Constantine and the Cross (1961)

Biopic of Constantine the Great, set between 293-312 AD, from his days as Tribune to his accession as Roman Emperor of Gaul under the tetrarchy system and ending with his battle against the usurper Roman Emperor Maxentius in Rome.

Director:

Lionello De Felice

Writers:

Michael Audley (dialogue), Ennio De Concini

Stars:

Cornel Wilde, Belinda Lee, Massimo Serato

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cornel Wilde	...	Constantine
Belinda Lee	...	Fausta
Massimo Serato	...	Maxentius
Christine Kaufmann	...	Livia
Fausto Tozzi	...	Hadrian
Tino Carraro	...	Emperor Maximianus
Carlo Ninchi	...	Constantius Chlorus
Vittorio Sanipoli	...	Apuleius
Elisa Cegani	...	Elena
Nando Gazzolo	...	Licinius
Annibale Ninchi	...	Galarius
Franco Fantasia	...	Roman Soldier
Loris Gizzi	...	Roman Prosecutor
Enrico Glori	...	Livia's Father
Jole Mauro	...	Celi, Fausta's Maid

Storyline

Somewhat fictionalized dramatic account of Late Roman Emperor Constantine, his rise to power, and his establishment of religious tolerance among Roman subjects. Constantine's adoption of Christianity allowed this small persecuted religion to sweep throughout Europe as the empire's power waned.

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Plot Keywords:

religion | christianity | emperor | male female relationship | four word title | 

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Taglines:

When the Might of the Sword and the Sign of the Cross Unite in the Most Thrilling Story of Faith Ever Told on the Screen!

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | History | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

Italy Yugoslavia

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

December 1962 (USA)

Also Known As:

Constantine and the Cross

Filming Locations:

De Paolis Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Beaver-Champion Attractions, Jadran Film, Jonia Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Stonewall Uprising (2010)

User Reviews

Fair film about Constantine's rise and the early church of Rome

"Constantine and the Cross" is an historical film set in the fourth century of the Roman Empire, and the last days of its pagan and mythological cults. It covers the period when Constantine became emperor and ended the persecution of the young Christian faith. It gives a good rendition of Constantine's rise and the battles that led to his reunification of the empire.

The film is a British-Italian production, filmed in Italy. Cornel Wilde plays Constantine. Most of the rest of the cast are Europeans actors - Italians making up the bulk. The sets, costumes and battle scenes are well done. But the screenplay is very choppy, and the direction and editing seem slipshod. Wilde and others who play Roman soldiers are wooden much of the time. The rest of the cast give just so-so performances.

The movie lacks energy and seems to drag on in many places. Only those interested in history and the survival of early Christianity are likely to enjoy it.

A nice plus that boosts this film's rating is its scenes of the catacombs in Rome. Very few films have been made that show the catacombs. But they were a crucial aspect of the early Christian church and its survival and growth in Rome.

I toured two different catacombs in Rome in 1963. With so many sites and things to see in Rome, many tour groups skip the catacombs. I recommend a visit to at least one. Especially to those interested in history or the first four centuries of Christianity.