I, Claudius (1976) - Caligula is Assassinated and Claudius is Declared Emperor

[@davidsummers4287]

I saw this as a boy on late-night TV. It made a powerful impression on me and spurred my interest in history. The entire series is so very watchable.

[@bringbackcloughie]

Exactly the same for me.

[@1960dave1960]

I was fifteen at the time, I can’t remember if I actually watched it religiously….

[@shauny2285]

Brutal but effective.

[@gregoryjones1426]

Watched with my mother as a child. Nostalgia!

[@damace3838]

Same, I watched it on PBS. It inspired me to read the books.

[@jaleach123]

Claudius ended up being a pretty effective emperor. Augustus would've been proud of him.

[@RatedRY]

No doubt, and in the show anyway, pretty sure Augustus had his will changed just before his death to announce Claudius as his heir. If only because it would of been the last thing Livia would've expected, It's just a speculation on my part of course, as it's never explicitly stated in the show's will what was actually written on it. But after Tiberius is named in the senate, Claudius pays a visit to Livia into her chambers and she admits the will the senate is reading is a fake one, and she seams to be gloating while laughing at "clau-clau" almost the entire time. Eventually, years later when he's finally emperor Claudius finds Augustus real will (no idea why Livia didn't burn it [so that she could look at it and laugh?]) and is quite upset with Livia's ghost about about whatever is written on it.

[@thedon8772]

That is very true one of the best after Augustus and the madness of Caligula.

[@dropheaven849]

@@RatedRY Interesting, source?

[@jarmonjohnson]

​@@dropheaven849In terms on an Internet search I'd recommend Wikipedia. For books I have two recommendations, but granted these cover the whole history of the Roman Republic and Empire. For a long form, detailed history I'd recommend The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. Though he's a centuries old author so some modern historians argue with some of his perceptions. If you're looking for a more modern short form book I'd recommend SPQR by Mary Beard. Neither book is centered around a specific Emperor, but there are mentions of Claudius' rule in both. As an example Claudius' had a gift for managing large architectural projects efficiently.

[@brianwilliams9329]

Claudius to his eternal credit condemned the assassins not for killing Caligula but for the murder of his wife and baby

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

Also for killing Caligula for personal affronts and reasons as well

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus Someone who can kill one emperor can kill another. Executing Chaerea was a precaution. Despite being mad, Caligula had showed some method in forcing Macro to commit suicide even though by finishing off Tiberius he had ensured Caligula became emperor. But Macro was a potential danger to Caligula as well.

[@Goawaykidyoubotherme]

He wasn't exactly being noble or chilvarious. He did it as a deterrent and cause he knew they would be after him soon.

[@gutsandbrains6310]

Credit really, them they its will all be there in the house for the update on the testimonial from the best way to communicate

[@leondillon8723]

There was a girl murdered. I remember part of that scene. Soldier: "It is bad luck to kill a virgin inside the city walls." Officer: "Then make sure that she is not a virgin."

[@seankrug4995]

One of the best TV series ever. Incredibly well written and superbly acted. Pure example of how a great film doesn’t need CGI of endless explosions.

[@soppdrake]

Amazing series! When it was originally aired on the BBC, exactly 47 years ago, everybody tuned in. A milestone, boasting a superb script and a magnificent ensemble of actors. Very theatrical presentation, even in its day, but the story is epic and had me enthralled throughout.

[@ronaldomadrebien7045]

Absolutely one of the seminal tv series of the 70’s, such a joy to watch, both then and now

[@johnholt890]

When the BBC could make quality TV seems a long time ago now.

[@michaelfrankel8082]

@@johnholt890 Your remark is banal, insipid, common, and utterly uninspired.

[@sail2byzantium]

Yes. I confess, I was too young and impateint (@ 12 y.o.) when the series first debuted on PBS if catching glimmers of it. But when Masterpiece Theater (it's name back then) re-broadcast it as a part of its 20th anniversary in 1991, I was absolutely glued. The fantastic theme music draws you in, and the directing is wonderful in terms of its storytelling (the Moviewise channel has a great overview of the directing ) complimented by the great actors (thinking esp. of Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed and John Hurt).

