O Manto Sagrado

This film has much that makes it stand out among the cross and sandals epics of the fifties and sixties. based on the best selling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, helmed by Hollywood first rank director Henry Koster, the work has a string of memorable performances. Richard Burton, admittedly not a favorite actor of mine does a credible turn in the lead role of Marcellus, while the lovely Jean Simmons is incredible as the young woman he loves, Diana. Michael Rennie is a quiet but forceful Peter, while Jay Robinson steals the picture as the depraved Emperor Caligula. The minor roles are also well acted. The cinematography is magnificent, while the film is tied together beautifully by the eerie and haunting musical score of Alfred Newman, a prim film composer of his day. Altogether a very watchable movie that even the most fundamental Christian could not find fault with.

If there is one failing with the story, and it is a minor one, Emperor Tiberias is presented as an honorable ruler and not as the depraved lecher he really was. He only comes off looking as well in history as he was because his grandson Caligula was so much worse.

It's the 18th year of Roman emperor Tiberius which would make this 32AD. Rome is a land of slaves. Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) is a Roman military tribune and a Senator's son. He is entranced by Diana (Jean Simmons) while walking the slave market. It's been 12 years since the childhood friends last met and she is pledged to regent Caligula. In a public spat against Caligula, he outbids the regent to buy slave Demetrius (Victor Mature) from Corinth. Later, he crucifies a religious zealot named Jesus of Nazareth.

It's an old fashion biblical epic. It's early CinemaScope process. It did win Art Direction and Costume but fail to win three bigger Oscars. This is not quite as recognized today as other biblical epics. There are big sets and lots of costumes but it doesn't have the big action sequences. It does show the conversion story pretty well, but that's more character work than thrilling. In a way, this is a more humble Christian film and less flashy Hollywood.

I watch this once a year - - usually around Easter. It has everything - - action, love, hate, and a great story! Victor Mature has a moving scene-brilliantly acted. Richard Burton deserved his Oscar nomination. Jean Simmons has a great speech at the end--something applicable to several current world "leaders".The music is haunting.... I don't see how anyone could not appreciate and enjoy this film!!

This was the first film in Cinemascope, I still remember how the people used to talk about this new system, and I saw the film for the first time few months after its release in USA. From it I learnt for ever that Tiberio came after Augustus, followed by Caligula and Claudio. Good for me in history. However, the film is historically wrong. Jesus developed himself, as he was, during the period of Claudio emperor and not during the Caligula's one. If you have any doubt, I recommend you to read "I Claudius" and "Claudius Emperor" of the writer Robert Greaves. Every year during Easter or Christmas you have the opportunity to see this film in Italy. After seen it so many times (it is always good to see the example of Jesus) one may come to the conclusion that the director, Henry Koster wanted to show how even those who killed Jesus became forgiven and wanted to do good things in favor of the new religion and how the behavior of Pietro and Jesus, already died, influenced the way of thinking of many people even in Imperialistic Rome. So the plot may be historically wrong, but its content is good. Ethics of Christianism have a lot of actual values for present societies.

I got this movie from Blockbuster for $5.00 and it's worth it. It is a classic film with great performances by Richard Burton, Victor Mature, and the always fabulous Jean Simmons. If you're really interested in Christian movies, this is a fabulous film with wonderful scenery and acting. It will make you a believer in great film-making. The Robe is about Jesus Christ and his infamous Robe. The writing could be better but the acting is superb with a first rate cast. The costumes are colorful and the scenery is well done to recreate another era in history. I recommend watching if you are a fan of the above listed actors. I wish Jean well and she is always fabulous to watch again and again. I wish Jean became a Dame because she truly is one.