Though the movie is known for star Rita Hayworth's "dance of the seven veils," the over-the-top performances of Sir Charles Laughton and Dame Judith Anderson are worth the price of admission. The pair play Herod and Herodias, two of the other central figures in the eventual beheading of John the Baptist, played to the hilt by Alan Badel.
Laughton alternates between seriousness and buffoonery as the king who condemns the Baptist to death at the request of his wife. Anderson plays his wife in the same sinister wizardry as she had done earlier as "Mrs. Danvers" in "Rebecca." These are two pros that always made acting mincemeat of anyone around them.
Hayworth looks good in her royal garb and does well in the role of the unwitting temptress, used by her mother to swing the tide against "The Baptist." Co-star Stewart Granger is along for the ride as Hayworth's love interest.
Composer Daniele Amfitheatrof's music for the celebrated dance is quite memorable, made the more by Hayworth's foot and body work.
Laughton alternates between seriousness and buffoonery as the king who condemns the Baptist to death at the request of his wife. Anderson plays his wife in the same sinister wizardry as she had done earlier as "Mrs. Danvers" in "Rebecca." These are two pros that always made acting mincemeat of anyone around them.
Hayworth looks good in her royal garb and does well in the role of the unwitting temptress, used by her mother to swing the tide against "The Baptist." Co-star Stewart Granger is along for the ride as Hayworth's love interest.
Composer Daniele Amfitheatrof's music for the celebrated dance is quite memorable, made the more by Hayworth's foot and body work.