Charles Laughton 'I, Claudius' - Dirk Bogarde & "The Epic That Never Was"

In 1937, filming began on "I, Claudius," from the Robert Graves novel, with Charles Laughton in the title role. The cast also included Merle Oberon, Flora Robson, Emlyn Williams and Robert Newton. Producer Alexander Korda hired Josef von Sternberg to direct but once the cameras started rolling it became evident that Laughton was having great difficulty in getting into his part. Matters went from bad to worse, so that when Merle Oberon was involved in a car crash and hospitalised for several weeks, it was looked on, in Emlyn Williams's words, "as a godsend" and the film was abandoned altogether.
In 1965, a TV programme investigated this unfinished project in a documentary narrated by Dirk Bogarde entitled 'The Epic That Never Was.' The surviving participants (including Oberon, Williams, Robson and von Sternberg) were interviewed and several of the finished scenes were shown. Also shown were the fascinating rushes and out-takes in which Laughton forgot his lines or stormed off the set. It is clear from what has survived that had he been able to bring off another great performance, this could have been another of his classic 1930s movies. However, we must be grateful for what has survived in this excellent and remarkable documentary.
Note that Laughton played another Roman senator right at the end of his career. Click the ink and see him as Gracchus in "Spartacus" ... • 'Spartacus' - Charles ...

[@NonInflatable]

Once, as a young lad in Manchester, in a time long ago, I waited outside the stage door of the Opera House for an autograph from Charles Laughton. There was vast crowd of fans waiting for him and I reckoned my chance of getting his signature was very low. Quay Street runs up past the theatre and at the top of the road was the posh Midland Hotel. I thought there was a good chance that he was staying there and might actually walk down to the theater. I left the crowd and turned up Quay Street and there coming towards me was the unmistakeable figure of the great actor. I dashed up to him and offered him my autograph album. He gave me a big smile and said he would sign for me at the stage door. He put his arm round my shoulder and we walked back to the stage door together. Laughton was pleasantness itself in our brief conversation. At the stage door the crowd surged forward and I was pushed to one side. Charles Laughton stopped at the door, turned round and said "I'll sign for everybody, but him first", pointing to me. The crowd parted, like Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea, and I got my autograph. I've never forgotten how kind Laughton was.

[@CharlieOkeson]

Beautiful

[@CharlieOkeson]

Beautiful

[@jaydaawg.8191]

This comment is great.

[@gb2096]

One of the most wholesome youtube comments I’ve read. Thank you for sharing, sir!

[@VolcanoTimeLapse]

great story!

[@c.johnson1691]

It amazes me that such a great actor as Charles Laughton was could not find his character. From what I’ve seen, he was superb. He nailed it.

[@eziosfara7891]

I am big fan of BBC I Claudius (1976). Later I read the books by Graves, and just in recent years heard about this unfinished movie. Great post. Thank you.

[@arthurathanassiou3948]

Thank you so much for posting this. It was a fascinating story and we can only wonder at how great the outcome. had it been completed.

[@adam28xx]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dovic86]

if you look for the word 'elegance' in the dictionary you'll find a picture of Dirk Bogard. if you look for the word 'acting', you'll find Charles Laughton.

[@จีโน่จัดไป]

Elegance indeed Great presence and such a great name DirK Bogarde... Sounds like a movie star

[@elizadoolittlethings7888]

thank you for such an informative upload. a most memorable video ..

[@paleogrognard5810]

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

[@mistercash1000]

brilliant thanks for posting Matt NY

[@markconnolly7972]

What a superb bit of Laughton a great actor ! Proper diva!!

[@scottclinton2061]

54:30 This scene clearly shows (IMHO) what this movie might have been...

[@malpatofrajer]

It would be a great movie, I like old movies, they have their own climate.

[@Moronvideos1940]

I downloaded this

[@Bobbnoxious]

I agree with Dirk Bogarde: Laughton's speech before the Roman Senate is one of the most epic pieces of acting I've ever seen. What a tragedy that this film was never completed.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Bobbnoxious It should be read before the U.S.Senate, by the ghosts of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt(I said Bully Pulpit, not BS or a bully's pulpit), Franklin Roosevelt, and perhaps Bernie Sanders(not quite ghost but more ghost like, sorry Senator!).

