Androcles and the Lion *** (1952, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Alan Young, Robert Newton, Maurice Evans, Reginald Gardiner, Elsa Lanchester) – Classic Movie Review 8631

The George Bernard Shaw play roars on to the screen in director Chester Erskine’s 1952 drama Androcles and the Lion, with its ancient Rome story of Androcles (Alan Young), the nice Christian tailor who removes a thorn from a lion (Woody Strode)’s paw, finds his reward in the gladiatorial arena and becomes a Christian saviour.

Lots of subplots intrude on the tale, which is unfortunately handled with a paceless, heavy-handed touch by director Erskine. Jean Simmons (in her American début) finds romance as Lavinia with the stern Roman Captain (Victor Mature), while the secret police force creep around with menace.

But the charming acting saves the day, adding warmth and quirky appeal, and Shaw’s wit  does shine through too.

RKO boss Howard Hughes decided that the picture lacked oomph, and hired Nicholas Ray to shoot an extra steamy vestal virgin bathing scene that ran into trouble with the censors and was eventually cut from the release prints.

Also in the cast are Robert Newton, Maurice Evans, Reginald Gardiner, Elsa Lanchester, Alan Mowbray, Gene Lockhart, Noel Willman, John Hoyt, Jim Backus, Lowell Gillmore, Woody Strode, Shep Houghton and Richard Reeves.

Supposedly, Harpo Marx was considered as Androcles.

Androcles and the Lion is directed by Chester Erskine, runs 98 minutes, is made and released by RKO, is written by Chester Erskine and Ken Englund (screen adaptation), based on the George Bernard Shaw play, is shot by Harry Stradling Sr, is produced by Gabriel Pascal and Lewis J Rachmil, is scored by Frederick Hollander, and is designed by Harry Horner and Albert S D’Agostino.

H C Potter started directing the film in February 1951 but production was shut down after three days and was suspended for six months. Erskine took over when shooting resumed in September, with Mature replacing James Donald, who was playing the Captain, but was now working on another film. 

Tynemouth-born Alan Young died on 19 May 2016, aged 96. When he was 40, he played the 18-year-old James Filby in The Time Machine (1960).

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8631

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