Land of the Pharaohs

Land of the Pharaohs

Year: 1955

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Hawks

AdventureDramaHistory

In ancient Egypt, a power-hungry Pharaoh Khufu commissions an audacious pyramid, driven by a fixation on his afterlife legacy. Architect Vashtar faces an impossible task, torn between appeasing the ruler and freeing his enslaved kin. Meanwhile, Khufu's new queen, Princess Nellifer, schemes to claim her share of the tyrant's riches, setting the stage for a tale of obsession, betrayal, and ancient intrigue.

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Timeline & Setting – Land of the Pharaohs (1955)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Land of the Pharaohs (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient Era

The movie unfolds during an era marked by grand civilizations and monumental architecture, particularly in Egypt, where pharaohs ruled with divine authority. This time period is characterized by a belief in life after death, leading to elaborate burial customs and significant artifacts designed for the afterlife. It showcases power struggles, societal hierarchies, and the complex relationships between rulers and their subjects.

Location

Ancient Egypt, Cyprus

Ancient Egypt, known for its monumental architecture and rich culture, served as the backdrop for Pharaoh Khufu's ambitious pyramid project. The region was steeped in history, with powerful rulers and intricate spiritual beliefs, emphasizing the importance of immortality and burial practices. Cyprus represents a contrasting world where the political intrigue begins, as the Princess Nellifer challenges Khufu's authority.

🏜️ Desert 🏰 Castle

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:12

Main Characters – Land of the Pharaohs (1955)
Meet the key characters of Land of the Pharaohs (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Pharaoh Khufu

Pharaoh Khufu is depicted as a powerful yet ruthless ruler driven by an obsession with immortality. His determination to build a grand pyramid leads to tyranny and heavy burdens on his people. Despite his ambition, Khufu's inability to trust those around him ultimately leads to his downfall.

👑 Ruler 🪦 Ambitious ⚔️ Tyrant

Vashtar (James Robertson Justice)

Vashtar is a gifted architect enslaved by Khufu, embodying creativity and intelligence amid adversity. He is torn between his loyalty to his people and the dangerous bargain he struck with the Pharaoh. His journey reflects themes of sacrifice and the quest for freedom.

🛠️ Architect 📜 Wise ⚖️ Loyal

Princess Nellifer

Princess Nellifer is characterized by her cunning and ambitious nature. Initially, she presents herself as a submissive figure but soon reveals her manipulative schemes to gain power. Her complex relationship with Khufu illustrates the interplay of love, ambition, and deceit.

👸 Ambitious 🖤 Manipulative 🔥 Dangerous

Queen Nailla

Queen Nailla is a devoted mother whose love for her son drives her to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her character serves as a symbol of selflessness and tragedy in a world filled with betrayal. Her actions highlight the themes of love and maternal protection.

👑 Queen 💔 Tragic 💖 Motherly

Senta

Senta is Vashtar's son, showcasing bravery and loyalty as he assists in the construction of the pyramid. His heroism in saving Khufu illustrates the film's themes of sacrifice and the burdens of inherited knowledge. Senta's choices reflect a desire to protect his family and uphold their legacy.

👷 Heroic 💪 Brave ⚡ Loyal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:12

Major Themes – Land of the Pharaohs (1955)
Explore the central themes of Land of the Pharaohs (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪦 Immortality

The theme of immortality runs central to the narrative, as Pharaoh Khufu's obsession with eternal life drives him to build an everlasting monument. This quest results in sacrifices and treachery, illustrating the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their legacies. The pyramid symbolizes not just Khufu's desire to live beyond death but also the tragic costs that come with such aspirations.

🔪 Betrayal

Betrayal is a key theme, exemplified by Princess Nellifer's deceptive plots against Khufu. Her actions highlight the destructive nature of ambition and the moral corruption that power can bring. This theme resonates throughout the film, showcasing how trust can be shattered and relationships can crumble in the pursuit of dominance.

⚓ Sacrifice

Sacrifice is portrayed through the choices made by characters like Vashtar and Queen Nailla, who endure great personal loss to protect their loved ones. The pyramid itself becomes a symbol of sacrifice, as it represents the lives dedicated to its construction and the secrets it holds. The theme emphasizes that glory and greatness often come at significant costs.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:12

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