The Robe

Important in the history of cinema for being the first film shot in CinemaScope, THE ROBE takes full advantage of the technology in creating a lavish and extravagant vision. Regarded as among the finest Biblical epics ever made, it is based on the best-selling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas. Richard Burton plays Marcellus, a Roman centurion assigned by Pontius Pilate to supervise the crucifixion of Jesus. Drunk and callous, Marcellus plays dice at the foot of the cross and wins Jesus' own handmade robe. Back in Rome, Marcellus is tormented by nightmares and horrifying visions emanating from the mystical holy garment. Hoping to assuage his guilt, he returns to Palestine in search of answers about the life of Christ. In his journey he transforms from a profane cynic to a godly true believer. With the help of his pious sweetheart, Diana (Jean Simmons), his Christian slave, Demetrius (Victor Mature), and the disciple Peter (Michael Rennie), Marcellus finds redemption for his soul at the expense of his life. Standing against him is the raving, twisted emperor Caligula, rendered in a memorable performance by Jay Robinson. The film won three Academy Awards, and Fox was given a special Oscar for the development of CinemaScope.