Sins of Jezebel

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Sins of Jezebel
Sins of Jezebel poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Reginald Le Borg
Written byRichard H. Landau
Based on Books of Kings
Books of Chronicles
Produced by Sigmund Neufeld
Starring Paulette Goddard
George Nader
Eduard Franz
John Hoyt
Narrated by John Hoyt
Cinematography Gilbert Warrenton
Edited by Carl Pierson
Music by Bert Shefter
Production
company
Jezebel Productions
Distributed by Lippert Pictures
Release date
  • October 23, 1953 (1953-10-23)(United States)
Running time
75 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$100,000 [1]

Sins of Jezebel is a 1953 American historical drama film produced by Sigmund Neufeld and directed by Reginald Le Borg. It stars Paulette Goddard as Jezebel, the biblical queen of the northern kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC. The film was shot in Ansco Color for widescreen projection. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Plot

In 9th century BC Israel, the prophet Elijah advises king Ahab not to marry Jezebel, an idolatrous princess of Phoenicia. Ahab sends for Jezebel, however, and commands Jehu, his captain, to escort her caravan safely to Jezreel. Once Jehu meets Jezebel, he immediately becomes attracted to her and she confuses him for Ahab. Jezebel finally arrives at Jezreel and is greeted by Ahab who, stunned by her beauty, provides her with an individual chamber until they marry. On her wedding night, Jezebel evades Ahab and pursues Jehu, whom she seduces.

Jezebel establishes the cult of Baal, her idol, in Israel and builds a temple. Jehovah, the God of the Israelites, delivers drought upon Israel because of the idolatry and sends his prophet Elijah to reprimand the people. Elijah prays to Jehovah and the drought ends.

Cast

Production

Paulette Goddard was signed to star in the film on April 22, 1953. [5] Margia Dean was cast as Deborah on May 11. [6] The film began shooting on May 13. [6] Interior scenes were shot at KTTV Studios [7] and exterior scenes were shot at Corriganville Ranch.

Release

Critical reception

Sins of Jezebel received mixed reviews from critics. The News and Eastern Townships Advocate described the film as "a spectacular Robert L. Lippert, Jr. production in gorgeous new Ansco Color." [8] The Toledo Blade also praised the film's color cinematography, but questioned the film's low budget by writing, "the desire was strong, but the cash was weak." [9]

As for the film's cast, The News and Eastern Townships Advocate praised Goddard's "fascinating performance" as she was "ideally cast" as Jezebel, [8] and The Toledo Blade commended the "competent job" of John Hoyt as Elijah. [9]

Reviewer “H. H. T.” at the New York Times considers that this “inane” rendering of the biblical tale of Jezebel “comes close to parodying its dimly scriptural source.” The film presents Paulette Goddard in a “Minsky-perfumed showcase” where the “Biblical hussy” demonstrates she “can still strut with the best.” The reviewer concludes that “neither Le Borg's direction, the Ansco Color coating [and] the pulsating background score, which suspiciously echoes Mr. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah," improves matters.” [10]

Retrospective appraisal

Filmmaker Reginald LeBorg on directing Goddard in Sins of Jezebel: “She was not a great actress, but she was nice to work with.” [11]

Film historian Wheeler W. Dixon reports that despite the widescreen effects “it is still a cheap and tacky spectacle which lacks any real distinction.” [12] According to Dixon, the film was “designed to cash in on the then-waning popularity of Paulette Goddard.” [12]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Parish, James Robert (1972). The Paramount Pretties. Arlington House Publishers. p. 390.
  2. ↑ Variety's Film Reviews: 1949-1953. R.R. Bowker. 1989. ISBN   0835227863.
  3. ↑ Hooper, Steele (May 5, 1954). "Hooper's Report: Guide to the Movies". Times Daily . Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  4. ↑ Dixon, 1992 p. 151: Directorial Credits
  5. ↑ "Paulette Goddard as 'Jezebel'". Variety . April 23, 1953.
  6. 1 2 "Dean Draws 'Sins' Role". Variety . May 12, 1953.
  7. ↑ "Sins of Jezebel (1953) - Original Print Information". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  8. 1 2 "At The Imperial: "Jezebel" Color Spectacle Stars Paulette Goddard In Title Role". The News and Eastern Townships Advocate. January 14, 1954. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  9. 1 2 Woodbury, Mitch (January 16, 1954). "Mitch Woodbury Reports on New Princess Headliner, "Sins of Jezebel"". The Toledo Blade . Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  10. ↑ "H.H.T." (January 9, 1954). "THE SCREEN IN REVIEW; ' Sins of Jezebel,' a Drama About Biblical Times Starring Paulette Goddard, Is at the Palace". The New York Times.
  11. ↑ Dixon, 1992 p. 49: From April 7, 1988 interview with Dixon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This is the extent of his comments on Goddard.
  12. 1 2 Dixon, 1992 p. 33

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References

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