Spartacus (1960): Kubrick’s Historical Epic, Starring Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Olivier, Tony Curtis

One of the most intelligent and exciting historical epics to have come out of Hollywood, Spartacus, inspired by the true story of the slave rebellion and the third servile war in ancient Rome, features Kirk Douglas in one of his most iconic parts. Well cast, Douglas brings his customary muscular physicality and emotional intensity to the titular role.

Big Country, The (1958): William Wyler’s Sprawling Western Starring Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Jean Simmons, and Burl Ives in Oscar Winning Role

In the sprawling saga “The Big Country,” one of the few Westerns the versatile and prolific Oscar-winning director William Wyler has made, Gregory Peck plays James McKay, a seafaring man heading West to marry Pat Terrill (Carroll Baker), the daughter of rancher Henry Terrill (Charles Bickford).