The Sign of the Cross (1932)

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1. 

   jm_london

   This is one of the first "talkies" set in the Roman Empire, and as such has some historical value for any film buff. The fact that it was directed by film royalty Cecil B DeMille doesn't automatically make it a masterpiece, on the contrary, the movie has so many flaws and was the victim of so many poor creative and editing decisions that you have to try hard to watch it till the end. It feels like they trimmed down the interesting parts and overplayed the dull ones.
   
   [spoiler] To begin with, Nero and Poppaea are the best characters in the film (and arguably, Laughton and Colbert the best actors). Every scene they are in is fantastic and leaves you wishing for more. However, they do not get much screen time. Their presence in the film also creates another problem: They are pure comedy in an otherwise tragic story. I'm not against mixing genres in a film, but if it's not done properly, it disengages and distracts the viewer.
   
   A similar phenomenon happens with the circus scene, so many fantastic menacing animals, and nothing happens with them, I was waiting for some action coming from the crocodiles but the film moves on rather quickly and wastes the opportunity to offer some real excitement.
   
   On the other extreme we have the boring plot about the early christians and their dull ceremonies that make them look like lunatics. The scenes with them are too many and too long, and destroy any potential sexual tension between Marcus and Mercia. Instead of coming across as some kind of heroine, we pity Mercia and wonder what modern medication could do for her. And poor Marcus leaves us with the saddest feelings, such a handsome, charming, intelligent, brave and kind man, falling for the wrong woman and making a fool of himself. [spoiler]
   
   As I said before, all these elements, well used, would have made a fantastic film, but did not happen this time. 7 years 11 months ago
2. 

   MilenaFlaherty

   Worth it for the dance scene alone. 9 years 5 months ago
3. 

   jlfitz

   The link posted by daisyaday is for the silent version, NOT this version. 6 years 4 months ago

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