[@mrn13]

@@michaelfrankel8082 and you managed to top it 😆

[@Hun_Uinaq]

He was faking being a simpleton. It was a ploy to keep from being assassinated earlier in his life and most likely worked because he wasn’t seen as a serious threat or is a serious contender for the throne. He just had a stuttering problem and drooled. It might’ve been a touch of cerebral palsy or something. He’s actually something of an inspiration. He actually turned out to be one of the best emperors of the first century. He is also known as one of the great emperors of all of Rome’s history.

[@LordZontar]

In history, Claudius suffered mildly from polio and also had an extreme stutter. In the series, it's the historian Pollio who advises Claudius to exaggerate his limp and stutter and play the fool as much as he liked to make himself politically harmless.

[@harukrentz435]

He didnt fake it. People just cant accept the fact that some good leaders werent perfect disney lite princes.

[@Hun_Uinaq]

@@harukrentz435 yes, he did. He was actually quite brilliant. He just couldn’t let that show.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@harukrentz435 He apparently said he exaggerated it, although some of the disability was genuine.

[@paulleckner8235]

The scene as a boy when he was on the patio with the other royal children. Two eagles in flight were fighting over a wolf cub. All the other children scatter. The wolf cub falls into the lap of young Claudius, The oracle makes a prediction. The wolf cub is Rome and Claudius will be emperor. @@Hun_Uinaq

[@ricardoangulo8719]

I CLAUDIUS, was watched in Perú in middle 80's. Unforgettable. Like many other people, it made us wanted to know more about history. A masterpiece. Greetings from Perú 🇵🇪

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

✌️🙂

[@mysterirhys]

“Don’t worry, sir, you’ll get used to it.”

[@thedukeofswellington1827]

The same guy played the muster Sargent on that episode of shape😂

[@Nebarus]

One of John Hurts greatest roles...

[@HeronCoyote1234]

@amtRememberthank you!

[@mikhailiagacesa3406]

I followed his career after watching the original run. His Agent was very keen on answering Fan mail, and John's personal touches were nice. Wish I'd kept that.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Indubitably !

[@frankgesuele6298]

Think of all the fun he had playing that role🤣

[@davidzof]

It's rare that Jacobi is out acted

[@wolfgangritter9277]

I watched a rerun back in the 90s - I absolutely loves the series. Derek Jacobi was an absolute acting giant! The whole cast was brilliant.

[@DrAgan_tortojed]

Derek Jacobi and John Hurt belong with the CREAM of the cream, when it comes to artistry of acting. Though, in this particular role, Jacobi is slightly, very slightly outperformed by Charles Laughton. Long ago, I happened to see Jacobi's performance first and I was amazed, enchanted... Many years later, I saw Laughton (as Claudius) and I cried like a baby...

[@routeman680]

@@DrAgan_tortojed Agree with everything you say.

[@jasonbourneistreadstone]

And I bet you watched that re-run on PBS. This was a brilliant production and an outstanding cast.

[@williamcurtin5692]

That exchange between the Roman and the German at the end still cracks me up. "Kaiser, Em-per-or!" "Jaa". One of the greatest TV productions ever.

[@williamcurtin5692]

Thanks@amtRemember

[@Peshkatari]

A lot of people probably don’t realize that how the Praetorian guardsman says “Caesar” (“Kaiser” instead of “See-zar”) isn’t only the way a German would say it, but was actually the way it was pronounced in Latin to begin with. And yes, I also chuckle whenever I see that scene, especially at the German guardsman’s slack-jawed response.

[@williamcurtin5692]

Four pronunciation deviations in a six-letter name. That always cracks me up too.

[@melissagerber7231]

Oh,we laughed. This was such a good show. Americans got a slightly abridged version.

[@schusterlehrling]

Actually the Word for Emperor, "Ceasar"( named after you know who) was pronounced "Kaiser" in Latin. So no, they are not speaking German. German did not yet exist back then.

[@thetr00per30]

This may be the greatest achievement of any made for tv series. No huge set pieces just great acting and direction. A stage worthy performance of masters made for television. I adored this series. I read the Book by Robert Greaves as a child and loved the story of Claudius.

[@dixonpinfold2582]

🤨Rather challenging material for a child, full of things requiring adult understanding, and quite advanced adult understanding at that. Also, it's Graves.

