Quo Vadis (1951)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  171 Minutes

Rating: Not Rated

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Director: Mervyn LeRoy

Starring: Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Green, Peter Ustinov, Patricia Laffan, Marina Berti

IMDB Rank: 7.2/10

Part 1 Time: 92 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 79 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Petronius (Leo Genn) and Eunice (Marina Berti) speak about their growing concerns of Nero’s (Peter Ustinov) current behaviour as well as their love for each other.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Because the love such as I feel cannot ever die” Eunice speaks to Petronius.

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “As always, your entrance is proud and aloof.” Poppaea (Patricia Laffan) speaks as Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor) enters her chamber.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/Somewhat, currently there is concern among those working close to Nero as his fixations, paranoia and compulsiveness are beginning to demonstrate poor choices. Some begin to question his current state of mind.

Which part is better? Part two hands down due to brutality and events that transpire such as the Great Fire of Rome, the crucifixion of Christians in the Roman Colosseum, lions attacking Christian supporters, and Nero sinking deeper into madness with every breath.

Academy Awards: Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-Leo Genn, Peter Ustinov), Best Cinematography-Colour (Nominated), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration- Colour (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Costume Design-Colour (Nominated), Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Nominated).