Samson and Delilah
Seen it?1949 | 134 min | Romance, Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won 2 Oscars and it made about 9 times its budget, though it had middling reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved The Ten Commandments or Ben-Hur, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 14 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1949: an older pace and style.
When strongman Samson rejects the love of the beautiful Philistine woman Delilah, she seeks vengeance that brings horrible consequences they both regret.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
56% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Academy Award: Best Art Direction (Color), Academy Award: Best Costume Design (Color). Also nominated for 3 more Oscars and 1 Golden Globe. Plus 3 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$26 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 127K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
The Ten Commandments
Friday Night FlickAlso from director Cecil B. DeMille, though it's a different kind of film: a historical drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
The Robe Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Victor Mature, in another historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Ben-Hur Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed historical drama.
I Still Believe Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Greatest Story Ever Told Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
- Hedy LamarrDelilah
- Victor MatureSamson
- George SandersThe Saran of Gaza
- Angela LansburySemadar
- Henry WilcoxonPrince Ahtur
- Olive DeeringMiriam
- Fay HoldenHazel
- Julia FayeHaisham
- Russ TamblynSaul
- William FarnumTubal