At Home At the Movies…Hail Caesar! - By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
At Home At the Movies…Hail Caesar! - By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
The months of July and August are named for the great Roman statesmen General Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus Caesar respectively. The former lead the Roman army to conquer Gaul that is now France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and parts of Italy, that changed the structure of Rome into a dictatorship. He also “conquered” the Queen of Egypt Cleopatra and then was famously assassinated by the Roman Senate - “beware the Ides of March - betrayed by among others protégé cum friend Marcus Junius Brutus; and if true according to Shakespeare with his dying breath uttering “et tu Brute” that’s come to define meaning of traitor. The latter, nee Gaius Octavious, considered founder of the Roman Empire and the first Emperor. The word “august” derived from his name meaning to inspire admiration or reverence. He was grand-nephew of Julius Caesar. In 31 B.C. he lead the army defeating Marc Anthony and Queen Cleopatra for control of the empire and in 27 B.C. he became Emperor bestowed with name of Augustus.
The Roman Empire and its heroes (depending on one’s perception of “hero”) is depicted, if not celebrated, in stage plays from Shakespeare to contemporary renditions, on the stage and silver screen; and even a famous gourmet salad as a tribute to “Caesar”. The fascination with Caesar and Queen Cleopatra is particularly appealing with so many films to appreciate the history, legendary time, and significant individuals real or fictitious. Put on your favorite toga, recline on soft cushions and enjoy wine and repast , and contemplate the ancient world – is it so different than now?
Julius Caesar (USA, MGM, 1956, 120 min., dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz)
Brutus (James Mason), Cassius, and other high-ranking Romans assassinate Julius Caesar (Louis Calhearn) believing his ambition will lead to dictatorship. The people of Rome are on their side until Mark Antony Marlon Brando), Caesar's right-hand man, makes a moving speech driving conspirators from Rome. Two armies are formed. one side following the conspirators. the other by Antony who has the superior force, and surrounds Brutus and Cassius (John Gielgud); they kill themselves to avoid capture. Deborah Kerr adds elegance as Portia, Caesar’s wife.
Nearly verbatim adaptation of play by William Shakespeare. Five Academy Award® nominations, one win; three BAFTA nods two wins. Brando garnered third Oscar® nod in only his third starring role.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045943/awards/?ref_=tt_awd
Julius Caesar (UK, Commonwealth United Entertainment, 1970, 117 min., G, dir. Stuart Burge)
Barely 20 years after MGM’s picture, another cinematic version of Shakespeare’s classic play. In this film John Gielgud (Caesar), Charleton Heston (Marc Antony), Jason Robards (Brutus), Richard Chamberlain (Octavius Caesar), and Diana Rigg (Portia) are key players in the familiar plot. Despite stellar cast and crew no award nods. Interesting to view and compare the two films.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065922/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
Cleopatra (USA, Paramount, 1934, 100 min., dir. Cecil B. DeMille)
In 48 B.C., Queen of Egypt Cleopatra (Claudette Colbert) is facing palace revolt in her kingdom. She welcomes the arrival of Julius Caesar (Warren William) as a way of ratifying her power under Rome. When Caesar, who she has seduced, is killed, she transfers her affections to Marc Antony (Henry Wilcoxon) in dazzling scenario aboard her palatial barge. Despite criticism Colbert is beguiling and the true “vamp”. Five Oscar® nods including “Best Picture” and one win for “Best Cinematography.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024991/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_16_prd
Caesar and Cleopatra (UK, Gabriel Pascal Productions, 1945, 123 min., dir. Gabriel Pascal)
Cinematic adaptation of 1898 play by George Bernard Shaw’s account of the relationship of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar (Claude Rains) and Queen of the Nile Cleopatra (Vivien Leigh. Raines regal, and Leigh is her petulant, and beautiful, best.
Shaw’s POV is that it was not love but politics that drew Cleopatra to Julius Caesar. He views the Roman occupation of ancient Egypt as similar to the British occupation that was occurring during his time. Caesar understands the importance of good government, and values these things above art and love.
