Year – 1954
Decade – 1950s
Director – Mario Camerini
Cinematographer – Harold Rosson
Genre – Adventure
Keywords – 1950s International Co-Productions; Homer Adaptations; Kirk Douglas Movies
Producers – Dino De Laurentiis, Carlo Ponti
Studio – Paramount
Filming Locations – shot in Italy
Aspect Ratio – 1.37
Format – 35mm with spherical lenses

The Movie
Based on Homer’s millennia-old poem The Odyssey, Ulysses traces the titular hero’s long voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War – a journey hindered by cyclopes, sirens and sorceresses. An early example of the epic international co-productions that thrived in the 1950s. Here’s Jim Hemphill on the era, from Filmmaker Magazine:

“One of the more interesting periods in the history of Italian cinema is the era of international co-productions that followed neorealism; kicked off by the massive success of MGM’s 1951 extravaganza Quo Vadis, the Italian film industry entered a boom age in which the location shooting, social consciousness, and limited resources of neorealism gave way to spectacular sets, glamorous Hollywood stars, and lavish budgets thanks to the country’s abundance of breathtaking scenery and attractive production incentives.”

French, Italian and American money comingled on Ulysses, and though Kirk Douglas stars the film largely has an Italian flavor. Dino de Laurentiis and Carlo Ponti produced, with the movie arriving in theaters the same year as the duo’s Oscar-winning Fellini film La Strada. Austrian director G.W. Pabst was originally set to helm, but was replaced by Italian Mario Camerini, best known for his 1930s comedies starring Vittorio De Sica. The largely Italy-based shoot did import Hollywood cinematographer Harold Rosson (The Asphalt Jungle, Singing in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz), but with Mario Bava (a few years from his directorial debut on Black Sunday) onboard as camera operator and 2nd Unit/Effects DP and German Eugen Schüfftan (famed for his technique of using mirrors for live composites, as seen in Metropolis) serving as Special Effects Director.

Writer Alberto Moravia worked as an uncredited script doctor on the film and the experience made its way into his 1954 novel Contempt, which features a young writer adrift on a troubled adaptation of The Odyssey. Jean-Luc Godard adapted the book into 1964’s Le Mepris, with Fritz Lang playing himself as the film’s beleaguered director and Jack Palance as the crass American producer.

Frame Group #1

Title card featuring the name 'Kirk Douglas' with an ancient Greek motif background.
A red background featuring ancient Greek figures and symbols, with the word 'VLISSE' prominently displayed in large white letters.
Four women in historical attire are engaged in spinning fibers into thread, with a focus on their hands and the wool they are working with.
A scene depicting two women engaged in a heartfelt conversation in a dramatic setting. One woman is wearing a dark veil, while the other is dressed in a light-colored shawl, both displaying expressions of emotion.
A woman dressed in a dark, semi-transparent veil and gown, looking pensively to the side. Behind her is a decorative tapestry with a floral design.
An ancient scene depicting a musician playing a lyre, surrounded by people in a lively gathering with pottery and a fire in the background.
An elderly man with long gray hair and a beard appears emotionally intense, sitting near a stringed instrument in a dimly lit environment.
A close-up of a person's hands playing a beautifully crafted string instrument, likely a harp, with intricate designs on the wooden frame.
A large wooden Trojan horse stands prominently at night, surrounded by people holding torches near a walled city.
A group of ancient warriors in bronze armor and gladiator-like attire are gathered in a rocky cave, holding torches and appearing to be in a tense situation. Some are pulling on ropes, while others look on, set against a dark background illuminated by the torchlight.
A chaotic scene featuring armored warriors in a dark, smoky environment, engaged in battle with weapons and shields raised, depicting an ancient combat scenario.
A man with curly hair, wearing a leather tunic and cape, exhibits an intense expression in a dimly lit setting filled with shadows and torches.
A dramatic scene with a woman dressed in a dark gown and a red shawl standing in front of flames against a black backdrop.
A solemn man with short, tousled hair and a serious expression, wearing armor and holding a sword, stands in a dimly lit environment surrounded by figures in the background.
A woman with curly dark hair wearing a black outfit and a red hood stands against a dark background, speaking with an intense expression.
A group of six characters standing in a dramatic pose, dressed in historical or fantasy attire, with expressions of concern or intensity, set against a dark and moody background.
A woman in a dark veil and elegant gown, striking a serious pose, surrounded by other figures in a dimly lit setting.
A scene depicting a young male hero in ancient attire standing beside an elder man with a lyre and a bowl, set in a cave-like environment with a statue in the background.
A group of ancient Greek characters dressed in traditional attire, gathered around a central figure kneeling and gesturing dramatically. The setting appears to be in a stone chamber with ancient decorations in the background.
A dramatic scene featuring three women in a dimly lit room, with one woman in the foreground looking directly at the viewer while the other two appear engaged in different activities.
A dramatic scene featuring a woman in traditional attire holding feathers, watching a shirtless man in a dimly lit room with intricate wall decorations.
A serious-looking woman in a dark dress stands beside a young man in a sleeveless shirt, with an ornate backdrop featuring decorative patterns.
A woman in a dark setting, featuring dramatic lighting and expressions, showcasing a contemplative mood. She has dark hair styled elegantly and is wearing a sleeveless dress.
Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair, bold eyebrows, and red lips, showing a serious expression against a blurred dark background.
A person lying on a sandy beach surrounded by rocks and seaweed, with waves in the background.
A woman in a flowing yellow dress stands on a rocky beach, gazing down at the ground.
A close-up of a rugged man with a beard, looking distressed while sitting on a beach, with rocks and sand in the background.
A young woman with long, wavy hair and a concerned expression stands by the ocean, wearing a strapless yellow dress.
A male character in ancient attire stands confidently in a grand indoor setting, adorned with ornate architecture. He wears a red draped garment and a white garment with a decorative belt. Behind him are additional characters dressed in ancient costumes, some holding weapons.
A group of people dressed in ancient Roman-style costumes, with a central figure wearing a regal outfit and a crown, seated on a throne. The scene includes men and women in elaborate attire, showcasing a dramatic expression and setting.
A grand arena filled with an audience watching a wrestling match, featuring several competitors, set in an ancient-themed environment.
A scene featuring a man in ancient Roman attire sitting on a pedestal, flanked by two men in minimal armor and one woman dressed in colorful garments in the background.
A scene depicting a group of ancient Roman figures in a grand hall, with a king seated on a throne and individuals in various garments, including a man standing barefoot in a loincloth facing the throne.
A muscular man in ancient Greek attire stands in a sandy arena, surrounded by a crowd of spectators celebrating in the background.
A smiling man with a beard and curly hair, wearing no shirt, stands outside against a blue sky and ancient ruins backdrop.
Group of five men smiling and laughing, wearing ancient tunics, standing in front of a stone wall with classical Greek architecture details.
A wrestling match taking place in an ancient setting, featuring two male wrestlers on the ground, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd watching the competition.
Two men wrestle in an ancient arena, while a cheering crowd in colorful attire watches the match.
Two wrestlers compete in a sandy arena, with one lifting the other in a display of strength, while an audience watches in the background.
A gladiatorial arena with a defeated fighter lying on the ground, while another fighter stands over him. Surrounding them is a crowd of spectators in ancient attire, cheering or reacting to the event.
A woman in a historical dress talks to a man wearing a toga, seated on a bed with a decorative backdrop.
Two male athletes engaged in a wrestling match outdoors, surrounded by spectators in ancient Greek attire.
A scene from a dramatic film featuring three characters in historical costumes: a man with curly hair, a woman in a colorful dress with a yellow shawl, and an older woman in subdued clothing. The background shows a dimly lit room with decorative elements.
A man dressed in a traditional Roman costume, standing beside a decorative banner in an ancient setting.
Close-up of a woman with dark hair and a yellow scarf draped over her shoulders, looking with a serious expression.
A close-up portrait of a man with dark hair and a serious expression, wearing a historical costume, with a decorative background.
An elderly woman in a cloak sits in a room filled with ancient weapons and armor, looking thoughtfully at a young man who stands with his back to the viewer.
A group of four women dressed in historical costumes, with one woman in a prominent white dress adorned with jewels, surrounded by others in colorful attire, all set in a stylized room.
A man with curly hair, wearing a black garment draped over one shoulder, stands among large rocks, looking thoughtfully into the distance.
A traditional sailing ship anchored on calm waters, with a clear sky and gentle waves in the background.
A small boat with a red sail navigating through stormy, turbulent waters at night under a dark sky.
A scene from a film featuring sailors on a ship, with some working on ropes and others interacting with a large golden statue. The atmosphere is dark and stormy.
A group of ancient Greek men on a ship, some standing and others partially obscured, with dramatic lighting creating a tense atmosphere.
A group of men working on a ship during a tumultuous sea scene, with one man prominently pulling on a rope in the foreground.
A scenic view of a coastline featuring a large, ornate ship resembling a whale, with several people on board and in the water, near rocky shores and a clear blue sea.
Three ancient warriors in a forest, one aiming a bow, while the others stand alert with weapons.
A muscular man with a beard stands in a forest, holding a spear. He is shirtless and appears to be in a thoughtful pose, surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight.
Two people in sandals stand near a large footprint in the ground, surrounded by water and greenery.
A group of ancient warriors is gathering on a rocky beach near a tranquil blue sea, with a large, traditional ship anchored offshore.
A muscular man with long hair and a beard yells with intense emotion on a ship, surrounded by other men working in the background.
A person balances a large rock above their head while standing on a rugged mountain terrain, with small trees in the background against a clear blue sky.
A boat partially submerged in water, creating a splash as it tips over.
A muscular man with a beard, wearing a sleeveless top, is smiling and gesturing while standing near ropes on a ship.

