Salammbô 1926
Pierre Marodon's 1926 silent epic *Salammbô* plunges viewers into the brutal sands of third-century BC Carthage, where the merciless mercenary war pits the city's warriors against a tide of disillusioned soldiers.
Director: Pierre Marodon
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salammbô (1926) about?
This historical drama transports audiences to ancient Carthage during the Mercenary War, a brutal conflict sparked when unpaid soldiers turn on the city. At its core, it's a tale of political upheaval, religious duty, and the clash between civilization and rebellion, as seen through the eyes of a priestess entangled in fate.
Who directed Salammbô?
French director Pierre Marodon helmed this 1926 silent adaptation.
Who stars in Salammbô?
The film features Jeanne de Balzac as Salammbô, Rolla Norman as one of the rebellious mercenaries, and Victor Vina among the Carthaginian leadership.
Is Salammbô (1926) worth watching?
While it's an unrated silent film from the 1920s, *Salammbô* offers a fascinating glimpse into early cinematic storytelling and historical epics. Fans of vintage drama or silent-era films with striking visuals will appreciate its atmospheric intensity, even if pacing feels deliberate by modern standards.
How long is Salammbô?
The film runs for 125 minutes, or just over two hours.
About Salammbô (1926) — A Silent Epic of Carthage's Mercenary Revolt
Pierre Marodon's 1926 silent epic *Salammbô* plunges viewers into the brutal sands of third-century BC Carthage, where the merciless mercenary war pits the city's warriors against a tide of disillusioned soldiers. Adapted from Gustave Flaubert's sweeping novel, this drama unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue, religious fervor, and the clashing ideals of an empire teetering on collapse. With lavish period sets and a palpable sense of impending doom, the film captures the tension between duty and freedom in a world where loyalty is a currency as devalued as the gold of the mercenaries' unpaid wages.
Jeanne de Balzac commands the screen as the enigmatic Salammbô, a priestess caught between divine expectations and earthly desires, while Rolla Norman embodies the mercenaries' unyielding rage. Blending historical grandeur with intimate drama, *Salammbô (1926)* explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the cost of defiance, wrapped in a visual and emotional intensity that lingers long after the final frame.