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In anticipation of the 2 upcoming movies about Alexander the Great, I rented the 1956 film of the same title. Alexander The Great is what I call a hysterical epic. It feature a middle aged Richard Burton portraying a teenaged conqueror, and a decrepit Frederic March as his dear ole Da.

I'm not an Historian, but I would think that to be a great soldier and conqueror back before mechanized infantry, you'd have to be in good shape, or at least somewhat physically fit. Since Dick Burton spends the whole movie in a lovely sleeveless skirt, we can see that this is not the case. In one scene where he's rallying the troops(make up your own jokes...I did), He raises and waives his arms above his head, and he's got arm waddles like my granny. The only muscles he has in his legs are those he built walking to the bar, and in his arms from lifting his pint. I only mention this as added absurdity to a movie already rife with silliness.

Frederic March plays Philip of Macedonia, Alexander' Pops. He's supposed to be the fierce warrior who united Greece, and he weighs about a buck 10. Historical proof that Greece was united by a knock kneed old, mudge.

The battle scenes were flacid, and the acting was poop. Richard Burton was a fine actor, in films like Beckett, and The Robe, but not too convincing as a warrior, or a young man. I think everyone made this film on a drunken lark, especially given the number of famous soaks in the cast and crew. So, I believe the only way to enjoy this flick is if the viewer is also drunk! Drink up and enjoy.