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Poster for Solomon and Sheba

Solomon and Sheba

Seen it?

1959 | 139 min | History, Romance, War

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With just 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

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 Pressure or Dunkirk, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
The mood
Intense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 2 hr 19 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
  • Critics were cooler on it than audiences.

Near death, King David has a vision that his poet son, Solomon, should succeed him, rather than hot-headed Adonijah. Furious, Adonijah departs the court, swearing he will become king. Other rulers are concerned that Solomon's benevolent rule and interest in monotheism will threaten their tyrannical, polytheistic kingdoms. The Queen of Sheba makes an agreement with the Egyptian pharaoh to corrupt Solomon for their mutual benefit.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsWeak

    14% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $12 million worldwide on a $5 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 44K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by King Vidor

  • Yul BrynnerSolomon
  • Gina LollobrigidaSheba
  • George SandersAdonijah
  • Marisa PavanAbishag
  • David FarrarPharaoh
  • John CrawfordJoab
  • Finlay CurrieDavid
  • Harry AndrewsBaltor
  • José NietoAhab
  • Maruchi FresnoBathsheba