Esther and the King (1960)
A sweeping biblical epic of forbidden love, political treachery, and one woman's courage in the ancient Persian court.
Esther and the King - Movie Information
- Original Title: Esther and the King
- Release Year: 1960
- Directed by: Raoul Walsh
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 18, 1960 (United States - NR), March 3, 1961 (Germany - 12), February 17, 1961 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Ester e o Rei (BR)
- Production Companies: Galatea Film, Titanus, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America, Italy
Esther and the King - Plot
Recently widowed Persian King Ahasuerus wants to marry the beautiful Esther. But Esther is a Jewess, and Haman, the king's evil minister, is spreading hatred against the Jews.
Esther and the King - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see this classic biblical epic come to life:
The Most Celebrated Love Adventure of All...From the Greatest Book of All!
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Esther and the King - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Raoul Walsh
Main Cast
- Joan Collins
- Richard Egan
- Denis O'Dea
- Sergio Fantoni
- Rik Battaglia
- Renato Baldini
- Gabriele Tinti
- Rosalba Neri
- Walter Williams
- Daniela Rocca
Writers
- Raoul Walsh
- Michael Elkins
- Ennio De Concini
Producers
- Raoul Walsh
Esther and the King - FAQs
What is Esther and the King about?
Esther and the King is a 1960 biblical epic set in ancient Persia. It follows the widowed King Ahasuerus, who falls for the courageous Esther, a Jewish woman. Their love is threatened by Haman, the king's scheming minister, who harbors a dangerous hatred for the Jewish people and plots their destruction.
Is Esther and the King based on a true story?
The film draws from the biblical Book of Esther, one of the Hebrew Bible's most celebrated narratives. While historians debate the historical accuracy of the original text, the story of Esther's bravery in saving her people from persecution has been cherished for centuries across Jewish and Christian traditions.
Where can you stream Esther and the King?
You can stream Esther and the King on several platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, Pure Flix, Hoopla, Cineverse, Xumo Play, and Fawesome at no extra cost. It's also available to rent or buy on FlixFling, Amazon Video, and Fandango At Home.
Who plays Esther in the 1960 film?
Joan Collins takes on the title role of Esther, bringing her signature screen presence to the courageous Jewish heroine. Richard Egan plays King Ahasuerus opposite her, while Sergio Fantoni portrays the villainous Haman and Denis O'Dea appears as Mordecai, Esther's wise guardian.
Did Mario Bava work on Esther and the King?
Yes — Mario Bava, the legendary Italian cinematographer and future horror maestro, served as director of photography on Esther and the King. His visual craftsmanship lends the film a lush, painterly quality that elevates its grand biblical settings and makes it a notable entry in the Italian peplum genre.
What genre is Esther and the King?
Esther and the King is a Drama rooted in the biblical epic and peplum tradition — the Italian-American genre of lavish historical spectacles popular in the late 1950s and 1960s. It blends romance, political intrigue, and religious themes against the backdrop of the ancient Persian court.
Who directed Esther and the King?
Raoul Walsh directed Esther and the King, wearing multiple hats as producer and co-writer as well. Walsh was a Hollywood veteran known for classic films like White Heat and The Roaring Twenties, and he brought considerable experience and energy to this Italian-American co-production.
Where was Esther and the King filmed?
Esther and the King was produced as a joint American-Italian co-production, with filming taking place in Italy. The film was backed by Italian studios Galatea Film and Titanus alongside 20th Century Fox, making use of Italy's well-established infrastructure for large-scale historical epics during that era.
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