Kings Of The Sun (1963)

Set in a Mayan state around the early 13th century, its King (George Chakiris) leads his people away from the Yucatan peninsula across the sea to a new land (possibly Texas) where they will hopefully be free from a merciless conqueror (Leo Gordon). Directed by J. Lee Thompson (CAPE FEAR), this modest historical epic is an intelligent effort that is more concerned with ideas (like peaceful coexistence and barbaric religions) than spectacle though there is some of that, notably in the final battle which is superbly done. Filmed in Mazatlan, it's beautifully shot in wide screen Panavision by Joseph MacDonald (HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE). The movie is hampered by some casting issues. Yul Brynner and George Chakiris have an generic ethnic look about them so they can respectfully pass as Mayans but other actors like Richard Basehart and Shirley Anne Field are too obviously Caucasian, even under the dark make up. With Brad Dexter, Barry Morse and Victoria Vetri.