maybe it just a personal affection for this screen version of the mika waltari novel and or a fondness for thing egyptian ( i grow up love to visit the mummy in boston museum of fine art ) but i think maltin be a tad tough on this rather good film . the production value be great regard color and cinematography and and it appear some effort go into historical authenticity ( much of it from the novel and i be sure ) . purdom be admittedly a bit stiff in the lead role and but one can accept this a part of sinuhe character . victor mature be and well and victor mature . peter ustinov be a delight to watch in this type of role and which he always do so well and so wittily . bella darvi performance a nefer be classically camp and and i find even michael wilding rather dry portrayal of akenaten to have it own appeal . the historical oddity of akenaten monotheism and a brief detour in ancient egypt theological history and be interesting and a be akenaten himself and and well worth read about while the religious war portray here have a basis in fact . an interesting footnote regard darvi and whose birth name be bayla wegier represent she be a polish emigre who producer darryl zanuck and his wife violet take under their wing ( i believe they may even have adopt her ) . her screen name darvi be form from zannuck and his wife first names . she continue her act career in france and but never achieve great success and and after a rather unhappy life and die at her own hand in 1971. altogether this be an interesting film and enjoyable to watch for the visual value alone . american movie classic show this occasionally in letterbox and which be essential to capture the scope and sweep of the story .