Ulysses (1954)

Actors: Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn, Franco Interlenghi, Daniel Ivernel, Piero Lulli
Studio: Lions Gate
Rating: Unrated
Run Time: 104 minutes
Theatrical Release Date: 1954
DVD Release Date: August 04, 2009
Format: DVD
Genres: Classics

This lush adaptation of Homer's grand epic "The Odyssey" stars KIRK DOUGLAS as the hero Ulysses. After victory in the Trojan War, Ulysses embarks on a ten-year journey back to his kingdom. But before he can reunite with his beloved wife (SILVANA MANGANO), he must defeat the brutal Cyclops, escape the spell of Circe who turns his crew into swine, and outwit the Sirens who lure sailors to their death. Peril is everywhere – even at home, where the arrogant Antinous (ANTHONY QUINN) plots to steal Ulysses' wife before he can complete his final quest in this powerful tale of heroism.

movie review

Amazon.com Editorial Review:
This vintage Italian production of Ulysses is best enjoyed as Homeric adventure for kids. While The Odyssey is handled with admirable fidelity, you may suppress a chuckle when Kirk Douglas, as the titular Greek hero, speaks English and Italian, dubbing himself in English! Looking like a Spartacus wannabe, Douglas brings appropriate gravity to his classically mythic exploits. Having sacked Troy, Ulysses and his stalwart crew set sail for Ithaca, only to be delayed for a decade by such epic distractions as a giant Cyclops (a memorable highlight), the madness-inducing Sirens, and the deceptive Circe, who turns men into swine. Meanwhile, Ulysses's loyal wife Penelope (Silvana Mangano) is being wooed by suitors (including Anthony Quinn, fresh from Fellini's La Strada), making Ulysses's homecoming an urgent necessity. Resembling a Ray Harryhausen fantasy without "dynamation," this ambitious film boasts impressive special effects (for its time), and the kind of lavish sets and costumes that were once an Italian specialty. --Jeff Shannon