The surprise attack demolishes the Huns, who soon fall. Marcian finds Attila and duels with him, but it is Ildico, who has spent the last months overflowing with rage, who drives the fatal dagger into his chest. As prophesied, Attila dies with the sword's handle forming the shadow of a cross on the ground. Days later, Pulcheria reunites the halves of the empire and names Marcian emperor, to the delight of the Roman people. The film was announced by Universal in October 1953. Ludmilla Tchérina was to make her dramatic debut in the film. She was a ballerina who had been signed to a long-term contract to Universal after a series of screen tests, including some with Jeff Chandler. Chandler was assigned the male lead and Douglas Sirk given the job of directing. The movie was going to be Universal's first using Cinemascope. Jack Palance, then coming off a second Oscar nomination, soon signed to play Attila the Hun. Chandler told Hedda Hopper that the role was the best he had ever had and that the movie would be Universal's most expensive of that year. Jeff Morrow had a two-film-a-year deal with Universal and appeared in "Sign of the Pagan" as the second film. Allison Hayes was a model who was spotted by the wife of Earl Warren at a party in Washington. Mrs Warren suggested she try her luck in Hollywood and she succeeded in getting a contract with Universal. She played Attila's young wife; Jack Palance injured her during their love scenes. Another film about Attila the Hun came out around the same time, "Attila", starring Anthony Quinn in the title role. A novelisation of the script by Roger Fuller was published in 1955 in time for the film's release. Universal bought a script by Harold Lamb, "Hannibal of Carthage" as a possible sequel, to also star Jack Palance. However, it was never made.