[@johnreece5540]

Two minutes of this film is way better than two or three hours of the over the top CGI comic book epics being mass produced today.

[@mattg8431]

I watched the ' I, Claudius' show as a kid in the 70's and it was fascinating, but I did not realize that the book was written in the 30's. Thanks to YT I learned something new

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

Laughton was such a genius. He remains the greatest British actor of all time. Not even Olivier could rival Laughton's emotional depth.

[@cardlink62]

Ditto!

[@emg8810]

+Garry Harville Au contraire, mes amis. There is, and only will be, one Lord Olivier. "Emotional depth" brought to a performance is not so easy to obtain or achieve. Looking at the breath of both CL's and LO' acting careers, you realize that both actors were superb. Both could convey more with a gesture of the hand or movement of the head or eyes. To see LO on stage was breathtaking. CL's performance in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" had reviting moments. So let's keep things in perspective and avoid hyperbole.

[@suzannesadiiqa]

+Em Gernant Best performance was in Hobson's Choise......one of my all time favourite films.

[@mikelheron20]

Drivel. He. was a competent actor like a great many others. Why does everyone always feel the need to exaggerate?

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

mikelheron20 - how DARE you say that?!

[@zimnaya]

What a sumptuous, magnificent and touching film this would have been. A great tragedy that it did not come to fruition. The sets are glorious, stupendous...one is left with a gnawing sense of loss.

[@rosannegrimball4970]

Such a tragedy. It would have been a fabulous film.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

One of the great films of all time. What a shame! Laughton is a genius.

[@geoffprocter5051]

Charles Laughton was in my opinion one of the best film actors of all time. This film if it could have been completed would have added to Hunchback, Witness for..., Mutiny......, and Henry.....When you watch Laughton he is compelling.........

[@Vintagevanessa99]

What a wonderful film this would have been. These clips are marvellous

[@AndyRobinsonMusic]

My grandfather wrote and produced this!

[@eleanorcromwell8910]

This is great. Thank you for sharing it. Dirk Bogarde has been my favorite actor since I was 13. It is lovely to see him like this.

[@kevinnorfolk1710]

What good fortune to have stumbled upon this brilliant documentary. Thank you.

[@CharlesJohnson-ui2pk]

Really wish they could have completed this film.

[@5610winston]

For the Gods' sakes, read the books! They were so beautifully crafted, you would believe that Claudius himself had actually written it.

[@ΠαναγιωταΑγγελοπουλου-χ6ρ]

"I Claudius " would have been a masterpiece and Laughton acknowledged as the greatest of them all, not only by the ones who already admired his work but by everyone who had ever stepped inside a cinema. He deserved it, a man of an exceptional talent, a tormented soul, a theatrical genius. I could suggest Simon Callow's remarkable book "Charles Laughton a Difficult Actor" as well as Dirk Bogarde's autobiography "Snakes and Ladders" the latter to pay homage to a sensitive actor , Dirk Bogarde, writing about the demands and rewards of working with great directors. Penny Angelopoulou

[@Wanamaker1946]

This was clearly a showcase for Dirk. He’s radiantly beautiful, and a magnificent voice.

[@tune7333]

reminds me what we have lost....older theatrical actors who can kill these classical roles with such weight and gravitas...what have we got now......dull flat celebrity..no thks.

[@michellecowell7183]

Thanks to u tube and the people who upload this priceless films and great actors they live forever Michelle UK

[@lopamudraray4571]

2023....Cladius speaks for the heart of millions of common man....Charles Laughton brought back Claudius from the dead. It was indeed a real resirrection!

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

resurrection

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

Well put.

[@sparkleypegs8350]

Read the books and watched the 1976 series many, many times. Its my favourite followed by Glenda Jackson in Elizabeth R. I so wish this film had been made. The parts that survive are wonderful.

