well too!
Movie Review: TREASURE FROM THE ARCHIVES!
Summary: 5 Stars
ROSANNA PODESTA ~ an example of perfect casting, perfect face, perfect body and just the required acting chops - brings quite a dimension - just the required dimension to the Beauty - as for that 'entrance' - WOW!JACK SERNAS - also picture perfect - not to brawny, not too boyish - classic!
The story? well, that we know - boy meets girl - boy loves girl steals her away from the abusive husband - then the rest falls into place - kind of the original Romeo & Juliet.
GREAT DVD - widescreen, stereo or is it dolby - nicely reconstructed, so's the color control and the EXTRAS on the DVD - good stuff!
THE GREEKS? Also splendid casting! Showing the cunning and crafty side - almost not too honorable - but then the Gods were also involved in this fracas.....
Worthy of mention? Stanley Baker as the vain and arrogant ACHILLES [with one or two secrets only the Greeks 'refer' to] Harry Andrews as the domestic and peaceful Hector - thrust into the fray to defend honor - and B.B. or Brigitte Bardot in a very nice 'turn' as Helen's handmaiden - we see the glint of the future career here!
MAX STEINER's score is Grand and very apt.
Lots of Grand Spectacle - before CGI!
Quite a must for the collector.
Movie Review: Jack Sernas whom you may have never seen
Summary: 5 Stars
Jacques Sernas was featured in LA DOLCE VITA. His looks stood out as he was very handsome. I saw him in person in Hollywood at a fund raiser for the widow of the owner of the Mocambo. Frank Sinatra was performing that night.
Jack was with his wife?
Anyway, I had missed the theatrical run of HELEN OF TROY. Rossana Podesta was the female lead and Brigitte Bardot had a small part in the beginning.
This was made in the '50's or '60's. It cannot compare with the new TROY starring Brad Pitt. But the actions scenes are spectacular. No computerized imaging (CPI) in those days. Real cast members and hundreds in the battle scenes. Jack is extremely handsone as is Rossana.
It is truly a collectible and one you can watch over and over. Beautiful transfer. I bought it on Amazon too. Doubtful if this is in any rental store.
Movie Review: As good as I remember
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved "Helen of Troy" when I was a young girl in the 50's. Paris, Jacques Sernas, was the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. I wondered how I would feel about it after seeing "Troy" with Orlando Bloom playing a rather whimpy version of Paris. I felt no chemistry between Paris and Helen in this new version. I ordered the original and it still stands out as a classic and cannot be replaced with expensive special effects. "Helen of Troy" has a heart and the audience is compelled to hope that Helen and Paris can have a life together. In the new version, it didn't matter to me if they stayed together or not. I highly recommend "Helen of Troy" for the discerning movie viewer.Movie Review: As good as I remember
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved "Helen of Troy" when I was a young girl in the 50's. Paris, Jacques Sernas, was the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. I wondered how I would feel about it after seeing "Troy" with Orlando Bloom playing a rather whimpy version of Paris. I felt no chemistry between Paris and Helen in this new version. I ordered the original and it still stands out as a classic and cannot be replaced with expensive special effects. "Helen of Troy" has a heart and the audience is compelled to hope that Helen and Paris can have a life together. In the new version, it didn't matter to me if they stayed together or not. I highly recommend "Helen of Troy" for the descerning movie viewer.