Cinema
Samson and Delilah
Samson und Delila
Alexander Korda · 1922
Synopsis
Julia Sorel, a famous singer, is pursued by the attentions of a Russian grand duke, Prince Andrej. Before singing Delilah at La Scala in Milan, she leaves a rehearsal to listen to an old rabbi tell the story of Samson and Delilah, and, as she works on the role, her own life begins to resemble the biblical tale. The film alternates her present and the legend, with the same performers playing in both.
Context
The first film shot in the Rosenhügel studios, still under construction, it was produced by the company the director had just founded with his wife, in association with Vita-Film, after his departure from Sascha. Inspired by Griffith's Intolerance, it ran several weeks over its shooting schedule and cost more than twelve million crowns. Its star was Maria Corda, in the double role of Julia and Delilah. It was released in Vienna on 25 December 1922 and in England in October 1923.
Who it is for
A silent feature film of about an hour and a half in the surviving copies, whose two levels must be followed without confusing them.
Prizes and reception
One of the first great historical productions of Austrian cinema, and a financial pit for the man who had launched it.
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