[@joelperry8187]

Books, you mean!

[@dixonpinfold2582]

@@joelperry8187 Yeah. Fishy story perhaps.

[@joelperry8187]

@@dixonpinfold2582 I, Claudius and Claudius The God, by Robert Graves. I read ‘em in college.

[@mdo5121]

@amtRemember THANKS

[@HenryvKeiper]

"Drusilla... I'm dyyyyyiiiiiiing..." Such a well delivered. Chilling and sad all at once. John Hurt perfectly captured the moment where a man who truly believed he was a god suddenly realized he was a mortal just like everyone else.

[@ianjames6320]

As he's dying he calls of for his sister Drusilla, with whom it's alleged he had an incestuous relationship.

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

Drusilla 🌿😆🌿

[@FranSanTeeth90]

​@@OptimusPrinceps_AugustusDrusilla. He's not Elvis

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

@@FranSanTeeth90 🌿😜🌿 Thank you, thank you very much...

[@FranSanTeeth90]

@@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus 😅

[@cgross82]

I remember watching this on old-school public television back in the 70s when I was a teenager. It made quite an impression! And it didn’t hurt Derek Jacobi’s career, either.

[@jubalcalif9100]

That's for sure ! I saw it when it was rerun on our local PBS affiliate in the late 70s or early 80s. Truly powerful script & cast ! My introduction to John Hurt & Derek Jacobi.

[@philiplongee1149]

He was excellent in Gladiator. I think of that scene Commodus tells young Lucius about Claudius, I always thought of Derek’s performance in this series. Great acting, cinematography, and some interesting history. Although I think the actual people were less eloquent and more bloody.

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

John Hurt wasn’t ‘hurt’ in the making of this production.

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@heli-crewhgs5285 Ha !!

[@BlankRegie]

Same here, during a lazy summer in 79. This was our generation's Game of Thrones. Still a masterpiece!

[@johndean4998]

Like the other great BBC dramatic series of the 1970's, - eg Elizabeth R, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy - this was shot on a modest budget, but the script and acting made this a magnificient piece of television.

[@davidlucey1311]

Modest budget by today standards but the sets and costumes must have been pretty expensive for the 1970s.

[@enkisdaughter4795]

Don’t forget The Onedin Line. Look at the rubbish we get from the BBC nowadays 😢

[@jubalcalif9100]

So well said and so well put.

[@Yetaxa]

@@davidlucey1311 for the BBC it was a fairly standard budget. Which would have easily been dwarfed by any American production at the time

[@daniellinehan63]

And The Duchess of Duke St.

[@neilwatkins6952]

I’ve always found it wonderful that, whereas Caligula favoured Germans for his bodyguard, the elite of the elite Praetorian guard, going by the two with speaking parts, seemed to recruit scousers…

[@randomobserver8168]

In the 80s miniseries Masada, a Roman legionary who gets killed early on in an ambush talks what I always assumed was Cockney. I think the idea in British productions was to convey the rustic class origins of the legionary by using cultural markers the audience would "get". This particular choice probably worked even on a North American audience, who might not know regional accents from England but would hear "Not how the Queen speaks" and draw inferences.

[@tonyug113]

@@randomobserver8168 - it was just what the BBC did with everything in the 80s - everyone was .northern' from blue peter presenters to drama series. They had a special obsession with scousers and carla lane.

[@Eb-or]

I’ve always found the American accent in films such as Dangerous Liaisons pretty wierd. The Soviets in Death of Stalin had quite an array of accents too…

[@Twirlyhead]

@@randomobserver8168 Nope. In Masada they made the good, jewish guys American and the bad guys English. They are always doing such stuff.

[@Twirlyhead]

That was Yosser Hughes (Bernard Hill).

[@sdnlawrence5640]

Watched this in high school. 40+ years later, still one of the best pbs shows, ever.

[@iDeathMaximuMII]

Lucky bastard! I never got to see this in school :(

[@saradecapua3264]

Anytime I saw John Hurt was in a movie or series, I watched it. I can't think of any actor who portrayed Caligula as well as him...but then, every cast member in I. Claudius was beyond incredible.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Ever see Caligula with Malcolm McDowell? Supposedly thr movie was a turkey but McDowell is a terrific actor and had played Alex in A Clockwork Orange, who was also barking mad.

