Solomon and Sheba is a 1959 Biblical epic film made by Edward Small Productions and distributed by United Artists. It was directed by King Vidor and produced by Ted Richmond and Tyrone Power from a screenplay by Anthony Veiller, Paul Dudley and George Bruce, based on a story by Crane Wilbur. The music score was by Mario Nascimbene and Malcolm Arnold, the cinematography by Freddie Young. The film was shot in Technirama.
During filming in Madrid, Spain, the original star of the film, Tyrone Power, died of a heart attack after a grueling dueling scene with George Sanders. (The two had also filmed a sword fight in the 1942 film The Black Swan.) Yul Brynner took over the role, though Power can still be seen in long shots. The film stars Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, George Sanders and Marisa Pavan, with David Farrar, Harry Andrews, Laurence Naismith, William Devlin, Jean Anderson and Finlay Currie.
Shortly before his death in ancient Israel King David has a vision from God telling him that his younger son Solomon should succeed him as king. His other son Adonijah is unhappy and vows to attain the throne. Meanwhile the Egyptian Pharoah agrees to cede a Red Sea port to the Queen of Sheba is she can find a way to destroy Solomon, whose wisdom and benevolent rule is seen as a threat to more tyrannical monarchs in the region. Sheba, Pharoah, Adonijah, the leaders of the Twelve Tribes and his own God make life difficult for Solomon who is tempted by Sheba to stray. Written by Ron Kerrigan
