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The Affairs of Messalina

Original title: Messalina
  • 1951
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
110
YOUR RATING
The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
ActionDramaHistory

A story, set in Rome of 44 A.D., concerning the amorous and political intrigues of the evil Empress Messalina, the wife of the Roman Emperor Claudius, and her eventual hounding to death.A story, set in Rome of 44 A.D., concerning the amorous and political intrigues of the evil Empress Messalina, the wife of the Roman Emperor Claudius, and her eventual hounding to death.A story, set in Rome of 44 A.D., concerning the amorous and political intrigues of the evil Empress Messalina, the wife of the Roman Emperor Claudius, and her eventual hounding to death.

  • Director
    • Carmine Gallone
  • Writers
    • Carmine Gallone
    • Vittorio Nino Novarese
    • Albert Valentin
  • Stars
    • María Félix
    • Georges Marchal
    • Memo Benassi
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    5.7/10
    110
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Carmine Gallone
    • Writers
      • Carmine Gallone
      • Vittorio Nino Novarese
      • Albert Valentin
    • Stars
      • María Félix
      • Georges Marchal
      • Memo Benassi
    • 2User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Photos10

    The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    Delia Scala in The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    María Félix in The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    María Félix in The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    Erno Crisa and Delia Scala in The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    The Affairs of Messalina (1951)
    The Affairs of Messalina (1951)

    Top cast

    Edit
    María Félix
    María Félix
    • Messalina
    • (as Maria Felix)
    • …
    Georges Marchal
    Georges Marchal
    • Caio Silvio…
    Memo Benassi
    • Claudio…
    Delia Scala
    Delia Scala
    • Cinzia
    Erno Crisa
    Erno Crisa
    • Timo…
    Carlo Ninchi
    Carlo Ninchi
    • Tauro…
    Camillo Pilotto
    Camillo Pilotto
    • Ottavio…
    Jean Tissier
    Jean Tissier
    • Mnester
    Jean Chevrier
    Jean Chevrier
    • Valerio…
    Germaine Kerjean
    Germaine Kerjean
    • Ismene
    Ave Ninchi
    Ave Ninchi
    • Locusta…
    Michel Vitold
    • Narciso…
    Giuseppe Varni
    • Pallante
    Luigi Almirante
    Luigi Almirante
    • Il gioielliere…
    Lamberto Picasso
    • L'astrologo…
    Gino Saltamerenda
    Gino Saltamerenda
    • Il gestore del lupanare…
    Cesare Barbetti
    • Lucio…
    Achille Majeroni
    Achille Majeroni
    • Appolonio
    • (as Achille Majaroni)
    • …
    • Director
      • Carmine Gallone
    • Writers
      • Carmine Gallone
      • Vittorio Nino Novarese
      • Albert Valentin
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Livia Cordaro's debut.

    User reviews2

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    Blood on her hands?
    The reputation of Messalina, third wife of Emperor Claudius, as being murderous and sexually rapacious is mainly based upon the histories of Suetonius and Tacitus while Juvenal in his sixth satire was far from complimentary. There is no smoke without fire of course but subsequent opinion would suggest that previous accounts were politically biased character assassinations in which historical facts were mixed with gossip. We all know that gossip is like mud: it sticks. Needless to say her character has proved endlessly fascinating to writers, painters, sculptors and composers of both ballet and opera. She has been portrayed on screen from as early as 1910 and here we have Maria Felix in the role. This sensual, smouldering actress resisted the blandishments of Hollywood, turning down 'The Barefoot Contessa' and did not venture much outside her native Mexico. However 'Messalina' certainly increased her international profile and probably paved the way for her French films the best of which is 'French Cancan'. The director here is Carmine Gallone whose most notorious film is the egregiously propogandist 'Scipio Africanus' of 1937 which was made to justify Italy's invasion of Abyssinia. That film featured Camillo Pilotto as Hannibal and Memo Benassi as Cinna both of whom appear in this. Benassi in particular is excellent as Claudius. Very good support also from Jean Chevrier as Valerius, Germaine Kerjean as the 'witch' and Jean Tissier, suitably flamboyant as Mnester. It is beautifully shot by Anchise Brizzi and the excellent, understated score is by Renzo Rossellini. The gladiatorial combats are generally well handled and the obligatory one-sided 'Christians versus Lions' contest has an unusual twist to say the least. Historically inaccurate to be sure but extremely watchable. Maria is mean, moody and magnificent.
    helpful•2
    0
    • brogmiller
    • Feb 18, 2020

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 1, 1952 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Italy
      • France
      • Spain
    • Languages
      • Italian
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Messalina
    • Filming locations
      • Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy
    • Production companies
      • Produzione Gallone
      • Filmsonor
      • Suevia Films - Cesáreo González
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 56 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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