Land of the Pharaohs (1955)

An Epic of Obsession and Betrayal in Ancient Egypt

Plot Summary

Set in the vast deserts of ancient Egypt, the story centres on Pharaoh Khufu (played by Jack Hawkins), who is consumed by a singular obsession: securing his vast fortune for the afterlife. To build a pyramid that will protect his treasure for eternity, he forces a brilliant enslaved architect, Vashtar (James Robertson Justice), into service.

But while Khufu focuses on his legacy, danger brews in his own palace. The arrival of the beautiful and scheming Princess Nellifer (played by a young Joan Collins) shifts the balance of power. Her manipulation and ambition soon threaten not only the Pharaoh’s project but also the stability of the kingdom itself.

Visuals and Production

Visually, Land of the Pharaohs is striking. Shot in CinemaScope and rich in colour thanks to Warner Colour, the film embraces the epic format with wide, sweeping shots of ancient landscapes, elaborate sets, and towering monuments. Hawks spared no expense—employing thousands of extras to give scenes of construction and ceremony an authentic, grand scale.

The costumes, architecture, and props echo 1950s Hollywood’s fascination with antiquity, and although the historical accuracy is debatable, the spectacle is undeniably captivating.

Acting and Characters

Jack Hawkins gives a powerful performance as the determined and prideful Pharaoh. His portrayal emphasizes Khufu’s obsession with immortality and control. In contrast, Joan Collins is magnetic as the calculating Nellifer. Though early in her career, she brings a mix of charm and menace that makes her a standout.

The supporting cast is solid, though the script occasionally falters with stilted dialogue and formal speech patterns that feel more theatrical than natural. It’s clear the film was striving for a sense of ancient gravitas, but sometimes it slips into melodrama.

Reception and Retrospective Thoughts

When it was first released, Land of the Pharaohs received lukewarm reviews and didn’t draw large audiences. Even Hawks admitted later that the dialogue was a challenge—making ancient characters sound convincing without sounding overly stiff or modern.

However, with time, critics and film lovers have grown to appreciate the movie for its production ambition and the sheer scale of its world-building. Though not Hawks’ most famous film, it stands as a unique entry in his diverse career, especially for venturing into a genre he seldom explored.

Final Verdict

Land of the Pharaohs may not have the same legacy as epics like Ben-Hur or The Ten Commandments, but it delivers a fascinating mix of spectacle, character drama, and historical intrigue. Its exploration of power, legacy, and betrayal is timeless, and for fans of classic cinema, it’s a compelling watch.

It’s a film that reminds us how far directors were willing to go to transport audiences to distant times and places—long before CGI and digital effects—and for that alone, it’s a journey worth taking.