Samuel Bronston produced some of the greatest and most remembered epic films of the sixties. El Cid, King of Kings, Fall of the Roman Empire, John Paul Jones, and Circus World. With a literal 'cast of thousands', and the biggest and most historically accurate sets ever built, the films have become legendary. The Magnificent Showman tells the stories behind the making of these memorable films, and explores the ambitious and quixotic man who brought them into being. This is the story of the film making empire Bronston created in Spain, hiring reknowned Directors like Nicholas Ray and Anthony Mann, and attracting first rate talent like Charlton Heston, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Boyd, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, James Mason, Alec Guinness, Rita Hayworth, David Niven, John Wayne and others. In many way, the drama off screen was as exciting as the action in front of the cameras. This book highlights the behind the scenes drama and conflict as Bronston struggled to bring these great stories to the big screen, and documents the extravagance that led to tremendous success, and then colossal failure as the Bronston empire collapsed in a series of legal battles and bankruptcies. Creating an amazing 6 major films in 6 years, Samuel Bronston left a legacy of artistic quality and innovation that are fondly remembered to this day. Films will never again be made in the way Bronston made them. Then, and now, Samuel Bronston remains The Magnificent Showman.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Movie Lover's Delight,
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This review is from: The Magnificent Showman The Epic Films of Samuel Bronston (Paperback)
I had the opportunity to review several chapters of this book and review the pictures before it went to the publisher. Now that I have received and read my Amazon copy I am even more impressed. I highly recommend it to anyone who remembers El Cid, 55 Days at Peking, and The Fall of the Roman Empire. Martin really did his research here including talking to a family member and collecting never before seen pictures. He discusses all of Bronston's films, including John Paul Jones, King of Kings and Circus World as well as Bronston's life and times. He also offers insight into many of the actors personalities gleened from his research. It has re-inspired my interest in the Bronston's movies and I look forward to El Cid and 55 Days coming out on DVD's next year. I have A Walk in the Sun coming from Netflix now. Enjoy the show!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
They don't come any better.,
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This review is from: The Magnificent Showman The Epic Films of Samuel Bronston (Paperback)
Ever since I was a boy I have always been in love with the "EPIC" film genre, and the main reason for this was Samuel Bronston. With the release of the fully restored "EL CID" on Jan 29 08, this is indeed a timely release of Mel Martin's biography. The book is jammed packed with information on all his major productions, a handy reference to keep on the table next to the TV as his titles are released to DVD.It explains his shunning of the Hollywood system to set his own up in Spain. this book is the most complete study of a producer I've always referred to as 'the cream of the crop Only a small gripe,no color photos inside. But a great, involving book to read. I wished for a Volume 2. Excellent, of 10. out of 10.
2.0 out of 5 stars
A minor biography,
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This review is from: The Magnificent Showman The Epic Films of Samuel Bronston (Paperback)
In his book Martin quotes that it is both a sad and missed opportunity that Bronston has not been written about. I would say the same sad and missed opportunity for this book. It gives you information about the making of the films (much taken from other books) but lacks the in depth of the man. Bronston inever comes to life. I remember the SPIEGEL biography, far form perfect but very in depth of the man.
I never new why Bronston was the man he was. A lost opportunity to know him. Buy the book if you want film information, but forget to know the man.
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