I love this movie so much

Good concept, poorly executed.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Mystery, crime, history, adventure, romance, action, and heroism all neatly wrapped up in this 1954 film classic which in my opinion did not get the public credit it so justly deserves. Actor Robert Taylor played archaeologist and tomb hunter Mark Brandon, who "IS" the original Indiana Jones minus the great musical score penned by John Williams in Raiders of the Lost Ark. John Williams revolutionized the film industry by engaging his audiences in his films' even before the first words and/or scene(s) were even spoken and continued to capture his audiences as the films end credits continued to roll, but I digress. Back to the Valley of the Kings we have a film that also engages its audience with the entry of a beautiful Mrs. Ann Barclay Mercedes played by the lovely Eleanor Parker. Mrs. Ann Barclay Mercedes always seemed to be over dressed for travelling in the desert but she came to the Valley of the Kings to honor her deceased archaeologist father who believed there was still one Kings tomb that remained to be discovered. So Mrs. Ann Barclay Mercedes traveled with her husband Philip Mercedes played by Carlos Thompson to the Valley of the Kings to seek the assistance of the well known archaeologist Mark Brandon.It isn't long before we realize that Ann's husband Philip has nefarious intentions and thus he himself opens the door for Ann to be torn between her (new) love for tomb hunter and archaeologist Mark Brandon and her marriage commitment to her husband Philip. The scenes throughout the film were expansive which helped make the film feel as if we were on a real Valley of the Kings tomb expedition. Of course there were dozens of camel rides, sandstorms, a sword fight with a native and a significant treasure hunt for a King's tomb. I have watched this film three times and it never gets tiring. Eleanor Parker, Robert Taylor and Carlos Thompson as the villainous husband and cad were all scene stealers who kept the film going at a rapid and interesting pace. I rate the film a strong 8 out 10 and it is well worth watching (at least twice) if you have an adventurous spirit.

One of the reviews struck me. One of the reviewers really disliked this film--mostly because the film got so much of the Egyptology wrong. When I read this, I thought perhaps it was written by my own daughter! She is an ancient religions/Egyptology major in college and watching a film like this is NOT an enjoyable experience if you are just looking to be entertained! She, too, spots all the methodological flaws. Now I can't blame my kid--I am a history teacher and watching films like "Pocahontas" with me is no treat, either! To those who love the topics, the way Hollywood cavalierly handles these topics is appalling. All the public usually cares about, however, is whether or not they enjoy watching the film! So, in light of this, my review is NOT intended for Egyptologists or those in the know--just for the average schmuck out there! The film plays like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and a traditional MGM epic film of the 50s. In other words, while there is lots of adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, there is a greater emphasis on spectacle as well as a bit of a nod to the popular Biblical epics of the day (boy, were they popular back then!).Robert Taylor plays the role of an archaeologist who is digging in Egypt at about the turn of the 19th century. Eleanor Parker approaches him and asks for his help to try to prove that the Biblical Joseph really existed---and during the reign of Ra-hotep. However, Taylor is convinced that Joseph did not exist and it's all a waste of time. But, reluctantly, he agrees---apparently because he thinks Ms. Parker is kind of hot. However, what they don't know is that there is a traitor in their midst--someone who is more interested in stealing whatever treasures the two of them unearth. Plus, this evil piggy and his friends are more than glad to kill if need be.Overall, the film has some very nice Egyptian locales and nice acting. While the story is a bit slow at times, the overall effort is pretty good--though far from Taylor's best work. It should be enjoyable for the average viewer--not a must-see be certainly a bit better than just a time-passer.

I've given this film a 7 rating, which is much higher than most of the other IMDb participants who have expressed themselves. Frankly, I thoroughly enjoyed "Valley of the Kings." Its strong points definitely outweigh its shortcomings.True, this is in a sense a very glossy and high budget version of a pulp adventure story. But the Egyptian locations and the color photography are worth watching. The acting, while not exceptional, is adequate; Taylor and Parker are especially appealing to the eye."Valley of the Kings" is an example of what Hollywood was trying to do (big names, wide screen, lush color photography, exotic location shooting, etc.) in the 50s to convince customers to turn off the TV and drive down to their neighborhood movie house. Do not expect to see a precursor to Indiana Jones. Taylor's character is no college professor who occasionally trades in his tweed coat for a leather jacket and bull-whip. He's a rough and tumble type who has picked up his archaeological knowledge while working on construction projects in Egypt.Eleanor Parker is, as always, good to look at as the daughter of an Egyptologist who is determined to prove her father's hypothesis. The story is perhaps not exceptional, but it will hold your interest. No one will mistake "Valley of the Kings" for "Lawrence of Arabia." But it is a solid entertainment that you will enjoy more than some of the overblown, hugely expensive productions that stumble out of Hollywood these days.

I was disappointed when I saw this movie in 1954, probably because I was expecting more "ancient Egypt stuff." What we got was a pretty slow-moving, completely predictable romance. I just watched it again and it hasn't improved. Originally, the location shots were probably interesting; I would still like to see the actual places. However, by now, the sites are very familiar. It's really a '50s potboiler with a big budget. But I was right the first time. Robert Taylor was wooden; Eleanor Parker, pretty; Victor Jory's face was covered but we were treated to his wonderful voice. Taylor was much better in "Camille" when he but a sprig of a lad, but very sincere. Of course, the Egyptians were stereotyped according to the Hollywood vision of the time. Making Parker's husband the villain-fortune hunter was a bit much.