The Robe (1953)

Director:

Henry Koster

Writers (WGA):

Philip Dunne (screenplay) and
Gina Kaus (adaptation)

Release Date:

4 December 1953 (France)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

The First Picture on the New Miracle Curved Screen !

Plot:

Marcellus is a tribune in the time of Christ. He is in charge of the group that is assigned to crucify Jesus...

Plot Keywords:

Cinemascope | Ancient Rome | Biblical | Epic | Historical

Awards:

Won 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Richard Burton	...	Marcellus Gallio
Jean Simmons	...	Diana
Victor Mature	...	Demetrius
Michael Rennie	...	Peter
Jay Robinson	...	Caligula
Dean Jagger	...	Justus
Torin Thatcher	...	Sen. Gallio
Richard Boone	...	Pontius Pilate
Betta St. John	...	Miriam
Jeff Morrow	...	Paulus
Ernest Thesiger	...	Emperor Tiberius
Dawn Addams	...	Junia
Leon Askin	...	Abidor

Runtime:

135 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording) (CinemaScope version) | 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) (re-release) | Mono (Academy ratio version)

Certification:

Iceland:L | Portugal:M/12 | South Korea:All | West Germany:12 (f) | Finland:S | Sweden:15 | UK:U | USA:Approved (PCA #16441) | Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

Corriganville, Ray Corrigan Ranch, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Richard Burton once said this was the least favorite of all his films.

Goofs:

Factual errors: There are repeated references to galleys leaving Rome for Palestine (and vise versa) "on the next tide". The tides in the Mediterranean Sea are too slight to be of concern to sailors.

Quotes:

Peter: Let me tell you of the burden I bear. Justus told the others I was steadfast. He didn't know. The night Jesus needed me most, I denied him...not once...but 3 times. I swore I never knew him. Now...
Marcellus Gallio: [stammering, pointing to himself] I...crucified him.
Peter: I know. Demetrius told me.
Marcellus Gallio: [shocked] And you can forgive me???
Peter: He forgave you from the cross. Can I do less? Now, is there anything stopping you? Can you become one of us?
Marcellus Gallio: [new strength in his voice] From this day forward, I am enlisted in His service. I offer Him my fortune, my sword, and my life. And this I pledge to you on my honor as a Roman.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Passion: Films, Faith & Fury (2006) (TV)

The best sword and Sandals movie

I am a big fan of these types of movies. I love movies like Ben-Hur, King of Kings, Samson and Delilah, El Cid, and Spartacus. Movies that took place in ancient Rome had so much going for them. They had great actors, directors, cinematography, and music. They also never needed to use computer animation. I was always very pleased. Only I can't say I was pleased with the Romans wearing purple and black in Gladiator. But anyway, this movie has it all. There is nothing I can say that's bad about it. It has a great story that pulls you in. When you watch it you feel as if you are there. You feel everything that the actors are feeling and the music helps to set the mood. I think Jay Robinson deserved an academy award for his performance, or at least a nomination. Jean Simmons is a very good actress. I like her a lot in this movie and in Spartacus. I think she deserved some type of recognition. Victor Mature was very good too. Michael Rennie was another good actor in this movie. The one that stood out was Richard Burton. He did a great job. I could go on and on because the whole cast was great.

I have many favorite parts. I love the scene when Victor Mature is trying to find Jesus so he can warn him and he runs into to someone. I won't say who. I like the crucifixion scene because it isn't graphic and Victor Mature shows his great acting in the scene. I love the scene when Richard Burton finds the robe. He was afraid of it, but then he holds it close. It has an affect on him. The ending is outstanding. It is well acted and ends happily. Burton without a doubt deserved his academy award nomination. This movie probably didn't win much because there was so much competition. Many other great movies were there. From Here To Eternity, a big favorite of mine, and Shane, another big favorite of mine. The actors that were up for it were all favorites of mine. I can't really decide who deserved it. Marlon Brando and Burt Lancaster were all very good in their roles. That's a tough one. Everything about this movie is great so be sure to check it out. I can watch it over and over and never get sick of it. Check out this classic, this epic. It has it all. You will not be disappointed.