Review of The Robe (1953) by Roger T — 25 Sep 2010

Huge Roman/biblical epics were as common in the '50s as camp-slasher movies were in the '80s. What separates them as good or just big depends on a few factors. in "The Robe"'s case- this is the first film shot in Cinemascope, which does make for a great visual experience. Also, acting... Richard Burton is no slouch. And finally, a great script. It doesn't hold the fantastic insanity of emperor Nero in "Quo Vadis", but it still brings an interesting take on the Christ thing.

Marcellus is a Roman soldier sent to Jerusalem for some police action. While there, Jesus Christ gets arrested, tried and crucified. Marcellus took part in the crucifixion without giving it a second thought. He even accepted the Robe worn by the crucified lord as payment for a gambling debt. As the rains come down over the death, Marcellus gets burned by the touch of the Robe. He feels he's gone mad at something soaked in wickedness.

He returns to Rome with his madness where he's given the task of finding the Robe and destroying it, while collecting names of what was considered enemies of Rome- or "Christians". On his trip he goes to Cana and goes through an actually inspirational transformation to his Christian conversion. It wasn't too obvious or quick. It didn't rush from night to day. That's another thing that makes this movie great. It's deliberately paced, which helps to bring the same logic to the audience so that we can also be behind Marcellus when goes up against the emperor Caligula in Rome.

Jay Robinson plays Caligula as twerpy, snide and maybe a little queer. It serves its purpose of I'm sure the script and director asked for; I just found it too obvious of villainy- when his actions were already villainous enough to need this over the top idiocy. Jean Simmons, on the other hand, plays Marcellus' love interest with great poise. That love story does not overstay its welcome. And she does not, as she shouldn't, play any role in Marcellus' redemption.

Good support cast, great lead cast. Great direction and cinematography. A very good movie, no matter what your religious beliefs.