Samson and Delilah (1949 film)

Samson and Delilah is a 1949 American epic romantic biblical drama film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille and released by Paramount Pictures. It depicts the biblical story of Samson, a strongman whose secret lies in his uncut hair, and his love for Delilah, the woman who seduces him, discovers his secret, and then betrays him to the Philistines. It stars Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr in the title roles, George Sanders as the Saran, Angela Lansbury as Semadar, and Henry Wilcoxon as Prince Ahtur.

Pre-production on Samson and Delilah began as early as 1935, when Harold Lamb wrote an original film treatment based on chapters 13–16 of the biblical Book of Judges. Production was postponed for a decade. DeMille also bought the film rights to Vladimir Jabotinsky's 1926 novel Samson the Nazirite, and the final screenplay was written by Jesse L. Lasky Jr. and Fredric M. Frank. Principal photography officially commenced in 1948.

Upon its release, the film was praised for its Technicolor cinematography, lead performances, costumes, sets, and innovative special effects. After premiering in New York City on December 21, 1949, Samson and Delilah opened in Los Angeles on January 13, 1950. A massive commercial success, it became the highest-grossing film of 1950, and the third highest-grossing film ever at the time of its release. Of its five Academy Award nominations, the film won two for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. In 1952, DeMille won the Film français Grand Prix for Best Foreign Film of 1951.