Watch Solomon and Sheba

Solomon and Sheba is a historical epic movie from 1959, directed by King Vidor, and starring the likes of Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, and George Sanders. It retells the story of King Solomon, who ruled over ancient Israel and was known for his wisdom, and his relationship with the Queen of Sheba, who according to tradition was a powerful and wealthy ruler from Ethiopia.

The movie opens with the kingdom of Israel in turmoil. King David is nearing the end of his life, and there are rumors of a rebellion brewing. David's favorite son, Adonijah, believes he is the rightful heir to the throne, but David has chosen his younger son, Solomon, to succeed him. After David's death, Solomon is quickly anointed as king, and he sets about consolidating his power and winning the loyalty of his people.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring kingdom of Sheba, the queen (played by Lollobrigida) is concerned about the encroaching influence of Israel. She sends a spy to scout out the situation, and he returns with encouraging news - Solomon is a just and fair ruler who wants peace, not war. But the queen is still wary, and she decides to visit Solomon in person to see for herself. She arrives in Jerusalem with a huge entourage, including elephants and other exotic animals, and she is greeted with great pomp and ceremony.

The first meeting between Solomon and Sheba is a tense one. She is skeptical of his motives, and he is wary of her power. But as they talk, they begin to realize that they have much in common. Both are wise rulers who care about their people, and both long for peace and understanding between their nations. Despite their initial mistrust, they begin to develop a deep bond based on mutual respect and admiration.

However, not everyone is happy with this newfound friendship. Adonijah, Solomon's jealous brother, sees Sheba as a threat to his own ambitions. He plots to overthrow Solomon and start a war with Sheba, using the queen's presence as an excuse. His scheming eventually leads to a confrontation that threatens to destroy everything that Solomon and Sheba have worked for.

The movie is a lavish spectacle, with huge crowds, elaborate costumes, and epic battles. The performances are strong, particularly Brynner as the wise and charismatic Solomon and Lollobrigida as the powerful and regal Sheba. Sanders is also excellent as Adonijah, the conniving and vindictive villain of the piece.

One of the strengths of the movie is how it explores the themes of power, politics, and diplomacy. Solomon is portrayed as a wise and just ruler who values diplomacy over war. He believes that peace can only be achieved through understanding, and he is willing to take risks to achieve it. Sheba, on the other hand, is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to use her power to protect her people. Together, they form a formidable alliance that is a model of cooperation and understanding.

Overall, Solomon and Sheba is an impressive historical epic that combines romance, politics, and action into an entertaining and thought-provoking package. The performances are strong, the production values are high, and the story is engaging and unpredictable. It is definitely worth a watch for fans of historical drama or classic Hollywood movies.

Solomon and Sheba is a 1959 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.