Watch Esther and the King

Esther and the King is a 1960 American historical drama film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Joan Collins, Richard Egan, and Denis O'Dea. It is a retelling of the biblical story of Esther, set in Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus. The film opens with King Ahasuerus (Richard Egan) hosting a grand feast for his subjects. During the festivities, he becomes displeased with his Queen Vashti (Denise Darcel) and orders her banished from the kingdom. In search of a new queen, the king holds a beauty contest and chooses Esther (Joan Collins), a Jewish orphan who is living with her cousin Mordecai (Denis O'Dea). Esther is hesitant to become the queen, but Mordecai convinces her to accept the position and use her influence to help her people. Meanwhile, the king's chief advisor Haman (Sergio Fantoni) plots to exterminate the Jews, including Mordecai who has refused to bow down to him. As Esther becomes more comfortable in her role as queen, she discovers Haman's plan and the danger facing her people. With Mordecai's help, she risks her life to expose the plot to the king, who is compelled to see the error of his ways and reverse Haman's edict. The film ends with a jubilant celebration of the deliverance of the Jews. Joan Collins delivers a strong performance as Esther, the brave and resourceful queen who risks everything to save her people. Richard Egan is equally impressive as the stubborn but ultimately just king, while Denis O'Dea provides a stoic and wise portrayal of Mordecai, Esther's protector and advisor. The film's production design and costuming are lavish, creating a visually stunning portrayal of ancient Persia. The grandeur of the sets and the opulence of the costumes add to the film's epic scope, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Despite its biblical source material, Esther and the King is not preachy or heavy-handed in its message. Instead, it serves as a stirring reminder of the power of courage and faith, as well as the importance of standing up for what is right. It is a film that inspires and uplifts, providing a timeless and universal message of hope and redemption. Overall, Esther and the King is a compelling and beautifully made historical drama, featuring strong performances and stunning visuals. It is a testament to the enduring power of one of the greatest stories ever told.