Richard Egan : 300 Spartans

Original Release: 1962  DVD Released: 5/2004

Genre: Historical Film

DVD Coded for Region: 1 - North America

Screen Formats: Wide Screen

Languages: English, Spanish Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound options: Dolby Digital Monaural, Dolby Digital Stereo

This DVD Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Studio: 20th Century Fox

MPAA Rated: NR

Length: 108

Category: Features

The All Music Guide rating for this work on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is 4

A colorful action film about the Battle Of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. in which the Spartans defend themselves for a Persian invasion against overwhelming odds. King Leodinas (Richard Egan) rallies the locals to stop the attack of thousands of plundering Persian invaders led by evil King Xerxes (David Farrar). Sir Ralph Richardson as Themistocles of Athens leads the international cast this the spectacular cinematic conflict that has more emphasis on action rather than historical accuracy. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

Another title for this stiffly acted, uneven costume drama could be the 'Battle of Thermopylae' since that is the focus of this 108-minute production by Rudolph Mate . Set in the 5th-century B.C., the story begins with an impending invasion of Persian forces. King Leonidas of Sparta has only his 300 bodyguards to stand with him against an army of 60,000 men. Although Richard Egan may not do justice to the character of King Leonidas, charged with staving off the invading army, the actual battlefield scenes are captivating in their depictions of bravery during the terror and action of close combat. The Spartans' heroic last stand was destined to give the other Greek city-states time to organize a large fighting force and ultimately send the Persians packing. Several sub-plots only tend to distract from the main event here. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide