The Conqueror – an epic tale of love and betrayal set against a backdrop of Genghis Khan's Mongol empire!
Few films from the 1950s can claim the level of notoriety that “The Conqueror,” starring John Wayne as the infamous Genghis Khan, has achieved. While some critics might scoff and dismiss it as a historical blunder (and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong), there’s an undeniable charm to this cinematic behemoth. It’s a film brimming with ambition, albeit one tinged with awkward execution, that offers a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood’s audacious attempts at recreating historical epics during the golden age of cinema.
“The Conqueror” tells the tale of Temüjin (John Wayne), a young Mongol warrior who rises through the ranks to become Genghis Khan, uniting disparate Mongol tribes under his banner. The film follows his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the leader of one of history’s most formidable empires. Along the way, he encounters love in the form of Bortai (Susan Hayward), a beautiful and independent Mongolian woman, who challenges him both intellectually and emotionally.
The film is a sprawling epic, filmed on location in Utah, with director Dick Powell attempting to recreate the vastness and grandeur of the Mongol steppes. The cinematography by William Daniels captures the rugged beauty of the American West, standing in for Mongolia, with impressive sweeping shots that attempt to convey the scale of Genghis Khan’s ambitions.
However, “The Conqueror” is not without its flaws. The casting choices are perhaps the most glaring. John Wayne, while undeniably a cinematic icon, appears somewhat out of place as the ferocious and calculating Genghis Khan. His cowboy swagger clashes with the intended ferocity of the character, leading to moments that feel unintentionally humorous.
Furthermore, the historical inaccuracies are abundant. The film takes considerable liberties with historical events, often simplifying complex political machinations and relationships for the sake of narrative flow. Genghis Khan’s ruthless tactics and conquests are softened, presenting him more as a noble leader seeking unification rather than the bloodthirsty conqueror history remembers him to be.
Despite its flaws, “The Conqueror” possesses a certain kitsch charm. It’s a film that embraces grandiosity while stumbling over its own ambition. The performances are entertaining in their earnestness, with Susan Hayward delivering a strong performance as Bortai, offering a counterpoint to Wayne’s stoicism.
A Deeper Look:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Dick Powell |
| Cast | John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Pedro Armendáriz |
| Release Year | 1956 |
| Genre | Historical Epic/Romance |
| Runtime | 108 minutes |
Beyond the surface:
“The Conqueror” is more than just a historical misstep. It’s a reflection of the era in which it was made, showcasing Hollywood’s fascination with grand narratives and larger-than-life figures. While its historical accuracy might leave historians cringing, it offers a glimpse into how filmmakers approached these epic tales during a time when spectacle reigned supreme.
If you’re looking for an accurate depiction of Genghis Khan’s life, “The Conqueror” is definitely not the film to watch. But if you enjoy classic Hollywood cinema with a touch of camp and are willing to embrace its eccentricities, then this ambitious yet flawed epic might just be worth your time.
And who knows, you might even find yourself laughing along with John Wayne’s attempts at Mongol war cries.