[@michaelshankland6083]

A fascinating programme -thanks for uploading

[@thack57]

Has anyone seen the Short on TCM where Peter Graves talks about working on "Night of The Hunter" with Laughton directing? He said it was sad that Charles didn't direct another movie because he was so good at it. The crew, especially himself and Mitchum, thought he was a natural and was so thoughtful. Graves spoke of doing a scene and when it was over he (Graves) asked Laughton "is that OK with you?" and Laughton returned with, "Was it OK with YOU?". Which, by the sound of it, Graves sounded pleasantly surprised because most directors are control freaks - not that this is a bad thing.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Ted Hackett. Remember the line from Airplane(1980)- I haven't felt this bad since- update, 2019, the last Trump tweet. It was actually said by a passenger on the ill fated aircraft this way: Since the last Ronald Reagan movie. Was living in LA that summer, saw Airplane in a movie theater; at this line, the audience erupted in uncontrollable laughter. Surely I'm hearing? Not at all- and don't call me Shirley.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

jesting not hearing, above. Putin tweaked my Android again!

[@spider46531]

The one movie I so really wanted to see. Laughton was a great Claudius.

[@FishFeelPain]

Laughton is superb--TY

[@geekinwithJamesHancock]

Kills me that von Sternberg didn’t get to finish this.

[@gaelenhess3484]

I watched a clip of Claudius's speech to the Senate and immediately set out to find where I could watch this movie, alas

[@adam28xx]

This is all there is, as the movie was never finished.

[@koln1996]

Emlym Williams puts Malcom McDowell to shame as Caligula!!!

[@drnickyp]

try John Hurt in the BBC production

[@francisdeans2744]

Nobody can touch Laughton.. View it and make a constructive comment ...

[@ROYALWAND]

I have found this film most interesting; and have enjoyed seeing this, very much.

[@christiananderson4909]

It's heartbreaking that this adaptation was never finished. Even without a score or completed post production, it's so damn good. Damnit.

[@Mrrossj01]

I Claudius. Great book. Great BBC series. Derek Jacobi. Brilliant supporting cast.

[@mickeymouse2able]

OMG!! Those surviving scenes are soooo good! The gentleman playing Caligula is superb! Flora Robson and Charles Laughton. and Merle Oberon, to die for! Watching this is more interesting than the crap being made today.

[@perpieta]

Oh yes Caligula was great here , wasn't he! Played by Emlyn Williams, noted playwright and actor -- love his work. What a sublime cast was assembled for this project...and as a bonus, hosted by the equally sublime Dirk Bogarde.

[@elizabethbower2168]

How interesting to hear that Flora Robson was chosen to play the elderly Livia , Yet in the BBC and activation Sian Phillips played the same role from beginning to end… And she always looked so elegant. Such a shame that BBC has blocked their version on copyright reasons… I really enjoyed this document that you posted thanks for sharing it with us

[@Zimbrabim]

Have you tried kzbin.info/door/s2MyJZ3kMOwGKtDRsJ5olwvideos ?

[@ZipSlipHollingbrook]

The best actor of all time in my opinion. Talented the way great painters are talented.

[@valkyriesardo278]

I only hope there is an alternate reality in which this film was completed and I will be able to see it someday. I remember watching Laughton's Quasimodo as a child. Like many children, I was immune to the suffering of others, but in Laughton I discovered I could cry for someone else.

[@robertind3374]

What a pity this film was never finished, surely it would have become an ageless classic.

[@theuofc]

Splendid! Thanks very much for sharing this introduction by Dirk Bogarde. One of his few intros from the 1960s.

[@alanbash2921]

Charles Laughton has Never Been Knighted....... yet …………Elton John has ?…………

[@djkfhdjkgf]

don't pit iconic gay men against each other

[@franceleeparis37]

In those days there was so much talent to choose from that it’s reassuring that great actors like Charles Laughton were not lauded for entertaining us… nowadays, you kick a football and you get honours galore..😕

[@anthonyfrew1571]

@@franceleeparis37 Charles Laughton was a great actor - that title is worth more than a gong

[@467-k1m]

I dare say, what is your point??

[@patcronenberg2334]

He wasn't because somehow the fact that he 'left' Britain t make a career in the US and became a US citizen in 51 played a role in not having him on a list of deserving a title. Shame!!

[@jetgold]

The inside story of movies like this is fascinating. Great work and to add there is just so much great movie and television coming from the U.K. Best of luck on your channel.

[@blessOTMA]

Just the pieces give one a thrill.

