Movie spotlight
Sign of the Pagan
Roman centurion Marcian is captured by Attila the Hun en route to Constantinople, but escapes. On arrival, he finds the eastern Roman emperor Theodosius plotting with Attila to look the other way while the latter marches against Rome. But Marcian gains the favor of Pulcheria, lovely sister of Theodosius, who favors a united Empire.
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Plot Summary
In 452 AD, the Roman Empire faces its greatest threat from the Hunnic leader Attila. When Attila invades the Western Roman Empire, a Roman captain is tasked with assassinating him. However, his mission becomes complicated when he falls for a Romanized woman with Hunnic ties, leading to a clash of loyalties and a pivotal battle that would shape the future of Europe.
Critical Reception
Sign of the Pagan was met with mixed to positive reviews, appreciated for its spectacle and the performances of its leads, particularly Jack Palance as Attila. While some critics found the historical accuracy lacking and the plot somewhat melodramatic, it was generally seen as an entertaining historical epic typical of its era.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its impressive production values and epic scope.
Jack Palance's portrayal of Attila was frequently highlighted as a strong point.
Criticized by some for historical inaccuracies and a conventional narrative.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Director Douglas Sirk, known for his melodramas, brought a dramatic flair to this historical epic, even though it was a departure from his typical genre.
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