Movie Review: Demetrius and the Gladiators

Demetrius and the Gladiators

Starring: Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, Michael Rennie, Debra Paget, Anne Bancroft, Jay Robinson, Barry Jones, William Marshall, Richard Egan, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Evans

Director: Delmer Daves

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, USA, 1954.

This is the sequel of "The Robe." Marcellus and Diana became Christian martyrs and Robe of Jesus was sent to Apostle Peter (Michael Rennie). Crazy Emperor Caligula's (Jay Robinson) uncle Claudius (Barry Jones) tells that Christians believe they will life eternally. Caligula believes that the secret to eternal life is in the Robe and he wants to find it.

Claudius and Caligula

Messalina and Caligula

Peter leaves Rome and leaves the Robe to Demetrius (Victor Mature). Soldiers come to find the Robe. Demetrius saves Lucia (Debra Paget) from Praetorians and is arrested. He is sentenced to be a gladiator. Lanista Strabo (Ernest Borgnine) welcomes the newcomers to the gladiator school. As a Christian Demetrius does not want to kill. Claudius' wife Messalina (Susan Hayward) becomes interested in Demetrius.

Apostle Peter and Demetrius

Lucia and Demetrius

Strabo

Nubian gladiator Glycon (William Marshall) defends Demetrius from other bullying gladiators. To make things more interesting Messalina puts Demetrius and Glycon to fight each other. As Demetrius does not kill Demetrius, Caligula orders Demetrius to fight against tigers. Claudius and Messalina think that Demetrius could be useful in making Rome great again. Messalina tries to seduce Demetrius but fails.

Glycon

Fierce gladiator combat

Demetrius vs tigers

Lucia disguises herself and sneaks into the gladiator school with help from Paula (Anne Bacroft). As the other gladiators hurt Lucia, Demetrius decides that it is enough with turning the other cheek. He kills five gladiators in a spectacular match. He renounces his faith and Demetrius is hired to Praetorian guard. He begins an affair with Messalina. Caligula's popularity is waning and he threatens the Praetorians. Caligula sends Demetrius to find the Robe. Peter makes Demetrius understand that he has made a big mistake.

Karl 'Killer' Davis as Caligula's henchman Macro

"Rise! I command you, rise!"

Compared to the prequel this one has more emphasis on fight scenes and palace intrigue and less on religious themes. Action is good, and Jay Robinson reprises his maniacal role as Emperor Caligula. The reign and the end of Caligula is presented in Hollywoodized style with very loose ties to real history. It is an entertaining story though. It was also nice to see Ernest Borgnine in one of his early roles.

Rating: Good