Forget the critics and concerns over over-acting, under-acting, script quality, and historical accuracy. Relax and settle back with your favorite snack and enjoy this opulent visual feast. Charles Laughton as a pleasure-obsessed Herod and Judith Anderson as a scheming power-hungry Herodias delightfully chew up the scenery, while Jean Louis' costumes alone make this movie worth watching. But the crowning achievement of this film is the electrifying Dance of the Seven Veils as performed by Rita Hayworth. Both earthy and ethereal at the same time, she commands our fascination as well as Herod's. As she effortlessly glides- minus 6 veils- up the steps to place herself at Herod's feet- offering him the promise of unimaginable pleasures- she is stunningly photographed and glowing with a golden aura. Had she made no other films, this dance performance alone would have ensured her place as Hollywood's reigning Love Goddess.
Review of Salome