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

I like Caligula's dance 🌿😜🌿👍

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

​@@nhmooytis7058I would have done that film better, and not have portrayed Claudius as a dice rolling effeminate halfwit

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@nhmooytis7058 McDowell was also very good as Caligula, and with a less effeminate performance than Hurt's. The trouble with that film was that everything else was pretty bad.

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@stevekaczynski3793 at the time it was denounced as a massive stinkeroo.

[@Prophaniti666]

I do love how the hammering on the doors echoes the thundering hooves that tormented Caligula so much in life, like they were a portent of his demise all along.

[@billsauder4779]

Astute.

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

Philo of Alexandria was terrified of Emperor Gaius

[@stevetheduck1425]

If only there had been time to shoot a POV from Cal on the floor, hearing the thundering hooves...

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@stevetheduck1425 There is the POV when the last guy stabs him "for our wives". But possibly Caligula was already slipping away.

[@bluebluelectricblue]

I was 13 in '76 and a PBS raised, latch key kid. This series was amazing! I learned more about the world on PBS then I did in any public school. I remember this really sparked my interest in the Roman empire. I found myself in the library reading countless books on the subject. 🌍❤️

[@Tewhill357]

Decent script and a group of good actors. Who would have thought it could be so simple.

[@joshuatrujillo1410]

More than the just the script and the actors is the superb use of blocking and camera work. Because the production is limited to a TV budget and small sets, the director decided to have the actors move around a lot and frequently moves the camera to keep the viewer engaged in what's happening. It's very theatrical without looking static. Modern shows would do a more basic shot-reverse-shot set up of alternating closeups which focuses more on the actors' facial expressions.

[@hillbillydeluxe27]

Our entire band would race to our rooms wherever we were playing to watch this show. We finished playing around 2am and the show started at 3am on an independent channel, whose name and call numbers escape me. It was awesome. Years later I started watching Star Trek TNG and saw Patrick Stewart as a starship captain and was shocked. How could Sejanus be a star ship captain?? Patrick Stewart was such a good actor that at first, I had a hard time accepting him as Jean Luc Picard because he did such a good job as Sejanus.

[@williamcurtin5692]

As an original but not so much later Trekker, I still think of him as Sejanus

[@hillbillydeluxe27]

@@williamcurtin5692 he’s a very good actor. When you can forget who the person is that’s playing a character, that actor has done his job.

[@hillbillydeluxe27]

@amtRemember thx, good to know.😎👍

[@Keithss1000]

Another one was Brian Blessed going from Augustus to Vultan, leader of the Birdmen in Flash Gordon.

[@hillbillydeluxe27]

@@Keithss1000 I never saw that but will look for it.😎

[@brendafuller907]

I watched this when it first aired on PBS here in the US. Never missed an episode. It was mesmerizing! My introduction to John Hurt & Derek Jacobi. Two of my favorite actors.

[@OldGrayCzechWolf]

Just bought the whole series on blueray. Was required viewing when I was studying ancient and medieval history in high school. Great series, Derek Jacoby was a great Claudius. Patrick Stewart was Sejanus. Great cast and performance.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

"Take what you can and let's get out before the Germans come" - AD 41 meets AD 1940...

[@aetius7139]

The thing about germanic bodyguard is that unlike praetorian guards. They are extremely loyal to the emperor. The germans had a reputation for very good fighter. And they wont take it well that the emperor they guard just got killed.

[@vitus.verdegast]

What a great series, based on strong story, writing, dramatic staging and acting, not fancy special effects.

[@cpt.blainesmotie6068]

I saw this on PBS back in the 70's, read the book years latter. Watching now I'm surprised at all the actors that I recognize. We were all so young back then.

[@janetkizer5956]

Back in the seventies when this show was on PBS, I was taking an ancient history course and the very week that we were dealing with Caligula being murdered and Claudius becoming Emperor, this was the episode that was on. That was so funny.

[@chestersemaver]

Admit it. It was also way much more fun than the text books 😉

[@davidevans3498]

This never ages - people will be watching this 100yr from now

[@msk5410]

Taped the entire series when I was in grad school. Led me to the books. Amazing stuff!

