Peplum movie facts for kids
A peplum movie is a special kind of movie that takes you back to ancient times. These films are often called "sword and sandal movies." They are set in ancient Greece, Rome, or even feature stories from the Bible.
The word "peplum" actually refers to a type of clothing. It was a simple garment worn by people in ancient Greece and Rome.
The main character in a peplum movie is usually a very strong hero. Think of famous figures like Hercules or Samson. This hero often wears a short peplum. He battles scary monsters, evil rulers, and mean queens. At the end of the movie, the hero is celebrated by his people. He often wins the hand of a beautiful princess.
Where Did Peplum Movies Come From?
Most peplum movies were made in Italy. Italian filmmakers looked to big Hollywood movies for inspiration. They especially liked grand historical films like Spartacus.
This movie style was very popular in Italy. It was a big part of Italian filmmaking from 1957 to 1965. However, by 1965, a new type of movie became popular. These were the "Spaghetti Westerns," and they took over from peplum films.
The End of an Era
Some movie experts didn't think highly of peplum movies. They often thought these films were not very good. An Italian director named Vittorio Cottafavi called the style "Neo-Mythology." This means "new myths."
Two very famous Hollywood movies are often seen as the end of the peplum era. These are Charlton Heston's Ben-Hur from 1959 and Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra from 1963. These were huge, expensive films. They showed how grand ancient stories could be on screen.