[@LordZontar]

Funny coincidence: Charles Laughton played Claudius in the unfinished 1937 film version of I, Claudius and years later would go on to play a senator named Gracchus in another movie about Rome. Derek Jacobi played Claudius in the BBC production of I, Claudius and years later would go on to play a senator named Gracchus in another movie about Rome.

[@adam28xx]

Here's a scene from "Spartacus" that features Laughton as Gracchus, along with Peter Ustinov and Laurence Olivier. It is they who helped to make it the memorable and classic epic that it has become ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX-QmpqKosuXn6c

[@จีโน่จัดไป]

I liked Jacobi in I Claudius, he is great

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

I saw that. What a fabulous series! I saw it in the States. Everybody watched and it was the talk of the town. Derek Jacobi was also great in it.

[@robbryant52]

This documentary was a class production just like charles who in my humble opinion is the greatest actor ever lived

[@richardhumphreys8662]

This film was being made at the same time as King George VI was beginning his reign after the abdication of his brother Edward VIII. As George VI had a terrible stutter, it was felt by many involved in this production that the portrayal and for the most part ridicule of an Emperor who also stuttered was unseemly and unpatriotic. It would have caused too much embarrassment to the King and I think this played some part in the decision by Korda to close down the production. Merle Oberon's accident was simply an excuse and provided them with a get out and a substantial insurance claim.

[@pninnabokov3734]

I do wish Kubrick's "Napoleon" had been finished, however.

[@koln1996]

Thank you for this wonderful treat!!! Fantastic!!!

[@HookLineSinker4343]

54:25 The most outstanding scene of Laughton as Claudius

[@eveterryable]

this was quite a treat.

[@jeffwatkins352]

I'd known for years some footage existed, but had no idea they'd done this documentary. Seeing those few precious completed scenes set every hair on end. What a massively tragic loss! I can't agree with Emlyn Williams. All artists suffer during this or that project. That's often what makes their work so brilliant, and this film would have been one of the greatest in cinema history. At least this documentary gives us a taste, if all too brief.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

I agree. One of the greatest films of all time.

[@joehiggs100]

Excellent, thanks. A brilliant first very long piece to camera by Mr Bogarde. Graves - ''Too many Hungarians''.

[@Peorhum]

I enjoyed the TV series, I think I would have enjoyed this too. To bad it was not finished. I was really getting into the finished clips.

[@hankblaustein4149]

i've always liked laughton, but i don't see this as his best - the stutter was incredibly inconsistant, and the limp unnatural, overdone. derek jacobi was extraordinary in this role. laughton better in rembrandt, st. martin's lane, hunchback.

[@joanofarc33]

And then the BBC made the “I, Claudius” mini series and it was great!

[@jubalcalif9100]

Amen to that ! It was a huge success & highly acclaimed when it played over here in the US on public television ! It was when most Americans first became aware of John Hurt and Derek Jacobi !

[@francisdeans2744]

Jacobi coppiced Laughton,..

[@Caesar_Himself]

"The Caesars" was better, I claudius was a sensationalist over the top soap opera. This version looks better though

[@simonegad]

i feel so lucky watching this splendid documentary. real cinema history. such a great great cast. and i always have adored dirk van bogarde's work-his narrating/hosting this is sublime. i understand the difficulties actors go through preparing for roles. i've always had great admiration for charles laughton. just love everybody.

[@simonegad]

dirk bogarde is/was one of my favorite actors. same with charles laughton. i could really feel his pain struggling in his part with his lines and i thought him very brave. and wonderful. acting can be a killer and preparing-nightmarish. but it can also be terrific.

[@frankiejansen2306]

Simone Gad .best actor ever laughton

[@ianmartinezcassmeyer]

Imagine how marvelous this film would've been if they'd managed to complete it. Even just watching what we have of Laughton's performance, I'm moved. 😢 Edit. Claudius is thought by all, save his grandmother to be a fool, and he plays the part well. Yet in the scene where he faces Caligula, we see his pragmatic sharp wit at work as he "humbles" himself to save his skin. This is but a prelude to his eventual rise to the role of Emperor in the senate chamber with those marvelous speeches. God, Laughton was magnificent

[@anthonyfrew1571]

