Demetrius and the Gladiators [DVD] [1954]

This the sequel of the 50's classic - 'The Robe'In the 50's and early 60's many of these lavish movies with religious themes were brought to the silver-screen.in there day they were the blockbusters that pulled in the hoards of movie followers.They, all like this boasted lavish-sets and well portrayed backgrounds, full of pageantry and pomp and yesglamour.Today Special-Effects supply much of this,The film boasts quite an array of movie-stars including 'Victor Mature' as 'Demetrius' - 'Susan Hayward' as 'Claudius'swife 'Messalina' - 'Debra Paget' as 'Lucia' - 'Barry Jones' as 'Claudius' - 'Ernest Borgnine' as 'Strabo' and as the suitablymad 'Caligula' - 'Jay Robinson'The story set after the death of 'Jesus' see's 'Caligula' crave what he believes to be the all-powerful Robe worn by 'Jesus'on the Cross, he will do anything to get his hands upon it.'Demetrius' had been the one to pick it up at the foot of the Cross, 'Peter' the fisherman had been entrusted with it asthe most influential disciple.Travelling north to continue his preaching 'Peter' entrusts 'Demetrius' with it's safe keeping.When the Roman Soldiers seeking the Robe for their Emperor are distracted by 'Lucia' to give 'Demetrius' the time to hideit she is manhandled by one of the Guards, 'Demetrius' sets out to protect the woman he loves, his actions get him sentto 'Strabo's' Gladiatorial-School he will if he wants to stay alive have to fight.After many successful battles in the arena including against Tigers he is granted freedom, however is put into the serviceat her request of the temptress 'Messalina' rejecting her charms see's him re-assigned to the arena, during the celebrationsthe night before the fight, 'Lucia' is smuggled into the celebration to see 'Demetrius' however 'Dardanius' a leading Gladiatordecides she is too good for 'Demetrius' and takes her for himself, he along with others set out to ravish her, despite 'Demetrius'appealing to God to save her, she dies, or so they all believe......'Demetrius' forsakes his faith, in the arena those that hadattacked his beloved 'Lucia' are all set out to face him, he kills them all and becomes a hero of 'Claudius's' Guard.Now a Roman Tribune he allows 'Messalina's' advances......he even promises 'Caligula' possession of the Robe it is whist searchingfor it his faith returns.A lavish and well known movie from yesteryear telling a story well known too most, for those that remember the film it is worthtaking that trip back down memory-lane.The version i purchased was the European i did this because it was considerably cheaper than other sources at the time, the filmcan easily be played in it's original language setting.Picture Quality is superior to that of the DVD.

Demetrius and the Gladiators is a sequel to The Robe. It's directed by Delmer Daves and stars Victor Mature as Demetrius, a Christian slave made to fight in the Roman arena as a gladiator ( and ultimately entering into a bigger fight, that of faith), and Susan Hayward as Messalina. Filling out the support cast are Ernest Borgnine, William Marshall, Michael Rennie, and Jay Robinson as the maniacal emperor Caligula. The screenplay is from Philip Dunne (How Green Was My Valley/ The Agony and the Ecstasy} and cinematography comes courtesy of Milton R. Krasner (Academy Award winner Best Color Cinematography for Three Coins in the Fountain 1955).Following straight on from The Robe, Demetrius and the Gladiators is a safe and enjoyable Biblical picture that doesn't outstay its welcome. Running at just over 100 minutes, the film is far from being epic in its telling. However, and without cramming in, it does contain all the necessary ingredients to make up a sweaty sword and sandals pie. Filmed in CinemaScope, persecuted hero, bonkers villain, sexy babe, huge sets, colourful costumes, and fights, lots of fights. Thankfully the serious dialogue is mostly kept brief, there a few things worse in this genre of film than bloated discourse on religious beliefs and political dalliances. Get in there, let us know what is going on, and move on to the next chapter of the story. This is something that Daves' film does real well, it has an eagerness to entertain with dots of gusto and sexual swagger. The acting is mixed, Mature is solid without ever really convincing as the heroic figure of Demetrius, Hayward and Robinson are camping it up and thus entertain royally, while Borgnine and Rennie earn there pay.Very much like another Phillip Dunne screenplay genre piece, David And Bathsheba, this one is often overlooked or forgotten in discussion about the sword & sandals genre. That both film's are not in the same league as the likes of Ben-Hur and Spartacus is a given, but both have much to offer the discerning cinephile. Recommended Sunday afternoon fare with a flagon of claret and a roast ox dinner. 7/10

A classic film of Christian faith and a really good film Demetrius loses his faith and then finds it again the scenes in the arena are brilliant considering it's 50 odd years old it's a timeless classic

good but the sound is not the best

A VERY GOOD FILM, HOWEVER, WHEN ALL SAID AND DONE, IF YOU BUY THE FILM THERE IS LIMITATION ON DOWN LOADING THE FILM IF YOU WANT TO BURN THE TITLE TO DISC, SO IN MANY YOU MAY HAVE BROUGHT AND IT YOURS BUT WITH NOT BEEN ABLE TO DOWN LOAD ONTO THE COMPUTER AND BURN IT, IT'S NOT REALLY YOURS,SO IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME BUYING THE FILM FROM PRIME VIDEO WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER TO BUY THE FILM OUTRIGHT ON DVD OR BLUERAY, THEN YOU KNOW FOR SURE THE FILM IS YOURS AS YOU WILL THE FILM ON DISC IN YOUR HAND, i WOULD NOT GO DOWN THIS PATH AGAIN,

I like this film so much i decided to upgrade it to blu ray,alas it was a big mistake.First of all the picture quality of the blu ray is not a lot better than the dvd,and certainly no were near the exellent restoration that The Robe received on blu ray.Secondly and more disappointing, the sound is not synchronised with the picture and although hardly noticeable in most scenes it is alarmingly noticeable in the scene were Demetrius is introduced to the gladiators training camp.Needless to say this is very off putting and not of a standard that the customer has a right to expect when purchasing a blu ray were you pay more for what should be the best picture and sound possible.My advice is buy the dvd.

Great vintage biblical film. Victor Mature at his hammiest best. The film quality was excellent.The download was hassle free. Still think these vintage films should be free with Prime.