Frame Group #2

Three men on a ship looking out to the sea, wearing ancient Greek-style clothing, with a blue sky in the background.
A muscular man in ancient Greek attire stands on a ship deck, holding ropes, with blue sky in the background. Another man is visible in the background.
A man in ancient attire with a beard appears distressed and tied to a wooden post on a ship, against a backdrop of the ocean. Surrounding him are several other men engaged in labor, emphasizing a scene of hardship.
A group of muscular men aboard a ship, with one man in the foreground wearing a tattered cloth and looking intently into the distance against a bright sky.
A shirtless man with a necklace stands on a ship surrounded by crew members in the background, with a blue ocean visible.
A vintage ship sailing in the ocean with rocky shorelines and several people working on the beach, creating a scene of exploration or adventure.
A muscular man wearing a tunic stands on rocky terrain, looking upward with a thoughtful expression.
A woman in a shimmering, sequined outfit stands between rocky formations, wearing a dark veil and jewelry, with soft, atmospheric lighting.
A muscular man with a beard, dressed in a tunic, stands in front of rocky terrain under a blue sky, looking confidently into the distance.
A woman with long dark hair stands between rocky formations, dressed in a shimmering outfit and a sheer veil, illuminated by green lighting.
Close-up of a man with curly hair and a beard, looking intently at a woman with dark hair, partially obscured in shadow, set against a rocky background.
A dramatic scene featuring a man with a beard facing a woman draped in a sheer black fabric, highlighting her facial features and long hair, illuminated with colorful lighting.
A muscular man with a beard, wearing a toga, stands in a cave-like environment with textured rock formations and hanging stalactites.
A woman in a flowing gown stands in a dark cave, surrounded by stalactites and rock formations, with shadows in the background.
A woman with long hair wearing a sparkling, sheer dress sits elegantly in a dimly lit setting, showcasing a mysterious and captivating expression.
A dimly lit cave interior showing several figures huddled on the ground, surrounded by smoke and rock formations.
A man with a beard swimming in a greenish hot spring, surrounded by lily pads.
Group of men in ancient Greek clothing, standing together with serious expressions in a dimly lit setting.
A man in a shimmering green robe gazes into a circular mirror held by another figure, reflecting a bearded man with an ornate background in a dark, cave-like setting.
A man with a beard in a robe looking into a mystical mirror, with shadowy figures in the background.
A dimly lit scene featuring a man with a beard and a woman in a sparkling dress, both looking forward with serious expressions.
Close-up of a woman with dark hair and intense expression, wearing a sheer, beaded garment against a dark, moody background.
A man carrying a large log by the shore, with a pile of logs visible on the sandy beach and the ocean in the background.
A muscular man wearing a toga stands on rocky terrain at night, holding a large stick.
A woman with long hair and a dramatic expression, dressed in a flowing brown garment, stands in a dark, forest-like setting.
A muscular man with a beard, wearing a draped garment, stands in a rocky environment, holding a weapon, against a dark background.
A dramatic scene featuring a muscular man in a toga facing a woman with long, wavy dark hair, set in a dark cave-like environment.
Three figures in ancient warrior attire stand amidst a foggy landscape, surrounded by dark rocky formations.
A muscular man with a beard stands in a forested area, looking upward with a serious expression. A woman in a purple dress stands behind him, partially visible.
Three ancient warriors in cloaks and armor, standing amidst fog in a dramatic setting.
A solemn soldier wearing a traditional Roman helmet and armor, standing in a misty environment.
A dramatic close-up of a man with curly black hair and a beard, dressed in a dark cloak adorned with patterns, set against a smoky background.
A group of ancient warriors stands in a foggy environment, with one man in the foreground appearing shirtless and looking serious, while others are partially obscured in the background.
A figure dressed in ancient warrior attire stands in a natural setting, with greenery and a sky in the background.
A scene depicting two figures in ancient attire, standing amidst trees and a twilight sky, with one figure looking back at the other, who appears contemplative.
A dramatic scene featuring a man and woman standing close together, with intense expressions. The man is dressed in a toga-like garment, while the woman is draped in a flowing veil. They are surrounded by nature, with a dusk sky in the background.
A dimly lit interior featuring a cloaked figure standing beside a table with a small flame, set against a backdrop of stone walls.
A cloaked figure stands in a dimly lit, ancient stone chamber holding a staff, with stone steps in the background.
A bearded man wearing a tattered brown cloak looks intently while holding a wooden staff, with a stone wall visible in the background.
A woman in a dark setting wearing a gold and black patterned garment and a matching scarf, looking directly at the viewer with a serious expression.
Two men in ancient costumes converse in a dimly lit setting, with one holding a bowl and a stick, while the other looks on, wearing a toga.
Two male figures in Roman-style clothing sitting on a couch, one with a contemplative expression and the other with an attentive posture, against a background of ancient decor.
A group of men in ancient Greek attire, with one man in the foreground wearing a decorative tunic and a cape, standing confidently among others in a historical setting.
Three women in historical costumes stand in a dramatic setting. The central figure wears a white dress with gold accents and a crown, while the others wear muted tones and look on with varying expressions.
Close-up of a person's legs wearing sandals, standing on the ground with a rope or whip held in one hand, surrounded by others in the background.
A group of ancient Greek characters in a dramatic scene, with one man holding a sword and engaging the crowd, while others look on with expressions of intrigue and interest.
A group of men in historical attire, with one man in the foreground drawing a bow and arrow, while others watch intently.
A muscular man with shoulder-length hair and a beard is standing in front of a stone wall with ancient carvings and a sandy floor, wearing a simple harness.
A muscular man with a beard stands shirtless, holding a bow, against a stone wall with intricate carvings.
A muscular man with a bow and arrow aiming intently, set against a textured stone backdrop featuring an ancient face and decorative artwork.
A muscular man with a beard and long hair, wearing minimal clothing, stands in a dark, ancient setting, gripping a large, wooden beam and preparing to lift a massive axe.
A woman lying on a fur rug, looking up with a surprised expression, wearing a dress and a decorative headpiece.
A dramatic indoor scene depicting two ancient warriors in conversation, surrounded by fallen bodies on the ground. The setting features stone walls, scattered debris, and remnants of battle.
A woman in a flowing white dress kneels on a fur rug, facing a wall with a large painting of a woman in a black dress. The setting has a rustic, ancient feel with large windows and pottery visible in the background.
A rugged man with a beard and tousled hair, showing emotional expression, wearing a leather strap across his chest, with visible wounds on his shoulder, set against a backdrop featuring ancient artwork.
A woman wearing a white dress and a decorative crown, with a veil, looking emotional in a dimly lit setting.

