UPDATE: The 20th Century Fox DVD has finally been released (May 2004)! The film is presented in 2.35:1 Cinemascope and is absolutely pristine in all its Technicolor glory.

The widescreen treatment adds so much to the viewing experience compared to the pan and scan 4x3 versions shown on TV. Particularly noteworthy are the terrain features, most of which don't show up on the cropped versions. You can see how the battle was forced into the narrow gates between the mountains and the sea. Absolutely breathtaking and for a bargain price for one of the greatest movies I've ever seen! Get your copy today!

In Greece, at the pass of Thermopylae, there stands a pillar inscribed with ancient Greek characters commemorating the bravery of a small band of men. This almost forgotten act of courage echoes down through the centuries, but how many know that it directly affects our civilization today? But, it is true. Without the steadfast determination of this small group of men, Western Civilization itself would likely be very different if it existed at all.

According to the historian Herodotus, in 480 B.C. King Xerxes set out to conquer Europe, having already subjugated Asia under the banner of the Persian Empire. After crossing the Hellespont on a bridge of boats with his army of 4,000,000 Asiatics, ( a several-month process in itself) Xerxes encamped for five days at Anthela, just west of the pass of Thermopylae (Hot Gates or Gates of Fire), gathering his forces for attack. In the meantime, King Leonidas of Sparta arrived with his personal bodyguard of 300 infantrymen and occupied the narrow pass. About 7,000 other Greeks from the various city-states soon joined the Spartans. Leonidas was prevented from bringing the entire Spartan army because the Spartans were celebrating a religious festival and he could not command their presence, but he could command his bodyguard. The Spartans rebuilt the ancient wall across the 50-yard wide pass during the five-day hiatus. After repelling numerous Persian attacks, the Persians sent a herald to meet with Leonidas in no-man's land.

The Persian emissary spoke first, saying "Put down your weapons and surrender."

Leonidas replied, "Molon Labe. Come and take them."

Persian said, "If we come, our arrows will blot out the sun."

Leonidas replied, "Good. Then we will fight in the shade."

Incidentally, Leonidas famous saying, MOLON LABE, come and take them, has come down to us through the mists of time to inspire patriots in all ages. At the battle of Bunker Hill the British told our revolutionary forefathers to lay down your arms and surrender. Their response: Come and take them! It was also a phrase used in the fight for Texas independence when the Mexicans tried to get the Texicans to surrender their cannon. Their response: Come and take it!

A traitor led the Persians around behind the Greeks through a little-used mountain path. Before this occurred, Leonidas dismissed all Greek troops but his personal bodyguard of 300 men.

When Leonidas saw they were surrounded, he reportedly told his men to "eat a good breakfast as their supper would be served in hell." All 300 Spartans died under the hail of Persian arrows, which indeed blotted out the sun, but not before inflicting damages on the Persians that allowed the Greeks to rally and ultimately defeat the Asiatic threat.

Richard Egan starred as King Leonidas and Ralph Richardson as Themistocles, a Greek politician. The weaponry and costuming were well done and the film appeared to be on the actual location of the famous battle. Battle scenes were incredible, with carnage unseen in contemporary movies! Special effects, including the arrows blotting out the sun were fabulous. The interior sets and exterior views of the Greek buildings were also impeccable. The acting was inspiring, especially of the 300 Spartans and their King Leonidas. It appears that this was one case where Hollywood deserves kudos for their research and historical accuracy. Photography and music were also well done and inspiring. There is really not much to fault in this epic piece of cinema.

Anybody who values bravery and sacrifice will find this movie inspirational, as I did. Also recommended are these true stories of human courage The Alamo, They Died with their Boots On, Son of the Morning Star, Zulu, Sergeant York, and To Hell and Back.

Final word: The pillar commemorating the Spartans' gallant last stand contains these words attributed to King Leonidas, Stranger, when you find us lying here, go tell the Spartans we were obedient to their orders.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening