The Sign of the Cross

A picture which will proudly lead all the entertainments the world has ever seen
3K ratings
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Format:  DVD
item number:  HWFF
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DVD Details

  • Rated: Not Rated
  • Run Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes
  • Video: Black & White
  • Encoding: Region 1 (USA & Canada)
  • Released: May 10, 2011
  • Originally Released: 1932
  • Label: Universal Studios

Performers, Cast and Crew:

Starring , , &
Performer: , , &
Directed by
Edited by
Screenwriting by &
Composition by
Produced by
Director of Photography:

Entertainment Reviews:

Rotten33%

TOMATOMETER
Total Count: 6

Upright60%

AUDIENCE SCORE
User Ratings: 346
Rating: 3.5/4 -- The Caligula of its day. Full Review
Three Movie Buffs
Aug 22, 2010
It wasn't great when it was first released and it's definitely not improved since. Full Review
Film4
May 24, 2003
Not for people with scruples. Full Review
Time Out
Jun 24, 2006
Rating: D -- The film's generous helpings of sex and violence are overwhelmed by its general air of condescension and phony piety. Full Review
Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus
May 3, 2009
Cast is uniformly good, but only one exceptional performance is registered. That's Laughton's. Full Review
Variety
Jan 30, 2009
...They no longer make them the way C.B. made them...
USA Today
Mar 31, 1995

Product Description:

The persecution of Christians in the ancient city of Rome is given the full DeMille treatment in this biblical saga. Rome is ablaze with political intrigue, jealousy, and the fires set by the depraved Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton). The half-mad emperor delights in burning the city and blaming the fire on the Christians so he can slaughter them. Rome's prefect Marcus (Fredric March) is in charge of hunting the underground band of Christians who live in constant fear of death and torture because of their beliefs. While rounding up two philosophers accused of practicing Christianity, he meets a virtuous and lovely Christian maiden (Elissa Landi) whom he instantly falls in love with. All the while the decadent Empress Poppaea (Claudette Colbert) fights for Marcus's undivided attention as she jealousy plots the death of his newfound charge. Ultimately, Marcus must betray Nero and his power-hungry wife if he wishes to keep his young love alive. The outlandish orgies of the gluttonous emperor and his court are terrific fodder for DeMille's love of spectacle and titillation. The finale, suitably Roman in a blood-soaked arena, is a decadently morbid and erotic playground for the legendary director's lavish sensibilities. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS comes complete with deadly elephants, barbaric gladiator fights, and naked young maidens clothed in garlands of roses as they await the jaws of hungry alligators. Charles Laughton is a terrific Nero, lapping up the agonies of the arena with bloodthirsty relish, and Claudette Colbert, in a rare villainous turn, is astounding as the wicked empress, who, among other things, takes a daringly risqué milk bath.

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Product Info

  • Sales Rank: 20,503
  • UPC: 025192090998
  • Shipping Weight: 0.25/lbs (approx)
  • International Shipping: 1 item

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