JUPITER'S DARLING (1955)

Jupiter's Darling(1955). Musical /romance. Director: George Sidney. Cast: Esther Williams , Howard Keel and Marge Champion. The film features Roman generals Fabius Maximus and Scipio Africanus who appear briefly. Carthaginians Mago Barca and Maharbal also appear. Jupiter's Darling was based on Robert Sherwood's anti-war comedy film The Road to Rome (1927). The film was the last of three films Williams and Keel made together, the other two being Pagan Love Song (1950) and Texas Carnival (1951).

In ancient Rome, Horatio remembers back to the day when Fabius Maximus was first crowned dictator. Fabius vows to slay Hannibal of Carthage, who has taken over the country's northern provinces. Unfortunately, Fabius' fiancee Amytis is not there to hear his victory speech, she is out racing her chariot through the countryside. Eventually, Amytis goes to the temple with her slave Meta, but they are too late for the ceremony and decide to spend the day shopping . Fabius reaches the marketplace, with his mother Fabia, who criticizes Amytis for her behavior. Fabius demands that they will marry that evening, or Amytis must enter the temple of the Vestal Virgins. Their wedding is interrupted by the news that the enemy is now twenty miles from Rome. Curious Amytis and Meta sneak outside the walls of the city to get a look at Hannibal. They are captured and Hannibal orders the women to be executed as spies. Amytis asks for time alone with Hannibal to make a last request, then begs him to spare Rome. Hannibal refuses and sends for the guard, but is stopped short when Amytis points out that his map is not correct. Trying to buy time, Amytis offers to take him to a temple overlooking the city. As they look at the city by moonlight, Hannibal and Amytis begin to fall in love. Will Hannibal change his mind about destroying Rome. The music is gorgeous and the costumes are amazing. Both Keel and William's both give wonderful performances. I enjoyed Keel singing. Esther Williams water ballet sequence and her swimming skills are put to use during an escape scene. I also enjoyed Marge and Gower dance scene with the elephants.

Soundtracks:

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"If This Be Slav'ry"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson
Sung and Danced by Marge Champion and Gower Champion

"The Life Of An Elephant"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson
Danced by Marge Champion and Gower Champion
Sung by chorus

"Never Trust A Woman"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson
Sung by Howard Keel

"I Had A Dream"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson
Sung by Esther Williams (dubbed by Jo Ann Greer) (uncredited)

"This Is What I Love"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson

"Don't Let This Night Get Away"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson

"Hannibal's Victory March"
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by Harold Adamson