The Robe

The Robe, directed by Henry Koster and starrring Richard Burton as Marcellus Gallio, Jean Simmons as Diana, Victor Mature, as Demitrius, Michael Rennie as Peter and Jay Robinson as Caligula. I added this film to my collection last year for sentimental reasons. As with most films I shared the viewing experience with someone special. My mother’s mother and I used to watch this film every year when it came on television. There were several films I remember the family sitting down to watch together. The Robe, Spartacus, The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur and The Wizard of Oz.

The Robe is the story of Marcellus Gallio, a tribune who wins the robe worn by Jesus in a dice game. Marcellus oversees the crucifixion of Jesus and is haunted by the powers of the robe when he tries to cover himself during a rain storm. Feeling that the robe is possessed, the search is on to find the robe and destroy it. Demitrius, the slave to Marcellus has the robe in his possession. Diana loves Marcellus and is risks everything to be with him. The film is about faith, belief and miracles.

The Robe was the first movie to be filmed in Cinemascope. It was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1953, including best picture and a Best Actor nomination for Richard Burton.

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