Ulysses (1954)

At the end of the Trojan War, the Greek hero Ulysses (Kirk Douglas) attempts to return home to the kingdom of Ithaca. But his pride and arrogance causes the god Neptune to place a curse on him that prevents him from returning home for years. Based on the epic poem by Homer and directed by Mario Camerini. This fantasy is a precursor to both Harryhausen's SINBAD and JASON films as well as the Italian peplum that would soon proliferate in the late 50s and early 60s. With actors like Douglas, Anthony Quinn and Silvana Mangano (who plays both Penelope and Circe), the film has a solid star power that the peplum and Harryhausen films lacked. While there isn't much in the way of impressive special effects, there's an appealing simplicity and sincerity about it that makes up for that. Seven writers are credited for the screenplay including Ben Hecht and Irwin Shaw (RICH MAN POOR MAN) as the film was shot in both English and Italian. Perhaps a bit short on magic, it still remains a potent adventure. With Rossana Podesta (HELEN OF TROY), Franco Interlenghi (De Sica's SHOE SHINE), Daniel Ivernel and Sylvie.