Quo Vadis

I first saw this film as a re-run in 1964--on the big screen. Much is lost, I think, when viewing it on television. Peter Ustinov's portrayal of the emperor Nero raises the bar for anyone else who is ever cast as an unbalanced and corrupt Roman emperor. Certainly, we don't see this style or quality of acting in newer films such as "Gladiator." I focus on the "Nero" character more than others because Ustinov was truly able to get inside the role, and appeared to stay very focused. Robert Taylor was fine in the movie, but his role could have been handled by nearly any leading man of the time. Ditto for Deborah Kerr. The remaining cast was very, very good. The set designs and costumes were sheer artistry and the score was effective and complimentary. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in spectacles and studying fine acting techniques (i.e., Ustinov's).

An absolute must watch movie, everything is spectular. The scenes with the emperor and the huge crowds, the music is so powerful, everything makes you feel as if you were there amongst the Romans. The emperor is such an incredibly talented actor, his character is soooooo fun and original. The actors all give a beautiful perfomance. 10/10 a true jewel of a movie please watch it and spread the word!!!

"Quo Vadis" Is an excellent adaptation of the novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz about the vicissitudes experienced by the first Christians in Nero's Rome, which has a correct balance of adventure and romance, with an impressive historical drama setting as the background. The most fascinating aspect of this movie is the unforgettable performance of Peter Ustinov in the role of Nero, which practically steals the movie, and the great performance of Deborah Kerr which gives a great sense of dignity to the insipid character that she plays. Also, the soundtrack by Miklos Rozsa was simply excellent. "Quo Vadis" is a big, beautiful love story that deserves more recognition that it gets. It is one of the best historical and adventure films from the 50's.

Quo Vadis is a good movie, but I personally don't consider it a truly great one. I did find some of the religious aspects over-bearing, some of the script rather stilted(Petronious' philosophical lines excepted) and a little rambling and bloated in the story and pace. Problems aside, Quo Vadis is a film of visual spectacle and grandeur. You can never go wrong with sweeping cinematography, lavish scope, sets and scenery and colourful costumes and Quo Vadis succeeds in all these areas. Mervyn LeRoy directs excellently, while Miklos Rosza's score is absolutely magnificent. The performances are solid, Robert Taylor does a good job playing it straight and isn't too dull and Deborah Kerr is as ravishing as ever, but it is Leo Genn playing Petronious more than admirably and especially a superb Peter Ustinov as Nero that walk away with the picture. All in all, a solid film albeit not one without its flaws. 7/10 Bethany Cox