Synopsis

Juan Gallardo rises from poverty to become a celebrated matador, fulfilling the dream that has driven him since childhood. His marriage to loyal sweetheart Carmen brings stability and success, but the seductive Dona Sol draws him into an affair that threatens his career, reputation, and family. As fame and temptation pull him away from his roots, Juan must face the consequences of his ambition.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on Vicente Blasco Ibanez's 1908 Spanish novel Sangre y arena. It followed earlier film versions released in 1916 and 1922.

• Blood and Sand was photographed in Technicolor, with the color design influenced by the paintings of Murillo, Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco.

• Exterior bullfighting footage was filmed at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. The renowned matador Armillita trained the performers and doubled for Tyrone Power in some of the arena sequences.

• Rita Hayworth was borrowed from Columbia Pictures for the role of Dona Sol. More than 30 actresses were considered, and Carole Landis reportedly declined the part after refusing to dye her hair red.

• The film received an Academy Award nomination for color cinematography for Ernest Palmer and Ray Rennahan.

• Hayworth's singing was dubbed by Spanish singer Graciela Parraga.

• The bullfighting material was staged with long shots, editing, and doubles that reduced the need to show performers and animals in close proximity during the most dangerous action.