The Conqueror (1956)
John Wayne dons Mongol armor in this sweeping, controversial epic tracing Temujin's rise to become the legendary Genghis Khan.
The Conqueror - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Conqueror
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: Dick Powell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Romance, History, War, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 2, 1956 (United Kingdom - PG), March 28, 1956 (United States), August 17, 1956 (Germany - 12), April 1, 1956 (France), March 5, 1958 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Le Conquérant (FR), Sangue de Bárbaros (BR), El conquistador de Mongolia (ES)
- Production Companies: RKO Radio Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Conqueror - Plot
Mongol chief Temujin battles against Tartar armies and for the love of the Tartar princess Bortai. Temujin becomes the emperor Genghis Khan.
The Conqueror - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the epic scale of this 1956 historical adventure unfold.
GENGHIS KHAN! The world trembled at his name!
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The Conqueror - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dick Powell
Main Cast
- John Wayne
- Susan Hayward
- Pedro Armendáriz
- Agnes Moorehead
- Thomas Gomez
- John Hoyt
- William Conrad
- Ted de Corsia
- Leslie Bradley
- Lee Van Cleef
Writers
- Oscar Millard
Producers
- Dick Powell
- Howard Hughes
The Conqueror - FAQs
Why is The Conqueror considered a notorious Hollywood disaster?
The Conqueror is infamous for two reasons: the deeply miscast John Wayne playing Genghis Khan, and the tragic real-world aftermath. The film was shot near a nuclear test site in Utah, and a disproportionate number of cast and crew — including Wayne, Susan Hayward, and director Dick Powell — later developed cancer.
Did the nuclear test site filming cause cancer among the cast?
It's one of Hollywood's most haunting controversies. Filming took place near St. George, Utah, downwind from atomic bomb tests. Of the 220 cast and crew members, 91 reportedly developed cancer over the following decades, including John Wayne, Susan Hayward, and director Dick Powell — though a direct causal link was never officially confirmed.
Who are the main actors in The Conqueror?
The film stars John Wayne as Temujin (Genghis Khan) and Susan Hayward as the Tartar princess Bortai. The supporting cast includes Pedro Armendáriz, Agnes Moorehead, Thomas Gomez, John Hoyt, William Conrad, Ted de Corsia, Leslie Bradley, and a young Lee Van Cleef.
What is The Conqueror about?
Set in 12th-century Central Asia, the film follows Mongol warrior Temujin as he wages war against Tartar armies and kidnaps the fierce Tartar princess Bortai, whom he desires. Through conquest, rivalry, and ambition, Temujin ultimately rises to become the legendary emperor Genghis Khan.
Why was John Wayne cast as Genghis Khan?
Producer Howard Hughes personally championed Wayne for the role, convinced the Western icon's commanding screen presence would translate to the Mongol conqueror. The casting was widely criticized then and now as a glaring example of Hollywood's mid-century disregard for authentic ethnic representation, often labeled yellowface casting.
When was The Conqueror released?
The Conqueror opened in the United Kingdom on February 2, 1956, followed by its United States release on March 28, 1956. It subsequently opened in France on April 1, 1956, in Germany on August 17, 1956, and reached Spain on March 5, 1958.
Who directed The Conqueror and who produced it?
Dick Powell directed the film — a surprising choice given his background as a song-and-dance man turned noir actor turned director. The production was backed by the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes through RKO Radio Pictures, with Powell himself also serving as one of the producers.
Are there similar films to The Conqueror worth watching?
If you enjoy epic historical adventures, Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007) offers a far more authentic portrayal of the same story. Other films with a comparable sweeping adventure spirit include The Thief of Bagdad (1940), Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970), and High Plains Drifter (1973).
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