![]() bestowed the title “Augustus” upon Octavian, which according to Roman historian Cassius Dio signified “that he was more than human.” Augustus ruled as Rome’s first emperor-although he never took that title for himself. By providing for soldiers’ retirements, he ensured their personal loyalty to him. Citizens in towns across Italy and the western Mediterranean were compelled to swear their personal loyalty to Octavian. Throughout Roman territories, coins, statues and even silverware bore his image. He approved of all candidates standing for election, while the powerless Senate rubber-stamped his decisions. Having eliminated his rivals and seen the support given to Caesar by the masses, Octavian established absolute rule over the former republic and surpassed the power of his great-uncle. after which Antony and Cleopatra each took their own lives. Octavian forced Lepidus into exile and took up arms against Antony, whose affair with Egyptian ruler Cleopatra VII damaged his reputation in Rome and humiliated his wife, who was Octavian’s sister. Octavian positioned himself as the sole defender of Rome from the eastern influence of Egypt, and his navy defeated the combined fleet of Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in northern Greece in 31 B.C. The triumvirate eventually turned on each other. ![]() Tens of thousands died in the bloody battle, and the defeated Brutus and Cassius each committed suicide. After speaking ill of Antony, Cicero was killed by soldiers loyal to Caesar’s deputy, and his head and right hand were placed on display in the Roman Forum. Avenging Caesar’s murder, Octavian and Antony collaborated to defeat the forces of assassination plot leaders Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus in 42 B.C. Mary Beard, author of SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, writes that the triumvirate’s main achievement was a “new round of mass murder.” Octavian and Antony brutally purged the republic’s leadership by killing their enemies and potential rivals. “He was a cunning, ruthless politician who knew how to play both sides,” Barry Strauss, author of Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine, says of Octavian. The forces of the two competing leaders clashed until Octavian and Antony called a truce and agreed to share power with another of Caesar’s former deputies, Lepidus, in the Second Triumvirate. It was directed by Stuart Burge.Octavian quickly amassed a private army and outbid Antony for the support of several legions. The film runs 117 minutes and was shot in MGM British Studios & Pinewood Studios, England, and Spain (battle sequences). It's interesting comparing the two movies because each have their strong and weak points. I prefer it because it's in color and is more modern with superior action sequences, like Caesar's brutal assassination and the climatic battle. This is basically the same movie as the 1953 version, albeit with different actors. He's a fine actor he's just not the best fit for Shakespeare. Unfortunately, Robarbs is the definition of wooden during the first half, but he's quite effective in the second. He's pretty much as effective as Brando in the 1953 film in his own unique way. Heston is captivating as Antony, particularly in his extended funeral speech to the citizens. Those in the middle, like me, will certainly find things to appreciate, but will generally be bored by the proceedings. If so, you'll probably love it if not, you'll find it dreadfully dull. Whether or not you'll like this film depends on if you favor The Bard and iambic pentameter. Richard Chamberlain plays Octavius, Caesar's nephew. Jill Bennett and Diana Rigg are on hand as Calpurnia and Portia respectively. Charlton Heston plays Mark Antony, a sympathizer of Caesar who condemns the murder. ![]() ![]() Richard Johnson plays Cassius, the leader of a group of high-ranking Romans who seek to assassinate Julius while Jason Robards appears as reluctant accomplice, Brutus. Released in 1970 and based on William Shakespeare's play, "Julius Caesar" chronicles the last days of Julius Caesar (John Gielgud) in mid-March, 44 BC. ![]()
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