The fall of the Roman Empire

Resource Information

The work The fall of the Roman Empire represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Evanston Public Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Moving Image, Visual Materials.

The Resource The fall of the Roman Empire

Statement of responsibility: Samuel Bronston Productions, Inc. ; produced by Samuel Bronston ; original screenplay by Ben Barzman, Basilio Franchina, Philip Yordan ; directed by Anthony Mann

Language

Summary: Marcus Aurelius Antonius is philosopher-emperor of Rome who summons his empire's governors and princes to his German war headquarters for a Pax Romanus. He confides to his daughter, Lucilla, that his adopted son, Livius, will succeed him instead of his more unstable heir, Commodus. Overhearing this, Cleander, a blind prophet loyal to Commodus, presents Marcus with a poisoned apple. After the funeral, Livius, who does not share Lucilla's ambition for himself or Rome, allows Commodus to proclaim himself emperor. While pestilence ravages Rome, Commodus continues his vain, licentious behavior. He ultimately neglects to deal with all symptoms of unrest and banishing anyone reminding him of his responsibilities

Awards note: Golden Globes, USA, 1965: Golden Globe - Best Original Score (Dimitri Tiomkin)

Credits note: Music, Dimitri Tiomkin ; production designers, Colasanti, Moore

Language note: English dialogue, Spanish subtitles; English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

PerformerNote: Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, James Mason, Christopher Plummer, John Ireland, Mel Ferrer, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quayle

Context

Context of The fall of the Roman Empire