In the period 1916-1966, during its so-called Golden Age, Hollywood
developed a passion for the ancient world and produced many epic movie
blockbusters. The studios used every device they could find to wow
audiences with the spectacle of antiquity.
In this unique study, Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones shows how Hollywood
carefully and skilfully created the popular modern perception of the
ancient world. He analyses how producers, art directors, costumiers,
publicity agents, movie stars, and inevitably, 'a cast of thousands'
literally designed and crafted the ancient world from scratch.
This lively book offers a technical as well as a theoretical guide to a
much-neglected area of film studies and reception studies that will
appeal to anyone working in these disciplines.
Key Features:
- This is the first study of the mechanisms and ideologies behind the
making of epic movies in Hollywood
- Lavishly illustrated including rare and fascinating marketing material
and production stills produced by Hollywood at the time
- Explores the casting and consequences of movie stars in historical
roles
- Sets a new agenda for exploring the relationship between history and
film and between history and visual culture.
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is Professor of Ancient History at Cardiff
University.