Richard Burton in The Robe

The Robe, 4/19/13, Best Art Direction - Set Design, Color, Best Costume Design, Color, 1953

The Robe tells the story of what happened to the robe that Jesus wore before the crucifixion. I'm not a fan of religious films, strictly speaking, as a means of proselytizing, but an opportunity to see a great epic, great actors, maybe hear a gripping soundtrack, and perhaps even get a little message about peace and love.  There is something fresh about watching a movie like this or Cleopatra, How the West was Won or Spartacus (read no CGI or massive special effects and no 'life-like' violence) that they can still be enjoyed fifty or sixty years later. The main character is Marcellus Gallio (the inimitable Richard Burton), a Roman tribune who has a very prickly relationship with Caligula (soon to be Emperor of Rome) and a very pleasant relationship with Diana (Jean Simmons who just oozes class; she is also in Spartacus with Kirk Douglas). Marcellus outbids Caligula for a gladiator named Demetrius, played by Victor Mature (Samson and Delilah). Through a series of events, Marcellus is in charge of the soldiers who crucify Jesus, while his slave, Demetrius, becomes a follower. Marcellus wins the robe of the title in a dice game and thus begins his journey of guilt, doubt and ultimately, belief. I liked this movie, I didn't love it, but I liked it and would recommend it, especially if you're looking for something to watch during the Easter holiday (sorry I couldn't watch this sooner). The three primary actors are very good, Richard Burton is good, even when the movie is not; so getting to hear Burton and Simmons speak was fabulous. Actors could learn a lot by just listening to them. Some of the supporting characters were way over the top, but when you have the walking definition of crazy, i.e., Caligula, on the screen, you probably should expect a little bit of overacting. It's beautifully filmed and uses lighting to full effect (the only problem I had was the not very subtle ending, but you can see that for yourself).