The Robe (1953)

Absolutely Fantastic

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The curse of being at the cross and the memory of being responsible for the death of the savior of humanity has haunted Roman soldier Richard Burton to the threat of losing his sanity. Under emperors Tiberius and Caligula, Burton has been assigned the task of exposing his followers. With the aide of the followers of that cult religion, Christianity, he finds a new moral code that outshines the love of any emperor or even his own people.It is thanks to his slave, Demetrius (the rugged Victor Mature), as well as the lovely Roman lady of good background, Diana (a gorgeous Jean Simmons) that he finds his life following a new course, aided by encounters with two men who knew the immortal Jesus very well. A brief encounter with a guilt ridden Judas and meetings with Simon Peter aide Burton on his own road to salvation, bit with the mad emperor Caligula (an over the top Jay Robinson) on his trail, the only ways out are either denial of his new found faith or crucifixion.Beautifully made version of Lloyd Douglas's best selling novel, this was the very first of the wide screen epics, and it stands the test of time. Messages within the movie are so prevalent today with anti-Christian sentiment spreading across the globe.A great musical score, impressive sets, costumes and photography, this is just as much a Roman history lesson just as it is a valentine to basic Christian values often forgotten by practicing Christians. Even though he is only briefly heard and never shown in a facial close-up, Jesus remains a vital character. My only issues are the outrageous performance by Robinson as Caligula and the historically inaccurate portrayal of Tiberius, here essayed as a basically decent man by veteran character actor Ernest Theigeser. Other than that, I highly recommend it for spreading the important message of humanity and hope.

The Robe is a film based on the best-selling novel of Lloyd C. Douglas.It tells the story of Marcellus Gallio,a Roman tribune that was tasked by Pontius Pilate to supervise the crucifixion of Christ.It stars Richard Burton,Jean Simmons and Victor Mature.After the Seven Last Words,Marcellus Gallio wins Christ's robe during a dice game.Gradually,the mystical influence of the said garment allows him to become a changed man from being a cynic and a ladies man into becoming a true believer of Christ.This prompted him to give up his position and decides to become disciple of Christ and preach the Good News which led to his death.Despite of being far from a great film,the movie presents a great theme that would allow to viewer to think of what they would do if they lived during those times.It will definitely provide one some serious thought and probably examine one's relationship with Jesus especially if they happen to Christian.As for the performances,most were alright except for Mature,who provided a credible performance as a Marcellus's converted slave.

Somehow I had never gotten around to watching this "classic". It's always great in life when you learn something. And the preeminent thing I learned from this film was that Victor Mature was a lousy actor. Really lousy. And in later years, he himself often alluded to that. In the scene where he was being tortured, I couldn't help wondering if it was because he was a Christian, or because he was such a lousy actor.Let's see. What else did I learn? That a lot must have changed between 1953 when this film was made, and 1959 when "Ben-Hur" was made. The latter is one of the most perfect Hollywood films ever made. In this film some of the mattes used for backgrounds are so fake looking as to be laughable. Not to mention that the print being shown on TCM is none to good...although I guess it's the best available.And then we come to Richard Burton's acting. Burton was never one of my favorites, although that was more because I didn't care for the films he selected to appear in. But I always felt he was a very fine actor. Not so here. About the only time I have ever seen poorer acting was when silent screen stars tried to transition to talkies. This is probably the poorest acting I have seen in a leading role in my life.But, Burton's overacting here paled in comparison to that of Jay Robinson as Caligula. I guess audiences were different back in the 1950s. Today I imagine people would burst out laughing at this performance.Cast-wise, all is not lost, however. Jean Simmons as the female lead tends to rise above the rest of this disaster...sort of. Michael Rennie's brief appearances as Peter are quite nice. Dean Jagger is here, and he's always a welcome addition to any cast. And, Torin Thatcher as Burton's father -- and a senator -- is quite good.In terms of the story, it's very fifty-ish. I'd have to rate it inferior to many of the other religious pics of the era. In fact, it was an opportunity lost. The concept -- what would happen to a Roman tribune who gambled over Jesus' robe after the crucifixion? Unfortunately, the answer appears to be that he would appear in a exceedingly poor film.I give an average film a "7". This one earns a "6". There's just too much wrong with it.

If you're a big fan of the "Ben Hur" era and enjoy Richard Burton and Victor Mature, two of Ameriweird's greatest drama actors, then you'll salivate at every minute of this movie!! The dual storyline of the slave Victor Mature, and the dramatic conversion of Richard Burton is beyond compare with any other great, family viewable movie of the '50's in Cinemascope and full color and truly a screenwriter's masterpiece!! Take it from a true movie buff, this is worth a Saturday evening or a Sunday afternoon relaxation with a movie break!! You'll never forgive yourself if you don't own and watch this classic!! In my humble opinion, the finest acting on the part of all parties in this joy of a movie from the days gone by!!