Land of the Pharaohs 1955
Directed by
Howard Hawks
Made by
Warner Bros.
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Land of the Pharaohs (1955). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In ancient Egypt, the powerful Pharaoh Khufu is determined to achieve immortality through the creation of an immense pyramid, which will not only serve as his final resting place but also protect his vast riches from grave robbers. Unimpressed with the lackluster security plans from his architects, Khufu makes a risky deal with Vashtar, a newly enslaved yet gifted architect: he will grant freedom to Vashtar’s people in exchange for designing a pyramid that will remain sealed from tomb raiders forever. However, this bargain comes at a high cost—Vashtar’s life will be forfeited upon completion of the pyramid, ensuring that the secrets dwell with him in death.
As time goes by, Khufu’s people, who were initially thrilled about the project, begin to grow disillusioned by the relentless hardship it imposes. Yet, determined to achieve his vision, Khufu imposes heavy taxes on surrounding states. Cyprus has other ideas and offers the beautiful Princess Nellifer instead of tribute. Defiant, she challenges Khufu, suggesting that she could either submit herself to him or pay the taxes, but not both. Following a brutal punishment, she eventually wins Khufu’s favor and becomes his second wife. However, with designs on securing her position, Nellifer plots to eliminate Khufu’s young son, resulting in the tragic death of Queen Nailla as she sacrifices herself to protect her child from a cobra.
As Vashtar faces deteriorating eyesight, he leans on his son Senta for help in overseeing the pyramid’s construction, revealing ancient secrets along the way. In a turning point, a runaway stone block puts Khufu in danger, and it is Senta who heroically saves him, but this act of bravery brands him with the same inevitable fate as his father for harboring forbidden knowledge. Rewarded with a wish, Senta requests the freedom of Kyra, Nellifer’s slave, earning Khufu’s respect. When Nellifer expresses her displeasure, the Pharaoh publicly chastises her, leading to her deepening resentment.
Planning Khufu’s downfall, Nellifer orchestrates an assassination attempt that fails when Khufu’s quick reflexes thwart Nabuna, her devoted slave. Spurred by suspicion, Khufu eavesdrops on Nellifer, discovering her treachery as she colludes with Treneh, a captain of the guards. Manipulated into a deadly duel, Khufu is fatally injured, and in his final moments, he urges Nellifer to summon Hamar, his high priest, but she reveals her betrayal instead, leaving him to die alone.
After Khufu’s death, Hamar releases Vashtar’s people, keeping the promise made to them and allowing them to return home. The pharaoh’s treasures are placed in his tomb, preparing him for the afterlife. As Nellifer brims with ambition to become queen, Hamar informs her that she must preside over the burial ceremony before assuming power. Yet, her eagerness leads her to activate a hidden mechanism that seals her fate—stone blocks crash down, trapping her within the very labyrinth she sought to control. > “There is no escape!” Hamar proclaims, infusing irony into his declaration. “This is the very kingdom you sought through lies, schemes, and bloodshed. This is your domain now!” With no hope for mercy, Nellifer, Hamar, and the priests find themselves entombed with the pharaoh.
As Vashtar, Senta, and their people turn to leave the pyramid, they stop to glance back at the towering structure, a poignant reminder of the profound sacrifices and deep secrets held within its ancient confines.
Timeline
Track the key events of Land of the Pharaohs (1955) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Pharaoh Khufu's Ambition
In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Khufu seeks to achieve immortality through the construction of a grand pyramid. This monumental structure will serve both as his tomb and a fortress to protect his riches from potential robbers.
The Deal with Vashtar
Khufu becomes frustrated with the inadequate security plans from his architects and strikes a deal with Vashtar, a newly enslaved gifted architect. In return for designing an impenetrable pyramid, Khufu promises him freedom for his people, though this deal comes at a life-threatening cost for Vashtar.
Disillusionment Among Workers
As the construction progresses, Khufu's laborers grow weary and dissatisfied with the relentless hardships imposed by their ruler. Despite initial excitement, the heavy taxes Khufu enforces on surrounding states further exacerbate their discontent.
Arrival of Princess Nellifer
In an unusual diplomatic maneuver, Cyprus offers Princess Nellifer to Khufu as an alternative to tribute. She defiantly proposes a challenging choice to Khufu, asserting she could either submit to him or pay taxes, but not do both, displaying her cunning nature.
Nellifer Becomes Second Wife
After enduring a harsh punishment for her defiance, Nellifer impressively maneuvers herself into a position of power and becomes Khufu's second wife. Her ambitions, however, start to take a darker turn as she plots against Khufu's young son to secure her standing.
Tragic Death of Queen Nailla
In an attempt to save her child from a deadly cobra, Queen Nailla sacrifices her life. This act of bravery underscores the lengths a mother will go to protect her offspring, setting off a chain of events that deepens the stakes of the power struggle.
