Happy Release Day to one of my favorite books this year!
When I first read Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Seventh Veil of Salome, it immediately got me thinking about movies. There are the sword-and-sandal films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as Ben-Hur, Spartacus, Cleopatra, and Salome, which stars Rita Hayworth in the title role. Then there are the movies inspired by the film industry itself, like Singin’ in the Rain, The Artist, Hail, Caesar!, and Babylon.
Each of the movies listed, including one Netflix limited series, reflects some of the time, setting, and themes of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s new book and makes for a good watch after reading.
⚔️ Sword-and-Sandal Films:
Spartacus (1960)
Kirk Douglas stars in this historic tale as Spartacus, who leads a rebellion against the Romans. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and written by Dalton Trumbo.
Salome (1953)
Before there was Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Vera Larios, there was Rita Hayworth as the legendary Salome, who performs the Dance of the Seven Veils for King Herod.
Cleopatra (1963)
One of the biggest film productions ever made at the time, with a runtime of over 4 hours. Elizabeth Taylor graces the screen as the Queen of the Nile.
Samson and Delilah (1949)
A fiery tale of romance and betrayal headlined by Hedy Lamarr and Victor Mature. Fun fact, the actual production of the film and its director, Cecil B. DeMille, make an appearance in the movie, Sunset Boulevard.
David and Bathsheba (1951)
Gregory Peck stars as David after he has defeated Goliath, with the film centering on his adulterous love affair with Bathsheba and the consequences that follow from it.
Ben-Hur (1959)
Alongside Cleopatra in terms of Biblical epics, there was Ben-Hur, featuring its most famous chariot scene and stars Charlton Heston.
🎞 The Magic of Hollywood:
La La Land (2016)
The “City of Angels” becomes the “City of Stars” for two dreamers in this Damien Chazelle film that revived the musical genre.
Babylon (2022)
Damien Chazelle’s eighth film looks back on Hollywood’s early days, with all of its magnetic chaos that made the silver screen what it is today.
Hail, Caesar! (2016)
A 1950s studio fixer finds himself in multiple predicaments while trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of a leading man, who is set to star in the studio’s big budget Biblical film.
Hollywood (2020)
This Netflix limited series reimagines the Golden Age of Hollywood had it taken more risks and given a group of aspiring hopefuls, and other well-known real-life figures, a chance to shine.
The Aviator (2004)
The story of Howard Hughes is explored in this biopic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Martin Scorsese. Note how the color grading changes as time progresses in the film.
The Artist (2011)
The silent era is brought back into the spotlight in The Artist, about a famous movie star whose fame begins to wane as a newcomer enters the scene at the height of the “talkies.”
The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)
In this classic directed by Vincente Minnelli, three friends in the industry look back on their relationship with a movie producer, played by Kirk Douglas, who supposedly ruined their lives despite each of their successes.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds star in this delightful musical about three performers who try to turn their silent film into a talking picture during the height of Hollywood’s transition into sound.
Trumbo (2015)
This biopic stars Bryan Cranston as Dalton Trumbo, an acclaimed screenwriter who was blacklisted in Hollywood for his ties to Communism.
All About Eve (1950)
An ambitious up-and-comer named Eve, played with subtle deviousness by Anne Baxter, connives her way to fame and stardom. As Bette Davis famously says in the film: “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”
There are probably a couple of films I missed, but please feel free to recommend them in the comments.
Do you like historical movies? What are some of your favorites?