This relatively lesser-known version of Shakespeare’s play – compared to the more famous 1953 Marlon Brando film – was made in Britain but with a few top American stars in leading roles, somewhat at variance with an array of notable British acting talent.
In 44 BC, Roman emperor Julius Caesar (John Gielgud) cements his power through military victories, sparking fears among senators like Brutus (Jason Robards), Casca (Robert Vaughn) and Cassius (Richard Johnson) that Caesar will seize absolute control.
Brutus and his fellow conspirators murder Caesar, triggering a civil war between the conspirators and forces led by Caesar’s best friend, Marc Antony (Charlton Heston), with the help of Octavius Caesar (Richard Chamberlain).
Brutus and Cassius flee, but the protagonists must ultimately meet on the battlefield.
Alone in his tent before the fight, Brutus is visited by the Ghost of Caesar, who warns him that he will think of Caesar during the ensuing clash at Philippi.
The fortunes of war go against Brutus, who kills himself. Cassius also dies.
Jason Robards seems rather unhappy in the role of Brutus (Charlton Heston went so far as to say that Robards gave possibly “the worst performance by a really good actor” in film history) but lovers of Shakespeare and good performances will find much that is rewarding.
Heston is quite potent as Marc Anthony, Robert Vaughn makes a superbly sneaky Casca and Diana Rigg is sexy and sly as Brutus’ wife, Portia.
The Senate set, prominently featuring a bust of John Gielgud as Caesar, was later used in the movie version of Up Pompeii (1971).
Mark Antony
Charlton Heston Brutus
Jason Robards Julius Caesar
John Gielgud Cassius
Richard Johnson Casca
Robert Vaughn Octavius Caesar
Richard Chamberlain Portia
Diana Rigg Artemidorus
Christopher Lee Calpurnia
Jill Bennett Decius Brutus
Derek Godfrey Lepidus
David Dodimead Metellus Cimber
Michael Gough Cinna the Conspirator
David Neal Trebonius
Preston Lockwood Popilius Lena
John Moffatt
