Legions of the Nile poster

Legions of the Nile

"The Thundering Adventure That Brought an Empire to its Knees!"

Movie NR 1959 1h 40m 5.3 /10
Directed by Vittorio Cottafavi

In this historical drama set in ancient Alexandria two figures from different spheres cross paths amid a fragile peace. A secret envoy named Curridio is sent by Octavio to the great city with the aim of ending hostilities and securing a chance for diplomacy. Once there he becomes entangled with a... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026

About Legions of the Nile

In this historical drama set in ancient Alexandria two figures from different spheres cross paths amid a fragile peace. A secret envoy named Curridio is sent by Octavio to the great city with the aim of ending hostilities and securing a chance for diplomacy. Once there he becomes entangled with a striking dancer who moves through social circles with ease, her true loyalties kept carefully hidden. The city hums with markets conspiracies and lavish performances as Curridio handles flirtations loyalties and political pressure. The story threads romance and power together, painting a vivid picture of intrigue on the Nile while avoiding a simple black white portrayal of rival camps. The film creates a tense atmosphere where every gesture matters.

Released in 1959, Legions of the Nile is directed by Vittorio Cottafavi with a screenplay by Ennio De Concini, Giorgio Cristallini and Arnaldo Marrosu. The production blends history drama and adventure with Linda Cristal leading the cast as a lead figure.

Box office data for Legions of the Nile is not widely documented. The film circulated in European circuits and art house venues, and film archives abroad preserve its modest commercial footprint, though it never became a blockbuster in many markets.

There are no major awards or nominations documented for Legions of the Nile. The film is remembered more for its director's style and cast performances than as an awards magnet. In discussions of late 1950s swashbucklers it is cited for its production design and mood overall rather than prize tallies.

Critics tend to note the film as a stylish blend of diplomatic plotting and adventure set against opulent sets and Nile scenery. It probes how power and personal allegiance shape alliances while giving room to romance without losing historical flavor. Its visuals and period detail attract fans of classic cinema.

Details

Release Date
November 27, 1959
Runtime
1h 40m
Rating
NR
User Ratings
7 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
History, Drama, Adventure
Country
Italy
Studio
Comptoir Français de Productions Cinématographiques (CFPC) +3 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Cast

Linda Cristal

Linda Cristal

Cleopatra alias Berenice

Ettore Manni

Ettore Manni

Curridio

Georges Marchal

Georges Marchal

Marc' Antonio

Conrado San Martín

Conrado San Martín

Gotarzo

María Mahor

María Mahor

Marianna

Alfredo Mayo

Alfredo Mayo

Ottaviano

Daniela Rocca

Daniela Rocca

Teyrè

Mino Doro

Mino Doro

Domiziano

Andrea Aureli

Andrea Aureli

Imotio

Salvatore Furnari

Salvatore Furnari

Il nano

Director: Vittorio Cottafavi

Written by: Ennio De Concini, Giorgio Cristallini, Arnaldo Marrosu

Frequently Asked Questions

Legions of the Nile is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

With a rating of 5.3/10 from 7 viewers, Legions of the Nile is a mixed bag - check out reviews to see if it's right for you.

In this historical drama set in ancient Alexandria two figures from different spheres cross paths amid a fragile peace. A secret envoy named Curridio is sent by Octavio to the great city with the aim of ending hostilities and securing a chance for diplomacy. Once there he becomes entangled with a...

Legions of the Nile stars Linda Cristal, Ettore Manni, Georges Marchal, Conrado San Martín, and María Mahor.

Legions of the Nile was directed by Vittorio Cottafavi.

Legions of the Nile was released on November 27, 1959.

Legions of the Nile is a History, Drama, and Adventure film.

Linda Cristal plays Cleopatra alias Berenice, a dancer who leads a double life under that name.

Georges Marchal portrays Marc' Antonio in the film.

Ettore Manni plays Curridio, the consul sent to Alexandria in a bid to reach peace.

Yes, the movie is categorized as History, Drama, and Adventure and is set around Cleopatra's era.