Action Cult Classic

An ordinary shepherd faces destiny and danger in ancient Israel, where prophecy and power collide.

DAVID AND GOLIATH

1960 · 1h 32m · G · Action / Drama / Family · IMDB TMDB

King Saul of the Israelites is visited in Jerusalem by the Prophet Samuel who foretells him that a war with The Philistines is inevitable and the shepherd David will become king.

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Quick Answer

What is David and Goliath about?

David and Goliath is a 1960 Italian action, drama, and family film directed by Ferdinando Baldi and Richard Pottier about a young shepherd who is foretold to become king, unsettling the current ruler Saul, as Israel faces threats from the Philistines.

Programmer's Pick

With Orson Welles glowering as King Saul and biblical stakes as high as the city walls, this Italian epic sets up a classic showdown between humble wit and royal paranoia. Sword-and-sandal spectacle meets family drama, all under the shadow of prophecy and palace politics.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in ancient Israel, David and Goliath opens with the Prophet Samuel delivering a prophecy that a new king will rise, unsettling the reigning King Saul and his commander Abner. Saul, plagued by misfortune since the Philistines captured the Ark, grows anxious about this unknown successor. Meanwhile, the humble shepherd David arrives in Jerusalem, unwittingly stepping into a role that will change the fate of a nation. To test David's wisdom, Abner presents him with a challenge: how to circumvent the Philistine edict that only Saul's officers and palace guards may bear arms. David’s clever answer hints at his potential for leadership, while the tension between Israel and the Philistines sets the stage for conflict and intrigue.

Details & Specs

Directors: Ferdinando Baldi, Richard Pottier
Writers: Umberto Scarpelli, Gino Mangini, Ambrogio Molteni, Emimmo Salvi
Release: 1960
Runtime: 1h 32m
Country: Italy
Language: Italian, English
Genres: Action, Drama, Family
Also Known As: David and Goliath

Why This Matters

This 1960 Italian production stands out for its international collaboration, with direction by Ferdinando Baldi and Richard Pottier and sequences filmed on location in Israel and Yugoslavia.

— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Directors: Ferdinando Baldi +1 more Writers: Umberto Scarpelli +3 more

Orson Welles King Saul IP Ivica Pajer David

Hilton Edwards Samuele

Massimo Serato Abner

Eleonora Rossi Drago Merab

Giulia Rubini Micol

Pierre Cressoy Jonathan

Furio Meniconi Asrod ,King of the Philistines AP Aldo Pedinotti Golia

Dante Maggio Cret

Luigi Tosi Benjamin Di Gaba UF Umberto Fiz Lazar

Ugo Sasso Huro

Emma Baron Anna, Mother of David

Fabrizio Capucci

Carlo D'Angelo ID Ileana Danelli

Carla Foscari RM Roberto Miali

Renato Terra

Gabriele Tinti NL Nadia Lara Girl MR Marina Riccardi Girl SS Simonetta Simeoni Egla

Explore More

Psychotronic Film Violence Blood Bare Chested Male Kiss Boyfriend Girlfriend Relationship Camp Father Son Relationship Male Female Relationship Three Word Title Desert Brother Brother Relationship Showdown Soldier Sword Stabbed In The Chest

Why Cult

Orson Welles as Saul

See Orson Welles bring gravitas and intensity to the troubled King Saul in a role that's both regal and tormented.

Classic Biblical Setup

Experience the legendary tale’s beginnings, with prophets, kings, and a shepherd thrust into destiny amid ancient intrigue.

Cunning vs. Conquest

Watch as David faces off against the Philistine restrictions, using cleverness rather than brute force to outmaneuver his foes.

Sword-and-Sandal Spectacle

The film delivers all the hallmarks of the Italian historical epic: armor, swords, and full-scale ancient world drama.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed David and Goliath? +

David and Goliath was directed by Ferdinando Baldi and Richard Pottier.

How long is David and Goliath? +

David and Goliath has a runtime of 92 minutes.

What genre is David and Goliath? +

David and Goliath is an action, drama, and family film.

Where can I watch David and Goliath? +

You can watch David and Goliath on SassyFlix.

How does David propose the Israelites circumvent the Philistine ban on bearing arms? +

David suggests that since the Philistines set no limit on the number of officers or palace guards allowed to bear arms, the Israelites can expand these ranks to arm more of their people.