Filmed in Technicolor with lavish sets, the production was reported to be the most expensive film ever made in the UK. Director Pascal ordered sand from Egypt in order to achieve the proper cinematic color and the production ran into delays because of wartime restrictions. The film was described as a "box office stinker" at the time and almost ended Pascal's career. It was the first Shaw film made in color, and the last film version of a
Shaw play during his lifetime. After the author’s death in 1950, Pascal produced Androcles and the Lion, another Shaw adaptation in 1952.Support cast includes Flora Robson, Stewart Granger and Michael Rennie. One Oscar® nod.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038390/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_caesar%2520and%2520cleopatra
Cleopatra (USA, 20th Century Studios., 1963, 192 min., G, Joseph L. Mankiewicz)
It’s 48 B.C. and Julius Caesar (Sir Rex Harrison) pursues Pompey from Pharsalia to Egypt. Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII (Richard O'Sullivan), now supreme ruler after deposing his older sister, Cleopatra VII (Elizabeth Taylor), attempts to gain favor with Caesar and win his support over her brother. She hides herself in a rug that her servant Apollodorus (Cesare Danova presents to Caesar. The Roman leader is immediately charmed by her beauty and boldness. He banishes her brother and declares Cleopatra Egypt's sole ruler; and takes her as his mistress. She bears him a son, Caesarion (Loris Loddi), however Caesar must depart from Egypt and return to Rome. Cleopatra makes the journey to the eternal city, arriving in magnificent glory and is briefly reunited with Caesar. When he is assassinated soon after Cleopatra returns to Egypt.
Some time later Caesar's loyal protégé, Mark Antony (Richard Burton), calls on Cleopatra aboard her elaborate barge at Tarsus. He is beguiled and becomes her lover and military ally. Despite their liaison and unity to affirm his position in Rome Antony, Antony marries Octavia (Jean Marsh), sister of the ambitious Octavian Augustus (Roddy McDowall). Antony and Octavia have a spiteful and loveless marriage, Cleopatra is furious. Antony leaves Rome and his wife, and returns to Egypt and marries Cleopatra in a public ceremony. Preying on Antony's weakness Octavian attacks and defeats his forces at Actium. It’s also a defeat for Cleopatra who withdraws her fleet and seeks refuge in her tomb dramatically taking her own life. Five Oscar® nods two wins including “Best Costumes.” Supporting players include Hume Cronyn, Martin Landau, Robert Stephens.
Many will recall the “drama” surrounding, the affair of Taylor and Burton, the production that of its time was the most expensive movie ever made. This writer had the privilege of visiting Cintcitta Studio in Rome in 2019 where some of the award winning costumes by Irene Sharaff, et al, are on display in the studio museum. Quite exciting!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056937/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
Carry On Cleo (UK, Peter Rogers Productions, 1964, 92 min., dir. Gerald Thomas)
The movie opens when Roman leader Julius Caesar (Kenneth Williams) is leading invasion of Britain, with Mark Antony (Sid James). struggling to lead his armies through wretched weather. In small village they encounter sly, if not fearless, fighter Horsa (Jim Dale) and his comrade Hengist Pod (Kenneth Connor, innocuous inventor who attempt to alert their neighbors of the threat. The duo are captured and taken to Rome. Horsa is drafted into the Royal Guard to protect Caesar and Hengist is to be “thrown to the lions”. Simultaneously the the power struggle between siblings in Egypt continues and Mark Anthony is dispatched there. He is mesmerized by Cleopatra “Cleo” (Amanda Barrie) and plots with her to kill Caesar, though that happens of its own accord.
This “variation” of Caesar and Cleopatra historical story, with pathos, and far more humor is tenth in series of 31 “Carry On….” Films.(take a look – you’ll be amused). All are hilarious and thematic. As with all the “Carry On” movies it’s rollicking good fun, totally entertaining and intriguing. Find the films you’ll be amused and enthralled.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057918/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
(USA/UK, Melvin Frank Productions, 1966, 99 min., dir. Richard Lester)
Film adaptation of 1966 historical musical comedy five-time Tony Award winning Broadway show of the same name. Music and lyrics by celebrated Steven Sondheim.
The story focuses on a slovenly Roman Pseudolus (Zero Mostel) who dreams of freedom. When he learns his master's son has fallen hopelessly in love with the seemingly unattainable Philia (Annette Andre) from the nearby house of Marcus Lycus (Phil Silvers) he strikes a bargain: he will help his master's son win Philia's heart and in exchange he'll be granted his freedom from bondage.
What follows is a madcap romp set against the backdrop of the ancient Roman Empire, and a delightful comedy that carried over many of the musical numbers from the play. Popular with critics and audiences, its success helped to inspire the British TV series "Up, Pompeii!" just a few years later. Mostel who won the Tony reprise his stage role along with his original role along with Gilford. Won Oscar® for “Best Music Scoring.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060438/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_a%2520funny%2520thing
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)
