This was a solid and very satisfying sequel to 'The Robe' for me. I have both a soft spot for swords-and-sandals epics of days gone by, and a preferential fondness for films from cinema's studio glory days of the 20's to 60's--not to mention my enjoyment of earlier Daves' classics such as 'The Petrified Forest', 'Dark Passage' and 'Destination Tokyo'--so this was like a fine red wine for me.
It begins where "The Robe" left off!
The story picks up at the point where "The Robe" ends, following the martyrdom of Diana and Marcellus. Christ's robe is conveyed to Peter for safe-keeping, but the emperor Caligula wants it back to benefit from its powers. Marcellus' former slave Demetrius seeks to prevent this, and catches the eye of Messalina, wife to Caligula's uncle Claudius. Messalina tempts Demetrius, he winds up fighting in the arena, and wavers in his faith.
Top Cast
Victor Mature
Demetrius
Susan Hayward
Messalina
Michael Rennie
Peter
Debra Paget
Lucia
Anne Bancroft
Paula
Jay Robinson
Caligula
Ernest Borgnine
Strabo
Richard Egan
Dardenius
Barry Jones
Claudius
Charles Evans
Cassius Chaerea
William Marshall
Glycon
Woody Strode
Gladiator
John Cliff
Varus
Everett Glass
Kaeso
Jeff York
Albus
Reviews
This is a place where men are trained to kill each other like animals! Demetrius and the Gladiators is a sequel to The Robe. It's directed by Delmer Daves and stars Victor Mature as Demetrius, a Christian slave made to fight in the Roman arena as a gladiator (and ultimately entering into a bigger fight, that of faith), and Susan Hayward as Messalina. Filling out the support cast are Ernest Borgnine, William…
was about to rate it 3 for the tiger fight, but the end was too corny to handle
Richard Burton and Jean Simmons made sure they couldn't be involved in this sequel to "The Robe" (1953) but director Delmer Dawes did manage to bring in Susan Hayward and retain the maniacal services of arch-ham Jay Robinson to keep this sword and sandals story watchable. If you recall, "Demetrius" (Victor Mature) was the servant present at the crucifixion and who now holds the red robe used on the day. It's a…
FAQ about Demetrius and the Gladiators
What is Demetrius and the Gladiators about?
The story picks up at the point where "The Robe" ends, following the martyrdom of Diana and Marcellus. Christ's robe is conveyed to Peter for safe-keeping, but the emperor Caligula wants it back to benefit from its powers. Marcellus' former slave Demetrius seeks to prevent this,…
When was Demetrius and the Gladiators released?
Demetrius and the Gladiators was released in 1954.
What genres does Demetrius and the Gladiators belong to?
Demetrius and the Gladiators is categorised as Adventure, History, Drama.
Who stars in Demetrius and the Gladiators?
The cast of Demetrius and the Gladiators includes Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, Michael Rennie, Debra Paget, Anne Bancroft.