Redeemed somewhat by the performances of the talented cast (Aimee and Baker especially), Robert Aldrich's epic tale of debauchery & hedonism within the walls of the ancient city of Sodom & Gomorrah is overlong, but offers a climax entertaining enough to reward persistence.
Granger stars as the anti-hero Lot, whose misguided attempt to convert the perverted Sodomites leads to absolution via destruction. Pier Angeli co-stars as his grounded spouse, and as the callous Queen, Anouk Aimee is a scene stealer, cold, composed and without a modicum of compassion or care for anything other than her twisted self-interest. Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Anthony Steffen, Rik Battaglia and the lovely Rossana Podesta appear in supporting roles of varying significance.
Through a combination of elaborate sets and clever use of intricate miniatures, Aldrich manages to create entertaining action sequences, and just enough tension to punctuate an otherwise labouring soap opera which treads a fine line between faithful religious testament and gratuitous film fantasy.
Occasionally moving, sometimes sordid, S&G is an epic Hollywood morality lesson in the sins of excess and the righteous quest for humility, worthy mainly due to Aimee's outstanding performance supported by an international cast of considerable class.
Granger stars as the anti-hero Lot, whose misguided attempt to convert the perverted Sodomites leads to absolution via destruction. Pier Angeli co-stars as his grounded spouse, and as the callous Queen, Anouk Aimee is a scene stealer, cold, composed and without a modicum of compassion or care for anything other than her twisted self-interest. Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Anthony Steffen, Rik Battaglia and the lovely Rossana Podesta appear in supporting roles of varying significance.
Through a combination of elaborate sets and clever use of intricate miniatures, Aldrich manages to create entertaining action sequences, and just enough tension to punctuate an otherwise labouring soap opera which treads a fine line between faithful religious testament and gratuitous film fantasy.
Occasionally moving, sometimes sordid, S&G is an epic Hollywood morality lesson in the sins of excess and the righteous quest for humility, worthy mainly due to Aimee's outstanding performance supported by an international cast of considerable class.