[@gbonkers666]

A perfect example of men thinking about the Roman Empire on a daily basis. You have to see the other version of this scene with Malcolm McDowell.

[@JM_daDoc]

Or that party he organized for a lot of people without their clothes on.... Hmmm must be some other movie...

[@nigelmansfield3011]

What a wonderful series that was. Derek Jacobi and others.

[@maryjanebrown4667]

I love I Claudius. It came out when I was in high school. Even then, I appreciated the quality of it and watched each and every episode. My brother, a classics major in college, said it was even worse than depicted in this series.

[@amiblueful]

This series was brilliant. They paid meticulous attention to detail. You wouldn't have even known it was made in the 70s. It withstands the test of time.

[@mudrose3486]

One of the, if not the finest, roles of John Hurt. Had he been 40 yrs old today, he would've made an excellent Joker.

[@alfonszitterbacke318]

The cameraman always survives. Needs a witness protection program now.

[@williamgallop9425]

Also said in the show: -killing a virgin brings bad fortune to the city. --then make sure she's not a virgin when you kill her.

[@JM_daDoc]

Roman logic...

[@caractacusbrittania7442]

And claudius went on to outshine them all.

[@rory7590]

Till he was assassinated himself, of course.

[@tonyug113]

well if a lot of it wasnt political smears. the monopolies that the book claimed his wife of the time foiseted on him didnt do the roman empire any good. And remember caligula was really popular with the masses, hard to seperate the truth from the story.

[@tonyug113]

@@rory7590 - wasnt that the 'poisoned feather thing. I seriously dont know why anyone wanted to be emperor , it was a basic death sentence to them and their families long (sometines short) term.... as seemingly was being a senator or even a general.

[@captaincoffeecake3595]

@@rory7590Wow !!! Thanks for spoiling the ending !!!

[@TheZodiacz]

@@captaincoffeecake3595 well it did happen 1,969 years ago. Can't keep secrets forever.

[@militzamatus9818]

Recuerdo que transmitieron por Imevision, el canal 13, en México. Una super producción: Yo, Claudio. Traducida en México. Creo que en el 80.

[@Shogun459]

That Claudius PLAYED at being an idiot to avoid every purge the emperors had of their own families. Once He was Proclaimed Emperor they found out how smart he really was.

[@mladenmatosevic4591]

Show was aired in Yugoslavia in mid '70s, with subtitles.

[@robertnightshade2574]

A truly great series to learn about the Roman Emperors. Great actors!

[@Picnicl]

This needs to be reaired on BBC1 in a primetime setting, a reminder that repeats can sometimes be utterly fresh, even when about something so old.

[@hjarten]

I think the entire series is available on KZbin.

[@darania1]

It was broadcast on wednesdays on BBC4 last September....

[@strikeleather6503]

Definitely. It would be a reminder to people of what real acting ability is!

[@MKR5210]

More of the greatest actors the UK has to offer in one place..... It was, and still is a joy to watch ❤️🇬🇧

[@ejames3349]

Saw this when it first aired on TV. The 13 episodes were so riveting that my family delayed a vacation a day so we could the finale! Lol! Still is a stellar series with an amazing cast...many unknowns who later went on to stardom.

[@davemathews7890]

When I was in high school, I was only interested in the I, Claudius orgy scenes. But the story grew on me and I ended up with a passion for reading history.

[@tombradford7035]

Great actors, great writing, straightforward storytelling, excellent blocking - it was a classic in every sense of the word.

[@1funkyflyguy]

Special mention for the blocking, absolutely!

[@stabbrzmcgee825]

Been at least 20 years (25 years perhaps?) since I last watched this, yet this particular scene was still burned clearly in my brain. Jacobi's twitchy Claudius is hard to forget. Still wanted the republic ROFL.

[@trident6547]

The actors of that series were very good. It was shown in my country Finland in in the mid 1970:s. I was 17 when I saw it . I was lucky to find it on DVD decades later.

[@hmsealey3243]

I binge watched this thirty years ago on video while at university (A little too young to watch it first time round) I loved it and my husband and I have watched it a few times since. Derek Jacobi takes Claudius from youth to old man so very well. I admit I was pleased to see him as Emperor Claudius again in the Horrible Histories film my kids watched. It was a nice nod to all us oldies who remember him in arguably his greatest role.

