Julius Caesar

1953

2h 0m

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

228

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Drama

History

The assassination of the would-be ruler of Rome at the hands of Brutus and company has tragic consequences for the idealist and for the republic.

Directors

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Writers

William Shakespeare(theatre play by)

Stars

Marlon Brando

James Mason

John Gielgud

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Videos2

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Watch Julius Caesar Theatrical Trailer
Featurette
Watch John Badham on JULIUS CAESAR

Top cast

Mark Antony

Brutus

Cassius

Julius Caesar

Casca

Calpurnia

Portia

Marullus

Flavius

A Soothsayer

Cicero

Decius Brutus

Metellus Cimber

Cinna

Trebonius

Ligarius

Artemidorus

Servant to Antony

Directors

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Writers

William Shakespeare(theatre play by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Having finally beaten Pompey's armies, Caesar (Louis Calhern) has returned to Rome to the acclaim of it's population. A fourth term as consul and the title of dictator for life suit his ambitions but they cause alarm amongst those who feel this is the first step to absolutism. First amongst those suspicious characters is Cassius (John Gielgud) and together with Brutus (James Mason) and Casca (Edmund O'Brien) conclude that drastic action needs to be taken if they are to prevent him becoming king. They must, however, factor in the powerful Mark Antony (Marlon Brando) - Caesar's right hand man, and an honourable military figure. The Ides of March duly arrive, and history takes it course - and for me, that's when this adaptation of Shakespeare's play comes alive. The hitherto largely unseen Brando's character cleverly manipulates the mob into handing him an opportunity for vengeance on the assassins, and together with Octavius (Douglas Watson) a chance to wrest control of the empire for themselves. Many people have said that Gielgud was the finest of 20th century Shakesperian thespians and his performance here is potent and evocative. His character comes across as only slightly less ambitious than Caesar, and one way more venal. It's James Mason, though, who impresses most here. His Brutus imbues a sense of principal, of honour and integrity - he seems the only one not quite in it for himself. Both of these men deliver some legendary soliloquies with skill and adroitness. Brando really only gets the one significant kick at the ball as he delivers his eulogy, but here he delivers an impassioned speech to the baying crown that's as insightful as it is inciteful. Joseph L. Mankiewicz competently presides over a well produced and paced dramatisation of brutality, duplicity and pride - and he allows those on screen to demonstrate their abilities to deliver some slightly abridged but still complex dialogue strongly. Not be forgotten are a couple of important, if sparing, contributions from Greer Garson and Deborah Kerr and we are delivered of a great story of intrigue and power that I really enjoyed.

Geronimo196715 Apr, 2024