"Kings of the Sun" is the story of a civilization burst into full flower
In their profound desire to win favor from the deities, the Mayans made human sacrifice the keystone of their religion
Keeping the Buddhist monk hairstyle as his trademark, Brynner easily steals the show with his virile personality, distinctive look, speech and mannerism
He is Black Eagle, the barbarian chief who comes to the defense of the Mayans
George Chakiris plays Balam, the jaguar, king and son of kings to the ninth generation
Although in spite of being young and brave and untried, Chakiris lacks the heroic stature with which the role might have been satisfied
Shirley Anne Field is the delicate Ixchel who would never leave Black Eagle except if he ever used to tell her that he loved her
Richard Basehart is the high priest who tried to make the king understand that he cannot bring this new life to his people without giving a life
For a thousand years they've been bound by this law
The gods cannot be cheated
Leo Gordon is the tyrant Hunac Kell
His strength is a sword of metal and the Mayans are powerless against it
Filmed beautifully in Chichén Itzá, Yucatán Mexico, J. Lee Thompson's motion picture is colorful and highly entertaining
