The Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross
Directed by:
Cecil B. DeMilleCinematography:
Karl StrussCast:
Fredric March, Elissa Landi, Claudette Colbert, Charles Laughton, Ian Keith, Arthur Hohl, Harry Beresford, Tommy Conlon, Ferdinand Gottschalk (more)Plots(1)
Rome is ablaze with political intrigue, jealousy, and the fires set by the depraved Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton). The half-mad emperor delights in burning the city and blaming the fire on the Christians so he can slaughter them. Rome's prefect Marcus (Fredric March) is in charge of hunting the underground band of Christians who live in constant fear of death and torture because of their beliefs. While rounding up two philosophers accused of practicing Christianity, he meets a virtuous and lovely Christian maiden (Elissa Landi) whom he instantly falls in love with. All the while the decadent Empress Poppaea (Claudette Colbert) fights for Marcus's undivided attention as she jealousy plots the death of his newfound charge. Ultimately, Marcus must betray Nero and his power-hungry wife if he wishes to keep his young love alive. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
I watched the movie mainly to remind myself of something that was created before the Hays Code was adopted and therefore included scenes that were later considered inappropriate. It is refreshing to see more provocative shots even in American black and white era productions. I am quite curious to see how some films would look if the code had not been adopted. DeMille shows that it certainly wouldn't be detrimental to the matter.
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