Quo Vadis [1951]

Star-studded, epic adaptation of Henryk Sienkiewicz’s novel based in Rome during the time of Nero. Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor), a commander in the army, returns to the city and falls in love with a Christian girl called Lygia (Deborah Kerr). However, as he is a pagan, she rejects his suit and refuses to have anything to do with him. Meanwhile, Nero (Peter Ustinov) burns down the city, blames it on the Christians, and prepares to feed them to the lions.
Robert Taylor plays Marcus Vinicius, commander of Rome’s 14th Legion and in love with Lygia (Deborah Kerr), a member of the Christian sect accused of undermining Roman values. Peter Ustinov, wrapped in purple-robed petulance, is the all-powerful Nero. The destinies of these three and of the Empire play out in a tale whose visual highlights include the parade of triumphant legions, the burning of Rome and the martyrdom of Christmas before cheering, bread-and-circus throngs. Year: 1951 Director: Mervyn LeRoy Starring: Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Glenn, Peter Ustinov