Vashtar's Deteriorating Vision
As the blueprint of the pyramid progresses, Vashtar begins to lose his eyesight, leading him to rely on his son Senta for assistance. Together, they uncover ancient secrets while supporting the continued construction of the massive structure.
Senta Saves Khufu
A pivotal moment occurs when a runaway stone block threatens Khufu's life. Senta heroically intervenes, saving the Pharaoh, but this act of bravery brands him with a similar fate to Vashtar due to his knowledge of the pyramid's secrets.
Nellifer's Manipulations
Nellifer's ambition escalates as she plots Khufu's downfall through treachery and manipulation. Her schemes lead to a failed assassination attempt against the Pharaoh, marking her as a dangerous adversary within the palace.
Khufu's Fatal Duel
In a dramatic confrontation, Khufu is drawn into a deadly duel orchestrated by Nellifer's schemes. Although he shows remarkable reflexes, he ultimately suffers fatal injuries, revealing the deep layers of betrayal surrounding him.
Hamar's Oath Fulfilled
After Khufu's tragic death, Hamar fulfills the promise made to Vashtar by releasing his people from slavery, allowing them to return to their homeland. This act symbolizes a bittersweet victory amidst the chaos of ambition and treachery.
Nellifer's Ambition Rejected
Eager to become queen, Nellifer is informed by Hamar that she must preside over Khufu's burial ceremony first. Her impatience leads to disaster when she inadvertently triggers a mechanism that seals her fate within the tomb.
Trapped in the Tomb
As the temple’s sacred stones crash around her, Nellifer realizes the consequences of her unscrupulous quest for power. Along with Hamar and the priests, she is trapped within the very tomb she sought to control, ultimately finding herself imprisoned by her own schemes.
A Haunting Farewell
As Vashtar, Senta, and their people depart the pyramid, they take one last look at the towering structure. It stands not just as a monumental achievement, but also a stark reminder of the sacrifices and secrets that remain forever enshrined within its ancient walls.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Land of the Pharaohs (1955) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Pharaoh Khufu
Pharaoh Khufu is depicted as a powerful yet ruthless ruler driven by an obsession with immortality. His determination to build a grand pyramid leads to tyranny and heavy burdens on his people. Despite his ambition, Khufu's inability to trust those around him ultimately leads to his downfall.
Vashtar (James Robertson Justice)
Vashtar is a gifted architect enslaved by Khufu, embodying creativity and intelligence amid adversity. He is torn between his loyalty to his people and the dangerous bargain he struck with the Pharaoh. His journey reflects themes of sacrifice and the quest for freedom.
Princess Nellifer
Princess Nellifer is characterized by her cunning and ambitious nature. Initially, she presents herself as a submissive figure but soon reveals her manipulative schemes to gain power. Her complex relationship with Khufu illustrates the interplay of love, ambition, and deceit.
Queen Nailla
Queen Nailla is a devoted mother whose love for her son drives her to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her character serves as a symbol of selflessness and tragedy in a world filled with betrayal. Her actions highlight the themes of love and maternal protection.
Senta
Senta is Vashtar's son, showcasing bravery and loyalty as he assists in the construction of the pyramid. His heroism in saving Khufu illustrates the film's themes of sacrifice and the burdens of inherited knowledge. Senta's choices reflect a desire to protect his family and uphold their legacy.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Land of the Pharaohs (1955), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Ancient Era
The movie unfolds during an era marked by grand civilizations and monumental architecture, particularly in Egypt, where pharaohs ruled with divine authority. This time period is characterized by a belief in life after death, leading to elaborate burial customs and significant artifacts designed for the afterlife. It showcases power struggles, societal hierarchies, and the complex relationships between rulers and their subjects.
Location
Ancient Egypt, Cyprus
Ancient Egypt, known for its monumental architecture and rich culture, served as the backdrop for Pharaoh Khufu's ambitious pyramid project. The region was steeped in history, with powerful rulers and intricate spiritual beliefs, emphasizing the importance of immortality and burial practices. Cyprus represents a contrasting world where the political intrigue begins, as the Princess Nellifer challenges Khufu's authority.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Land of the Pharaohs (1955). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Immortality
The theme of immortality runs central to the narrative, as Pharaoh Khufu's obsession with eternal life drives him to build an everlasting monument. This quest results in sacrifices and treachery, illustrating the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their legacies. The pyramid symbolizes not just Khufu's desire to live beyond death but also the tragic costs that come with such aspirations.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a key theme, exemplified by Princess Nellifer's deceptive plots against Khufu. Her actions highlight the destructive nature of ambition and the moral corruption that power can bring. This theme resonates throughout the film, showcasing how trust can be shattered and relationships can crumble in the pursuit of dominance.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice is portrayed through the choices made by characters like Vashtar and Queen Nailla, who endure great personal loss to protect their loved ones. The pyramid itself becomes a symbol of sacrifice, as it represents the lives dedicated to its construction and the secrets it holds. The theme emphasizes that glory and greatness often come at significant costs.
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