Quo Vadis

US (1951): Drama

This colossal MGM blockbuster, directed by Mervyn LeRoy, launched dozens of biblical epics but remains one of the most successful. Peter Ustinov steals the show with a leering, unhinged performance as Nero, the Roman emperor who burned his capital to clear the way for his new city and blamed the conflagration on Christians. Robert Taylor shines as a Roman general who returns to the Eternal City after a victorious campaign. Attracted by Christian captive Deborah Kerr, he takes her as a slave, but can't convince her to become his lover. They draw closer when he follows her to a secret Christian service. Together they face Nero's wrath, and their torment inspires a revolt.

The big-budget re-creation of the ancient world (the film used 32,000 costumes) was based on an often-filmed story, the first adaptation going back to the early days of cinema, and including a famous 12-reel silent, Italian version that toured the world in 1912. An updating of the story was intended for director John Huston, but this more traditional version went before the cameras instead.

Successful as eye-popping spectacle, and fascinating for its central performances, with Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actor: Peter Ustinov; Best Color Cinematography. Cast also includes Leo Genn as Petronius, Patricia Laffan, Finlay Currie, Abraham Sofaer and Marina Berti. Sophia Loren's bit role as a slave marked her film debut. This was the first color production shot at Rome's fabled Cinecittà Studios. Inexperienced Italian technicians, uncertain how to light the set for color photography, wasted a lot of film as they learned on the job. (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Quo Vadis on TCM.com.

8 nominations