20th Century Fox went on the make so many uninspired historical epics that either starred Tyrone Power or wanted to star him, that it was a jolt to rewatch this - the first of the cycle (he'd made some before he went to war eg Lloyds of London but this one kicked off the post-war-in-colour cycle) - and see how good it is.
Not a masterpiece, but very good drama, despite the inevitably dodginess of movie about Cortes' expedition to South America - and knowing all the genocide and destruction that the Indians would suffer.
The first part is extremely strong with Power as a nobleman whose family is tormented by the Spanish Inquisition led by John Sutton - an actor I loathe in heroic parts but who makes a great villain. Power decides to hotfoot it to the New World, along with recovering boozer Lee J Cobb (a lot better than I thought he'd be) and peasant Jean Peters. They make a decent trio - Cobb has a character to play as well as wacky sidekick (someone haunted by a troublesome past who can't handle alcohol) and Peters is excellent in her debut. Yes, she plays an adoring peasant who just wants Power, but you go with it because of the class difference and Power is very handsome. It's also cool how Power is in love with a high class lady so Peters is always insecure.
Cesar Romero has one of his best chances as Cortez, a rogue who is a bit handsy with Peters. He's no saint that's for sure, quite ruthless, and it's not hard to imagine him devastating South America.
The ending has Sutton come back and though we miss a big confrontation with him and Power there's a great melodramatic moment where Peters stabs Power so he won't go to prison. Really that should have been the ending - it has such symmetry. But I guess they don't deserve to die.
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