Thankfully the BBC came up with an outstanding television version around 1978- However, Charles Laughton was a simply great actor - I think the British film industry may have lost a gem of a film - it looks fantastic (what remains), and what a cast of fine actors - including Flora Robson Robert Newton and Emlym Williams -

[@throckmorton3705]

it was around 76 …

[@anthonyfrew1571]

Thank You - I watched it for the first time a couple of years ago - was not sure of the year

[@throckmorton3705]

@@anthonyfrew1571 i was fourteen and it was one of the times my parents hijacked the tv, usually for the bbc’s upstairs, downstairs for which i got a healthy dose. i’m not sure why but i, claudius did not appeal to me, despite all the risqué elements (which should have been right up my alley). i have memories of going in and out of the room with that theme song blasting, lot’s of togas and lot’s of screaming, mostly from julia … i sat down and watched it all the way through in the mid eighties and really enjoyed it. i have since gone back and watched it more times than i care to admit (i practically have the entire script memorized). the book(s) is, of course, different. almost no dialogue at all and there is almost nothing in the way of “punching,” the notion of taking an idea and “punching” it up for the audience. the bbc is full of punches and we have jack pullman to thank for that. for instance, in the book there is hardly any mention of the death of herod. in the series it was one of the most emotional scenes.

[@anthonyfrew1571]

@@throckmorton3705 Thank you for your reply - it was a nice time capsule of a time and place -I did not watch the BBC version until the comparably recent reshowing

[@fabulousgerro661]

When Actor's were actors and acting was real life.

[@nicholasreid133]

Are there still people who think Merle Oberon was Australian (or Tasmanian)? That was a fiction created by the publicity department to disguise the fact that she was what was once called "Eurasian". Her mother was Indian and, in those racially prejudiced times, it would have been a scandal to admit that she was "of mixed blood". So, to account for her exotic looks (for American or British audoences who knew nothing of Australia), the fiction was created that she was Tasmanian. In reality, she had nothing to do with Australia.

[@PeterHyatt]

Nicholas Reid One recent TCM show said that she was the author of the fabrication, as she was not proud of her background but told the truth before she died. In any case, she was a great actress.

[@TheNomadicview]

Nicholas Reid I remember reading that Erol Flynn laughed his head off when he heard the story of her background. He immediately saw through it. Of course, it's no wonder he should find the story so funny since he was fairly deceptive about himself and his background .

[@MrSwifts31]

Nicholas Reid Merle was terrified that someone in Hollywood would discover her Anglo~Indian descent,and that it would bar her from the movies;which of course were for many many years definitely racist. My source Alexander Korda's nephew.Korda was married to Merle 1939~1945.

[@crees1445]

+Nicholas Reid Is it true that Olivier used a racist word to describe her during the making of Wuthering Heights though? If it is true, some people must have known of her background.

[@nicholasreid133]

OF COURSE many people knew her background, but in those days it was much easier [before saturation media] to keep what was known to Hollywood insiders from the general movie-going masses. While I sympathise with her situation, I have to admit that I don't rate her greatly as an actress.

[@chuckinla]

Hail Claudius aka Charles Laughton !!!!! BOTH as brilliant as the other.

[@duantorruellas716]

Asiaticus ! stand up ! not only are you a profiteer , but a stuffed and puffed up glutton , but you would sell your soul for the tail end of an anchovie. hahahahaha holy shit , one of the best lines in the whole film. at 57:00.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Duan Torruellas Almost a perfect fit for Trumpius!

[@edepillim]

I remember this documentary when it first came out in 1965. I would have been 17 and just left school but it made an indelible mark on my memory and l remain an avid fan of Laughton. Denham was Kordas base. When he made Sabu the elephant boy there were dozens of elephants dancing in Denham woods. The place should have been made a monument rather than replaced by luxury flats.

[@alangiles2763]

I remember the original transmission on the BBC was on Christmas Day 1965 - it beat all the "spectactulars" that were shown then and must have cost much more money than this wonderfully told story by Mr. Bogarde - he wasn't greedy with fees if a subject really interested him.

[@russg1801]

Odd that Charles Laughton had difficulty with this part considering the numerous brilliant performances he'd carried off, from Captain Bligh to Quasimodo to the barrister in Witness for the Prosecution. He even did a very passable comedic part playing an English butler serving a Texas hick.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Russ G Tell us observers of drama what passable role is Mr.Twitler playing, tapping out mad tweets in the predawn light, gorging on big Macs, and his own face in the mirror?