[@VicRattleHead28]

Cope

[@frglee]

In the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams observed that 'anyone who wants to be emperor, should, on no account, be allowed to do the job'. Thus Claudius was ideal emperor material, and was actually a pretty good one. Just, organised, intelligent and hard-working, expanding the empire, bringing peace to fractious provinces and responsible for many fine improvements to Roman infrastructure, such as building canals and the harbour at Ostia, near Rome. So, as his grandmother Livia noted in the tv plays, Claudius was clearly not as stupid as he seemed.

[@garethhanby]

Also conquered those barbaric British.

[@davesy6969]

​@garethhanby, and what have the Romans ever given us?

[@raylast3873]

@@davesy6969in practice? Land expropriation and heavy taxes.

[@nelliethursday1812]

He played stupid to stay safe and avoid being killed at someone's whim

[@LordLuisIII]

An idiotic asseveration. Aurelian, Constantine and Trajan wanted to be emperors and they got amazing achievements.

[@carolmurray187]

Great cast and John Hurt at his best. This has stood the test of time and still excels

[@walesdad]

What a series that was and just look at some of the names in the cast. Well worth watching again today.

[@Thunderstorm63]

I am glad in my lifetime that I got to see this series. Brilliant actors, all of them.

[@christophergraves6725]

Great dramatization of this sequence in history. The entire series is a masterpiece that rightly appeared on Masterpiece Theatre.

[@James-nl6fu]

An incredible moment back in 1976!!!!...."Hey lads...we've found an emperor..." is so British

[@toAdmiller]

Can you imagine the caprice, chance and serendipity of this event...? There are so many different ways that it could have played out, yet the LAST person on earth who would want to be the emperor is FORCED to be one...? And by apparently unthinking praetorian thugs...? Just a group of armed men who decided for themselves what would be "adequate" for an emperor...? And yet the chance emperor turns out to be quite an improvement over his predecessors...? History can be so random sometimes...

[@xj900uk]

There is an alternative train of thought (unprovable) that Claudius knew what was coming and was already on 'nodding terms' with several high-ranking members of the Praetorian Guard. Thus when they killed the lunatic (or just extremely malicious, take your point of view) Caligula he had already agreed with them that he would become Emperor. Immediatley after he let spill the tale that he had been caught hiding behind the curtains and they enforced the laurel wreath on to his head against his will. The truth will never be known, although Tom Holland in his excellent book 'Dynasty' explores this theory a little more, and finds some evidence to back it up.

[@70snostalgia]

The late great Bernie Hill found him behind the curtain.

[@sylwiasiuda5531]

1:21 This was an amazing series, with an climate and superb acting! I've read the book and it was fantastic, too!

[@NickJay]

I watched this 2 or 3 times when it aired on the TV then bought the DVD set. Not watched it in ages. Time to dig out the box set again and watch it again. SO many great performances throughout. Brilliant.

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

It's all on You Tube now

[@NickJay]

@@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus Yes and for those in the UK, also on iPlayer atm, too.

[@christinehall6441]

I loved this series. The whole cast was fantastic and you could feel treachery around every corner. I binge watched the whole set of dvds again last year and still felt the same, even though the sets weren't as sophisticated as today.

[@jerseycitysteve]

I love the interplay of the accents between various British classes. The old sergeant major, with a working class accent, and his battalion didn't want to go back to the army after a cushy life in the palace. The Germans only wanted a Kaiser. LOL

[@starpawsy]

I find it unbelievable that technology 2000+ years ago could have created such magnificence, so straight, so square, so ... Euclidean. Amazing.

[@coach_karsten]

They don't make tv like this anymore :-(. I, CLAUDIUS WAS LEGEND!!!

[@winstonelston5743]

The three greatest TV series: _I, Claudius_ Jacob Bronowski's _The Ascent of Man_ Steve Allen's _Meeting of Minds_

[@jeffreyworthen7033]

John Hurt...R.I.P....knocked the role of Caligula out the ballpark......👏

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Sir John Hurt. He was wonderful in Harry Potter as well.

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

Especially the Caligula dance 💃

[@davidrobinson8337]

Norman Rossington! Only he could pull that part off as the Sergeant! God rest his soul!!

