Very watchable
Quo Vadis is the love story of the arrogant Roman general Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor) who falls in love with a Christian girl, Lygia (Deborah Kerr) against the backdrop of Nero's tyrannical reign in Rome. The movie, based on Henryk Sienkwicz (sp?)'s novel of the same name, does detract a bit from the book. There are fewer characters, a less convoluted plot, and less depth to some of the characters, but that's more or less expected - as it is, this is a long film.

I am a die-hard Robert Taylor fanatic, so obviously seeing him in this is a bonus. His obviously American accent's a little jarring when compared with the rest of the cast, but he looks wonderful and his depiction of Marcus - initially proud, arrogant, and almost brutal in his sense of patrician superiority, later transitioning into the loving, sensitive but yet not milquetoasty husband of Lygia - is understated but good.

Deborah Kerr is a little irritatingly sweet and ever-patient; but the most brilliant performance is that of Peter Ustinov as the insane Nero - he actually made by flesh creep!

Slightly dated special effects (the chariot run to Rome; Ursus's bullfight; Rome burning), but not bad enough to severely affect viewing. Highly recommended.

CLASSIC
EXELLENT CLASSIC MOVIE COMBACK BUT A BIG MISTAKE ,NOT A VARIETY OF TRACK LENGUAGES TRASLATION. LIKE SPANISH OR ITALY OR FRENCH SINCE THIS MOVIE IS CLASSIC WORLD WIDE. NOT RECOMENDED COPY FOR FOREGING FANS .OTHERWISE EXELLENT MOVIE TO WACH.

ohmygod.
Why do so many of the reviews I read here,
write of this movie as if it were a church sermon? What is this extraordinary concentration on religion in so many areas. I feel these people would find a sermon in a shopping list!
It's a MOVIE for God's sake [sorry about that], and as a movie I have always had a fondness for it. Silly though it may be, it's a lot of entertaining fun. I can't wait for the release.. I've been waiting for it for years. I remember sneaking along to see it in short pants, somehow I got in, even though I was far to young to do so.At the time I think I was thrilled with epic movies. The scale of this one is huge, they didn't need digital effects to get their ideas on screen, just imagination.The cast is splendid, Ustinov totally over the top, childish yes, but convincingly vicious, Robert Taylor, as wooden as ever, seems to work in the style context of the movie. Leo Genn,always underestimated, is as ellegant as he should be. And Debbie Kerr is all class.
Get a copy of this, and indulge yourself in a truly wonderful example of what Hollywood could do best at this time. I for one can't wait.

John Corcoran.
Scarborough,NSW.
Australia.

After The First View
Since they made the decision to show Nero as a buffoon, Ustinov certainly delivered those goods. However, on repeat views over the years, I find no interest in watching this dolt. He's performed one-sided, lacking any chilling menace the real Nero must have had.

The best thing on the DVD will be skipping his ego scenes. There's so much spectacle to absorb, which gets better with each view.

Robert Taylor's aloofness made a good fit for the prideful Marcus. Deborah Kerr radiated the refined Lygia. Whoever did her hair was outstanding. The ribbon with flowers entwining through the tresses was a memorable work of art.

The photography has a lush look seldom seen anymore. The Christian message is realistc, showing terror at the lions roar, and that only strong spiritual help subdues it.

Quo Vadis is a great epic film! (was never a widescreen movie)
Quo Vadis was released in 1951 which is two years before the advent of CinemaScope and other widescreen formats of 1953. Quo vadis was released in the aspect ratio of 1.33:1, so do not look for a widescreen version on DVD. The movie is an epic in the true sense of the word. Peter Ustinov steals every scene with his wonderful, self indulgent performance as Nero. Patricia Laffan (Devil Girl From Mars) delivers a deliciously evil performance. Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr star as Roman leader and persecuted Christian, respectively. If you enjoy movies like The Robe, Demetrious and The Gladiators, Samson And Delilah (not yet available on DVD), you will love Quo Vadis. (unknown Sophia Loren is somewhere in the crowd scenes during the burning of Rome).