LAND OF THE PHARAOHS

US, 1955, 106 minutes, Colour.
Jack Hawkins, Joan Collins, Dewey Martin, Alexis Minotis, James Robertson Justice, Kerima, James Hayter. Directed by Howard Hawks.

Land of the Pharaohs is said to have been discovered by Howard Hawks himself. He said he didn't know how a Pharaoh talked. He was right and there is a lot of cliche in the film, but it would be a pity to dismiss it arbitrarily. Although the theme is obvious enough, there is interest in the presentation of a Pharaoh, greedy for wealth and immortality, and who builds, over years, a monument to his dead self, not counting the cost or cruelty and slavery required to build his tomb. He is obeyed by those close to him and betrayed by his foolhardy trust of an evil woman.

The picture of Egypt, its court, the building of the pyramid and the character conflicts are interesting. The film holds the attention well.

1. Was this just an ancient spectacle or was there more to it? Those who hold there is more to the film than spectacle express disappointment at the cliche characters and dialogue. Are they correct?

2. The Pharaoh is the central character. What kind of man was he? How seriously did he take himself as Pharaoh and as a god? How avaricious was he? How cruel? How arrogant? was he in any way likeable?

3. Why was he so obsessed with keeping his wealth and with the building of the pyramid? What did the pyramid symbolise? Note the joy of the Egyptian funerals.

4. Was the setting and atmosphere of Egypt well established -processions. the court, advisers, etc.? Did you feel that you understood the Pharaoh in his world?

5. How cruel was the Pharaoh in his demands on Vashtar and the plans for the pyramid? The bargain for the people's release?

6. What kind of man was Vashtar? How shrewd - for himself and his people?

7. How important was the picture of Pharaoh's life with his family?

8. What role did Hamar. the adviser play? How prudent? How much tempering Pharaoh's hardness?

9. What impression did the building of the pyramid sequences make -the initial enthusiasm. the drudgery following. whips instead of songs. slavery, manpower used up? Why did it become an obsession with Pharaoh?

10. How important was the role of Nellija in the film - as an evil woman. her boldness in facing Pharaoh, her luring him to marriage? Did she always intend his downfall? Was she jealous of Queen Nailla? How was she tempted by seeing all the wealth? How clever was she in seducing Trench the guard? How callous their plot to kill Queen Nailla and Pharaoh? How ironic their discovery by Pharaoh? How much retribution was there in her obtaining Pharaoh's death only to die in his burial still coveting his wealth? How ironic was this?

11. How ironic was the accidental nature of Pharaoh, the completion of the pyramid and the emptiness of his funeral and burial? What did you think of all the priests and assistants dying with Pharaoh?

12. Was the escape from Egypt of Vashtar's family a satisfyingly happy ending or was it too sentimental?

13. Was the film a satisfactory illustration of authority, power and ambition at the expense of fellow-men?