Fall of the Roman Empire (Motion picture) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/no2008083688
Title:
The fall of the Roman Empire / Samuel Bronston presents ; original screenplay by Ben Barzman, Basilio Franchina, Philip Yordan ; produced by Samuel Bronston ; directed by Anthony Mann.
Edition:
Limited collector's edition.
Publisher:
Weinstein Company,
Copyright Date:
2008
Description:
3 videodiscs (185 min.) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 booklet (28 unnumbered pages : color illustrations, color map ; 19 cm) + 6 production stills.
Widescreen (letterbox, enhanced) presentation. Originally released as a motion picture in 1964. Repackaging of two-disc deluxe edition with reproduction of original souvenir program, six color production stills and bonus disc (disc 3). Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, James Mason, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Quayle, John Ireland, Omar Sharif, Mel Ferrer. Special features, Disc 1: Feature commentary with Bill Bronston (son of producer Samuel Bronston) and Mel Martin (biographer of Samuel Bronston); Rome in Madrid: 1964 promotional film; original theatrical trailer; filmographies; still gallery. Disc 2: "The rise and fall of an epic production:" the making of the film; "The rise and fall of an empire:" an historical look at the real Roman Empire; Hollywood vs. History: an historical analysis; Dimitri Tiomkin: scoring the Roman Empire. Disc 3: a collection of historic films about ancient Rome, all shot on the film's sets.
Summary:
Marcus Aurelius Antonius is philosopher-emperor of Rome who summons his empire's governors and princes to his German war headquarters for a Pax Romanus. He confides to his daughter, Lucilla, that his adopted son, Livius, will succeed him instead of his more unstable heir, Commodus. Overhearing this, Cleander, a blind prophet loyal to Commodus, presents Marcus with a poisoned apple. After the funeral, Livius, who does not share Lucilla's ambition for himself or Rome, allows Commodus to proclaim himself emperor. While pestilence ravages Rome, Commodus continues his vain, licentious behavior. He ultimately neglects to deal with all symptoms of unrest and banishing anyone reminding him of his responsibilities.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.