Solomon and Sheba
Shortly before his death in ancient Israel King David has a vision from God telling him that his younger son Solomon should succeed him as king. His other son Adonijah is unhappy and vows to attain the throne. Meanwhile the Egyptian Pharoah agrees to cede a Red Sea port to the Queen of Sheba if she can find a way to destroy Solomon, whose wisdom and benevolent rule is seen as a threat to more tyrannical monarchs in the region. Sheba, Pharoah, Adonijah, the leaders of the Twelve Tribes and his own God make life difficult for Solomon who is tempted by Sheba to stray.
Despite its small-scale budget of $5.0M, Solomon and Sheba became a financial success, earning $12.2M worldwide—a 144% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Solomon and Sheba (1959) showcases meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of King Vidor's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 19 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Solomon is introduced as the wise, peaceful younger son of King David, devoted to building the temple and maintaining Israel's prosperity through wisdom rather than warfare.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when King David dies and names Solomon as his successor, creating immediate conflict with Adonijah and placing Solomon in a position where his peaceful principles will be tested by political realities.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 34 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Solomon chooses to meet with Sheba, the Queen sent by Egypt to seduce and destroy him, believing he can turn an enemy into an ally through diplomacy rather than violence—actively entering a world of temptation., moving from reaction to action.
At 69 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Solomon and Sheba consummate their relationship, a false victory where he believes love has conquered politics, but in reality he has abandoned his principles and his God, setting the stage for catastrophe., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 103 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, God's punishment manifests as catastrophe strikes Israel—plague, drought, or divine wrath—and Solomon realizes his passion has brought ruin to his people. His dream of uniting wisdom and love collapses into the dust of his failures., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 111 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Solomon accepts that true wisdom means sacrifice and chooses his people over his heart. He prepares to send Sheba away and face the military threat from Egypt, synthesizing his earlier idealism with hard-won understanding of duty's price., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Solomon and Sheba's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Solomon and Sheba against these established plot points, we can identify how King Vidor utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Solomon and Sheba within the drama genre.
King Vidor's Structural Approach
Among the 4 King Vidor films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Solomon and Sheba takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete King Vidor filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more King Vidor analyses, see War and Peace, Duel in the Sun and The Big Parade.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Solomon is introduced as the wise, peaceful younger son of King David, devoted to building the temple and maintaining Israel's prosperity through wisdom rather than warfare.
Theme
David warns Solomon that "A man's strength is tested not by his sword, but by resisting temptation," foreshadowing the central conflict between wisdom and desire.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the political landscape: Solomon's brother Adonijah seeks the throne through military might, David's failing health, the tension between Israel and Egypt, and Solomon's commitment to peaceful wisdom and temple-building.
Disruption
King David dies and names Solomon as his successor, creating immediate conflict with Adonijah and placing Solomon in a position where his peaceful principles will be tested by political realities.
Resistance
Solomon consolidates power reluctantly, dealing with his brother's rebellion, establishing his court, and receiving counsel from advisors. He resists violent solutions while navigating threats to his kingdom and facing pressure to abandon his idealistic principles.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Solomon chooses to meet with Sheba, the Queen sent by Egypt to seduce and destroy him, believing he can turn an enemy into an ally through diplomacy rather than violence—actively entering a world of temptation.
Mirror World
Sheba and Solomon's first substantial encounter reveals their mutual attraction and intellectual equality. She represents everything his wisdom warns against, yet also embodies the passionate life his devotion to duty has denied him.
Premise
The promise of the premise: Solomon and Sheba's complex dance of seduction, politics, and genuine connection. He shows her his kingdom, his wisdom, and his vision, while she attempts her mission of corruption, even as real feelings develop between them.
Midpoint
Solomon and Sheba consummate their relationship, a false victory where he believes love has conquered politics, but in reality he has abandoned his principles and his God, setting the stage for catastrophe.
Opposition
The consequences mount: Solomon neglects the temple and his duties for Sheba, his people grow restless, political enemies gain strength, his brother Adonijah plots with Egypt, and the prophet condemns his betrayal of God and Israel.
Collapse
God's punishment manifests as catastrophe strikes Israel—plague, drought, or divine wrath—and Solomon realizes his passion has brought ruin to his people. His dream of uniting wisdom and love collapses into the dust of his failures.
Crisis
Solomon's dark night: he must choose between love and duty, between Sheba and his kingdom. He wrestles with his failure, recognizing that his father was right—his strength was tested not by the sword but by temptation, and he failed.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Solomon accepts that true wisdom means sacrifice and chooses his people over his heart. He prepares to send Sheba away and face the military threat from Egypt, synthesizing his earlier idealism with hard-won understanding of duty's price.
Synthesis
The finale: Solomon leads Israel in battle against Egypt and Adonijah's forces, combining his wisdom with necessary action. Sheba, transformed by genuine love, aids Solomon and renounces her mission, helping save Israel despite the personal cost.
Transformation
Solomon stands victorious but changed, having learned that wisdom includes understanding human frailty and that true strength lies in choosing duty over desire. He is no longer the untested idealist but a complete king who has earned his wisdom through suffering.