The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)

Action-packed look at the beginnings of the fall of the Roman Empire. Here is the glory, the greed and grandeur that was Rome. Here is the story of personal lust for power, and the ... See full summary »

Director:

Anthony Mann

Writers:

Ben Barzman (screenplay), Basilio Franchina (screenplay),

Stars:

Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sophia Loren	...	Lucilla
Stephen Boyd	...	Livius
Alec Guinness	...	Marcus Aurelius
James Mason	...	Timonides
Christopher Plummer	...	Commodus
Anthony Quayle	...	Verulus
John Ireland	...	Ballomar
Omar Sharif	...	Sohamus
Mel Ferrer	...	Cleander
Eric Porter	...	Julianus
Finlay Currie	...	Senator
Andrew Keir	...	Polybius
Douglas Wilmer	...	Niger
George Murcell	...	Victorinus
Norman Wooland	...	Virgilianus

Storyline

Action-packed look at the beginnings of the fall of the Roman Empire. Here is the glory, the greed and grandeur that was Rome. Here is the story of personal lust for power, and the shattering effects of that power's loss. Here is the tale of the plight of a people living on the brink of a political abyss.

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Plot Keywords:

roman empire | emperor | cavalry | infantry | hand to hand combat | 

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Taglines:

The Most Magnificent Re-Creation . . . Of An Ancient Empire . . . Launches A New Epoch In Motion Pictures . . .

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 March 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Queda do Império Romano

Filming Locations:

Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$19,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Samuel Bronston Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

188 min 172 min (1970 re-release)

Sound Mix:

Mono (35 mm optical prints) 70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First cinema film of Eric Porter.

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Goofs

During the funeral pyre of Marcus Aurelius, which Commodus and Livius are holding the torch, their hands move further away from the flame between shots.

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Quotes

Timonides: [when Ballomar threatens to continue burning Timonides's left hand] Let's look at this logically...

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Connections

Referenced in Les pel·lícules del meu pare (2007)

User Reviews

Historic and epic film with big budget produced by Samuel Bronston

The movie deals about Marco Aurelio(Alec Guinness)of the dynasty of Antoninos, constituted by : Nerva,Trajano,Adriano,Antonino Pio,Marco Aurelio and Commodo(Christopher Plummer),after that, there happens many riots and coups d'etat until Diocleciano, who imposed peace and order with the tetrarchy. Being dead Marco Aurelio, succeeded his son Commodo, a nutty and gladiator emperor, he'll take on his sister Drusilla(Sophia Loren) and Livio (Stephen Boyd). They'll have to fight against German barbarians(commanded by John Ireland) and Persians(ruled by Omar Shariff).

In the picture there are struggles,epic events, a love history and is very interesting, in spite of the fact that the runtime is overlong: two hours and half. Alec Guinness as a stoic and thoughtful philosopher emperor and craving the ¨pax Roman¨ is top notch. Christopher Plummer interpretation as the nut-head son is first rate, while Stephen Boyd and Sophia Loren are a bit wooden . James Mason as the broody and good Marco Aurelio's adviser is excellent. Colosanti and John Moore production design is breathtaking .Battles staged by Yakima Canutt are incredible. Scenarios are overwhelming: the Roman Forum ,Roman Capitol, the temples...the sets are spellbound. Colorful cinematography by Robert Krasker is awesome, similar to fascinating and romantic Dimitri Tiomkim's music. Anthony Mann's direction in his last film is spectacular and outstanding. The motion picture didn't obtain success in the box office and was a real flop and collapsed Samuel Bronston's empire . Rating : Well worth Watching. Very Good.