A Reel Retro Review: THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (1964)

Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. 

As we continue to celebrate STAR WARS Month, it’s always fun to revisit the films that inspired the long-running franchise, and the other works of its stars. Famed actor Alec Guinness, who played the wizened Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Original Trilogy (1977-1983), had one of  the most-impressive resumes of any actor when the first film arrived in May of 1977, with one of his roles being that of Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome, in Anthony Mann’s 1964 epic, THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 

 

In the year 180 A.D., Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Guinness), is ill and at war with Germanic barbarians. Sensing the end of his life, he chooses General Livius (Stephen Boyd), as his successor, in favor of his son Commodus (Christopher Plummer), whose cronies begin to plot against the Emperor to secure their own political future.

 

Loosely based on historical events, THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE has a wide scale; covering several years and stretching across many continents…while laying down groundwork that would effect Rome over the next hundred years. Despite the wide berth, EMPIRE is driven by its strongly drawn characters, with contrast and conflict the name of the game. Emperor Aurelius is less interested in conquering nations and more into uniting them and treating them equally, while his son Commodus wants to wipe out all enemies and treats war like his favorite gladiator games. Livius in the meantime is unsure of his qualities as Emperor, and just wants to profess his love for Aurelius’ daughter Lucilla (Sophia Loren). 

 

It is no spoiler to say that Emperor Aurelius is eventually killed, which allows Commodus to ascend to the throne. While Livius and Lucilla suspect foul play, the film moves into many long political discussions between the new Emperor and the senate discussing how Rome should be run from now on. While these meetings tend to drag the film down a little, they are countered by some massive and impressive battle scenes. Director Anthony Mann works with over 8,000 extras and 1,200 calvary to put together some very well-staged battles, although a quick scene where a stampede of horses run over obvious stuffed dummies is laughable. But, the film also boasts a thrilling chariot race, and a high-stakes duel-to-the-death in the final minutes. 

 

Acting is superb. Alec Guinness shows strong leadership and a kinder, vulnerable side as ruler of Rome. Long-time STAR WARS fans will thrill in his opening scene; sporting a hooded brown robe to go with his white beard. Christopher Plummer makes for a great villain, and Sophia Loren nearly steals the show. The film also has a very young Omar Sharif as the rival King of Armenia. 

 

In addition to the obvious STAR WARS connection, EMPIRE also has the building blocks that Ridley Scott would use for his Oscar-winning GLADIATOR (2000), making this film a ground-zero for a lot of popular cinema. Outside of all that, EMPIRE is a sweeping epic that is most-impressive even by today’s standards. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it. 

 

Reel Facts: Composer Dimitri Tiomkin won a Golden Globe for his score, and was also nominated for an Oscar. The film’s reconstruction of the Roman Forum, a plaza in the center of Rome, still holds the record for the largest outdoor film set.