[@MBM1117727]

@@bobbywimsy6741 None of your comments make any sense

[@georgealexander141]

“my armies are revolting” - I love that line.

[@MARKETMAN6789]

Marvelous documentary really enjoyed it

[@adam28xx]

So glad!

[@paullewis2413]

Amazing documentary. Charles Laughton is possibly the most talented screen actor of all time. So sad to think all those featured are no longer with us.

[@williambuchan4778]

Paul Lewis Its not that they really died young! If they were still with us they'd be nigh on 120!

[@Neldidellavittoria]

We are getting on as well, without noticing it.

[@archiewoosung5062]

We might regret it, had they managed to hang on...sign of a good guest, knowing when to leave

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Paul Lewis Wasn't that the TrumpBack of Notre Dame I saw hanging off one of those gargoyles, idiotically Tweeting out instructions to the Parisian firefighters, who muttered their Gallic cynicism sotto voice, and directed one of their spare water hoses straight at him; the orange tan melted, and the wannabe wouldabe emperor was seen to have what we all suspected, no clothes.

[@MauroDanielMezaZamora1998]

Incredible presentation of "The Epic That Never Was", which is one of the several specials that first ever aired as part of PBS' Festival '77 Membership Pledge Drive on most PBS stations across the country including my local PBS station: KPBS San Diego, Circa Sunday March 13th, 1977, Some Great Things to See on Public TV!!

[@leesloan8216]

I didn't realise Robert Newton was in this unfinished epic!

[@sherirobinson6867]

Laughton truly was an emperor in Hollywood history! What a fabulous actor. He was without measure the best of his era.

[@arco8643]

Dirk Bogarde is one of the greats. Thank you for this.

[@willmpet]

I haven’t seen this since college. I was fortunate to see it one evening with “The making of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. I, Claudius was wonderful!

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Stupendous. Greater than Olivier. Amazing Flora ❤ and the breathtaking cinematography.

[@HookLineSinker4343]

Emlyn Williams is fantastic!

[@davidnew4630]

I believe the music for I Claudius was going to be written by the Hungarian composer Miklos Rozsa

[@rogerpropes7129]

Music that would undoubtedly have spoiled it, like all the bombastic music usually did then.

[@judywhiting4684]

Working with THAT.director...would drive u INSANE....could he be ANY slower.....BKEH

[@karismapoes5579]

Beautiful documentary thank you for uploading.

[@HookLineSinker4343]

I really think Emlyn Williams is outstanding in this lost film. Such a gem this short video is. At 40:33 there is the most wonderful part.

[@wilhiamas]

Interesting that Richard Strauss’s iconic Thus Spake Zarathustra was used for the opening music of this 1965 documentary a couple of years before Kubrick adopted it for his movie 2001 Space Odyssey in 1968!

[@tyrssen1]

Wow -- this would have been a fantastic film. The bits we did get to see were amazing.

[@flyinspirals]

Wow -- what a gem! Thank you ever so much. Laughton and Dirk Bogarde? And Merle Oberon and Flora Robson? And Alexander Korda and Josef von Sternberg, and -- it flopped? Wow. Can't wait to watch this. Oh, thanks!

[@cbak12sg]

flyinspirals Not a flop. It was never finished.

[@francisdeans2744]

Laughton was a quite brilliant director (night of the hunter) another victim of Hollywood executive's ignorance and shortsightedness, they broke his heart... he never made another film history's loss..

[@xplaybwoix]

What do you mean he never made another movie?

[@francisdeans2744]

@@xplaybwoix he never directed another movie hence my post about the night of the hunter you NUMPTY..

[@francisdeans2744]

@@kathyharbourne376 what abuse? since when is criticism abuse...are you a child? is English you first language? If you find my love of my fellow Brit to have come thru as anything other than sadness at the loss of a great British director, I pity your pompous myopic easily insulted naivety..get a life you troll.

[@467-k1m]

@@francisdeans2744 NAME CALLER, how rude. 🤨

[@leucetius8351]

Robert Newton pre pirate days at 43.15

[@ezell8884]

I only wish it could have been finished

[@southtexasprepper1837]

It's such a shame that this movie was never finished. It truly would've been "an Epic Movie!"

