Suez
Suez

Movie spotlight

Suez

1938
Movie
104 min
English

Ferdinand de Lesseps, disappointed in love, is sent as a junior diplomat to the Isthmus of Suez, and realizes it's just the place for a canal.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: David ButlerGenres: Drama, History, Romance

Plot Summary

This historical drama chronicles the ambitious construction of the Suez Canal in the mid-19th century. Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat, spearheads the monumental project, facing political opposition, engineering challenges, and personal heartbreak. The film intertwines the grand scale of the engineering feat with a passionate love triangle involving de Lesseps, a passionate Egyptian nationalist, and a spirited Englishwoman.

Critical Reception

Suez was a moderately successful film upon its release, praised for its epic scope and the performances of its lead actors. While recognized for its historical subject matter and romantic elements, some critics noted deviations from strict historical accuracy in favor of dramatic effect. Audiences generally responded well to the blend of historical spectacle and melodrama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its grand scale and historical ambition.

  • Tyrone Power's performance as Ferdinand de Lesseps was a highlight.

  • Criticized by some for its romanticized take on historical events.

Google audience: Audience reception details for this older film are not readily available.

Fun Fact

Despite being a historical epic, the film was shot in a relatively short production period, completed in just under three months.

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