Frame Group #3

Ancient Greek gathering in a cave-like setting, featuring men and women dressed in traditional robes and tunics, engaged in conversation.
Sets
A wide-angle view of a historical setting, depicting a chaotic scene with several characters in tunics, some appearing to be injured or unconscious, scattered around a stone-floored interior resembling an ancient arena or barracks.
A vibrant scene set in an ancient temple, featuring a large gathering of people dressed in historical garments. Columns with intricate designs surround the space, with some individuals engaged in conversation while others stand attentively. The background includes a sky scene visible through the temple structure.
A woman in ancient Roman attire stands between two tall columns, with two men in tunics standing behind her in a decorated interior setting.
A scene depicting ancient Greek-style figures in a courtyard surrounded by large statues and building structures, with individuals dressed in classical togas and attire engaging in a gathering or event.
A crowd watches a wrestling match in an ancient amphitheater, surrounded by spectators in traditional clothing and architectural features of classical design.
A man in minimal attire stands inside a cave, surrounded by stalactites and dim lighting, with several pigs nearby.
A dark, cave-like interior with rugged rock formations. A group of people stands in the background, while a bed draped with fabric is in the foreground.
A scene featuring a group of women in ancient attire, engaged in conversation. An older woman gestures as she addresses the others, who are standing nearby in a dimly lit room with a tapestry in the background.
Costumes
A group of men dressed in ancient Greek clothing standing in a dimly lit stone chamber, with some wearing togas and others in armor, all facing forward.
A group of four individuals standing closely together in a dimly lit scene, with a central figure in a dark veil, flanked by two men in historical attire, one with a beard and another dressed in a partially exposed costume.
A group of men dressed in ancient Greek-style costumes standing in a stone chamber with animal horns mounted on the walls.
A scene depicting a group of ancient Roman characters gathered around a central figure in a regal outfit, showcasing elaborate costumes and a dramatic atmosphere.
A scene depicting several individuals in ancient attire, with one man in a prominent position wearing a red and black draped outfit, standing before an audience in a grand architectural setting.
A group of actors dressed in ancient Greek-style costumes, engaged in a dramatic scene. The setting features large stone columns and decorative details, suggesting a historical or mythological context.
Three characters in ancient attire express concern, seated in an audience. The man on the left has a beard and wears a toga, the woman in the middle has curly hair and a dress with draped fabric, and the man on the right has a long hairstyle adorned with decorative motifs.
A regal woman in an elaborate dress and a man in royal attire sit on a throne, with the woman wearing a crown and the man holding a scepter.
A group of five women dressed in elaborate, historical costumes, gathered in an ancient-themed setting, with greenery and decorative items visible in the background.
A prehistoric scene depicting early humans walking through a cave with rocky formations and primitive tools.
The Cyclops
A scene depicting several ancient-looking male characters in a cave-like environment, with one playing a musical instrument, while others appear to be in conversation or working with supplies around them.
A muscular man stands in a rocky cave, looking down at two smaller figures who appear to be preparing large stone objects.
A dimly lit cave scene featuring a shirtless man sitting on a rock, appearing to craft or work on an object. Nearby, there are small items on the ground, such as gourds or potatoes.
A dimly lit cave scene featuring a muscular figure clutching their head in distress, with another smaller figure in the background. The environment includes dark shadows and textured surfaces.
A group of individuals in primitive clothing inside a dark cave, with some appearing to be agitated or in motion.
A muscular man with a beard, standing shirtless in a rocky cave setting, with a serious expression.
A muscular, shirtless man with a beard and short hair, sitting in a dark, cave-like environment with a surprised expression on his face.
A dramatic scene set in a dark cave, featuring two muscular men, one standing against a rock and appearing startled, while the other is seen in the background.
A tense scene featuring a man with a beard, wearing a tunic, looking upwards. He is surrounded by other figures in a dimly lit environment, suggesting an ancient or mythical setting.
A muscular, bearded man with a single eye sits in a cave, gesturing with his right hand, showcasing a rugged environment.
A muscular man in ancient attire gazes upward with a smile, surrounded by a dark forest floor covered in leaves.
Two muscular men struggle to lift a heavy object while a third figure watches from the shadows, in a dark, cave-like setting.
A prehistoric man lifting a large stone tool or weapon in a cave, with another figure in the background observing.
A man in a tunic and armor is depicted in a dramatic scene, appearing to be attacked or overwhelmed by a large creature's hand in a dark, rocky environment.
A man in a classic tunic uses a bowl while standing near a large, mysterious creature in a dimly lit cave.
A man with a muscular build sits in a dimly lit cave, holding a small, doll-like figure in his hands, with a focused expression on his face.

Posters

A vintage movie poster for the film 'Ulysses' featuring Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano, with dramatic artwork depicting mythological scenes, including a warrior with a sword and a shield.
Vintage movie poster for 'Ulysses' featuring Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano, with colorful illustrations depicting scenes from the film.
Vintage movie poster for 'Ulysses' featuring actors Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano, with additional credits for Anthony Quinn and Rossana Podestà. The design showcases a dramatic illustration of Ulysses and mythological elements.
Vintage movie poster for 'The Loves and Adventures of Ulysses' featuring dramatic artwork of Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano, with vibrant colors and Greek-inspired elements.
A vintage movie poster for 'Le Avventure di Ulisse' featuring dramatic artwork of characters in a mythological scene, with a large sleeping figure and a fiery background.
Vintage movie poster for 'Ulysses' featuring a muscular warrior wielding a sword and shield, with vibrant colors and dramatic artwork. The poster includes the names of actors and crew, prominently featuring Kirk Douglas.
A vintage movie poster featuring Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano, with themes of adventure and mythology, depicting ships and dramatic scenes in vibrant colors.
Vintage movie poster for 'Ulysses' featuring characters played by Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano, with bold colors and dramatic illustrations.
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