[@stephenlord9]

I became friends with Sian Phillips sever years back. Had the film been completed, we might never have had her brilliant performance so, for me, it’s double edged sword

[@johnbravo2301]

CharlesLaughton Born July 1 1899 ---died Dec 15 1962 Happy Birthday Sir

[@713davidh42]

According to Steven Bach in his book, "Marlene Dietrich: Life and Legend," Alexander Korda owed Marlene Dietrich $100,000 and she would forfeit the debt if Korda applied it to hiring Josef von Sternberg to direct the film. I think Korda found out what they already knew in Hollywood that (von) Sternberg was a washed up prima donna. Costume designer John Armstrong's reminiscence is a good illustration of what a jerk (von) Sternberg was. Charles Laughton may have had difficulty 'getting into' his role, but his performance in the clips show to me that he overcame it and Emlyn Williams as Caligula was very good as well. Merle Oberon's auto accident became the way out for Korda to shut down the production and cut his losses. The movie probably would have been completed if someone else had directed it and perhaps become the epic it was meant to be. My thanks to adam28xx for putting this program on KZbin.

[@jonathangems]

Yes, and you can see in the rushes how old-fashioned von Sternberg's style was. More like a film made in 1927 than 1937. A great pity Alex Korda didn't direct it himself. In hindsight, David Lean or Carol Reed would have been good directors for it.

[@VolcanoTimeLapse]

i thought when during a scene on the stairs one cast member sat down on a step, i picture von sternberg lashing out at him! if you want to sit go home!

[@RuralTowner]

Have had the 1976 I, CLAUDIUS disc set for years & finally got around to watching the set. Found I rather enjoyed it. Left you wanting to see Claudius survive. Then there is THIS gem. In particular the parts beginning @ 46:30 up until he sees Caligula being quite clever & invoke a certain degree of worthy chuckles...at the wit of Laughton's Claudius. Derek Jacobi's take was a worthy successor & effectively flawless but I must say Laughton set a high bar with just these few surviving scenes alone that wasn't quite crossed. Even this Caligula delivery for that matter(!) with it's rather more lighthearted antithesis to John Hurt sadist... I write this even as I finished watching the last scenes on the DVD. Wishing it had succeeded to be the full feature it was intended. Damn shame...

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Some of the comments here are not only disrespectful, they are wildly ignorant of the careers of this film's star & director, both of whom made classics. Laughton had already abandoned David Copperfield (replaced by W.C. Fields!), his not finding his character could actually have worked for his performance, Claudius survives by being a cypher. von Sternberg made Dietrich a star, perhaps this production could have salvaged his career, & why his star went to bat for him with Korda?

[@ginamcgill7054]

OMG, not only is Dirk Bogarde one of the saddest losses to womankind ever, he makes this piece of film seem very modern with his presentation which seems so sophisticated and...human given the style of the day. And Thora Robson....glorious.

[@suzannesadiiqa]

+Gina McGill Good to look at and a fine actor but you do realize he was gay don't you.

[@mikelheron20]

Hmm. A loss to "womankind"? You clearly don't know much about Dirk Bogarde.

[@ginamcgill7054]

Stuff like him being gay you mean? Clearly.....

[@bobbywimsy6741]

And Thora? My goodness, some even suspected her of being a thespian.

[@shampoovta]

34.09 look how Claudius plays up his handicap to the crowed. He knows by looking helpless he will survive.

[@jimmmmy41]

You really hear Edward VIII in Claudius' speech to the Senate upon becoming emperor. Brilliant.

[@jubalcalif9100]

It's right up there with Luther Heggs' speech at the Rachel, Kansas Chamber of Commerce Picnic in "The Ghost in Mr Chicken" ! Attaboy, Luther !

[@pinchermartyn3959]

Brilliant. Thanks so much for uploading.

[@adam28xx]

Thanks. That's the great thing about KZbin. It's a vast archive of recordings of all kinds of subjects which you seldom, if ever, hear or see anywhere else!

[@tamonettX500]

What a great find for a cool, quiet Saturday morning! Thanks for the upload :D