This stolid potboiler was released during the high point of historical Biblical cinema, with lots of big-bucks productions coming out at around the same time. However, don't be fooled; HEROD THE GREAT is an extraordinarily low budget production that has about one tenth of the budget of those other movies. The cheapness is apparent in the poor, set-bound locales and the rubbishy special effects, including the Star of Bethlehem as represented by what looks like a wobbly sparkler. However, what's worse is the script, which focuses on incessant love scenes and overblown melodrama than an actually decent plot. 90% of this film consists of dialogue between various characters and the Shakespearian plot never really captures the imagination like it should. So what we're left with is a painfully dull and derivative movie in which characters talk, argue, and eventually die.
Action fans expecting something like a peplum will be sorely disappointed by this movie's lack of spirit. A couple of bloodless stabbings are all that's on offer in the action stakes and even the ending, which should be overblown and dramatic, is dull; Purdom just falls down on the steps and dies. As for the acting, it ranges between wooden and hammy. Purdom is a real ham and goes gloriously over the top on occasion, but even so is more restrained than elsewhere. Sylvia Lopez also seems wooden and her fake red wig (one of many in the film) makes her seem unbelievable. A supporting cast of Italian regulars don't really get a look in, it has to be said. Best of all is the gorgeous Sandra Milo in a minor role; it's amazing that this stunning actress didn't get greater billing, because she's certainly the most interesting thing in the whole movie. Otherwise this is a film for sado-masochists only.
Action fans expecting something like a peplum will be sorely disappointed by this movie's lack of spirit. A couple of bloodless stabbings are all that's on offer in the action stakes and even the ending, which should be overblown and dramatic, is dull; Purdom just falls down on the steps and dies. As for the acting, it ranges between wooden and hammy. Purdom is a real ham and goes gloriously over the top on occasion, but even so is more restrained than elsewhere. Sylvia Lopez also seems wooden and her fake red wig (one of many in the film) makes her seem unbelievable. A supporting cast of Italian regulars don't really get a look in, it has to be said. Best of all is the gorgeous Sandra Milo in a minor role; it's amazing that this stunning actress didn't get greater billing, because she's certainly the most interesting thing in the whole movie. Otherwise this is a film for sado-masochists only.