Overview

The master of The Ridiculous attempts the impossible and succeeds in this epic adaptation of Flaubert's novel of the fall of Carthage. Matho - leader of the barbarian hordes, played by bodybuilders in the original production - has fallen in love with the thirteen year old virgin priestess of the moon - Salammbo, played by Ludlam - and steals the sacred veil of Tanit to win her. Carthage is outraged, as embodied by Schahabarim, the eunuch priest, Hanno, a decadent Suffete who suffers from overweight and leprosy, and Hamilear Barca, father of Salammbo. This astonishing mix of sublime verse and low comedy includes a comic dance of the Seven Veils.