[@josephmassaro]

I knew i recognized his voice. He was the recruiting sergeant in Sharpe's Regiment.

[@57highland]

Norman was in "The Krays" and of course "A Hard Day's Night."

[@danishih]

Now that's soldiering

[@georgik1963]

Yes, I remember watching as a teenager in the US. My mother was from old English stock and mad about anything from across the pond (I mean "mad" in the British sense :). I, Claudius was the first "high-brow" mini- series I ever got into, and later in college I read the books.

[@abc64pan]

I Claudius was outstanding. TV did not deserve it! Nevertheless, I'm thankful that this great theatrical work was broadcast as it became available to a wide audience including myself. Saw it over 40 years ago as a teen and I couldn't wait for the next episode.

[@LMM7880]

First visit to Britain was when these episodes were first aired. I was riveted watching it in my hotel room each night. Still remember how shocked I was at the scenes where Augustus asked all those men if they had slept with his daughter and when Caligula used a knife on his sister.

[@strikeleather6503]

One of the best television series ever made!!! John Hurt as the utterly mad Caligula. And Derek Jacobi as Claudius. Sian Philips as Livia. And all the other actors. Unforgettable!!

[@Semisonic56]

I do feel sorry for poor Claudius.

[@ChaoThing]

I am just discovering this on KZbin now. I need to see all of this.

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

The whole series is on You Tube

[@badkittynomilktonight3334]

Rewatched this series a while ago. Claudius was a surprisingly good emperor.

[@golden-63]

One of the finest programs ever shown on TV.

[@veenamishra8950]

From Robert Graves' books. Very well done

[@EastmanD]

Got this Set of DVDs and love them ! Derek Jacobi, John Hurt and many other wonderful actors...I also have a really neat older set of Robert Graves' I, Claudius and Claudius the God novels I purchased way back around 1981 in a university basement library in a markdown bin which was actually one of those rolling carts the librarians used (maybe still do). It was in a lonely skinny hall that had a restroom no one ever used. I think I got them for .50 each !

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

I have this on You Tube purchases

[@jamessheridan4306]

I watched this series when it first aired on Masterpiece Theatre about a billion years ago and though I now own Acorn Media's DVD of it, I had to stop by and give this video a like. I do so in the hopes that younger people will discover the series and be uplifted.

[@Gwaithmir]

This is the first time I saw Bernard Hill. Little did I know that decades later he would star in "Lord of the Rings."

[@heliotropezzz333]

He was also in a great TV series called 'Boys from the Blackstuff' and he was in a play called 'John, Paul, Ringo and Bert' (playing John Lennon). These initiated in Liverpool, created by Liverpool authors Alan Bleasdale and Willy Russell. I remember seeing both of them and he was very good.

[@suebursztynski2530]

Ooh, which one was he, I seem to have missed him. He was so in Shirley Valentine as her husband.

[@heliotropezzz333]

@@suebursztynski2530 He was Gratus head of the Praetorian guard in this.

[@davidjacobs8558]

is he related to Benny Hill ?

[@finncullen]

@@davidjacobs8558 He's his granddaughter

[@dukecity7688]

I watched this in 1984 (I think). I forgot how fabulous it was. After watching this delicious clip, I must see it again. 💐

[@Pandabee11]

It’s just been on BBC4, so it’s probably still on iplayer.

[@dukecity7688]

@@Pandabee11 The day after I posted this, I bought the 5 disc set. Not that this is an excuse, I'm old as rocks I never learned of iplayer - until now. As it only cost just over thirty bucks, I'm not unhappy. Thank you.

[@pilotdawn1661]

Some of the best television ever made. True epic.

[@routeman680]

Claudius: "I want a republic!" Leader of the Praetorian Guard: "Don't keep saying that, sir, not in front of the Germans! They'll slit your throat!" A little British teasing of the Germans there. Brilliant series throughout, and Derek Jacobi and John Hurt at their finest.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Little shout-outs to 20th century events...

[@patryot5668]

The next episode just rocked too

[@unacceptableviews1505]

Funny how a man that became a reluctant Emperor was such a good one. I loved this series, so many great actors and such good writing. Very sad that its like will never be seen again.

[@stevetheduck1425]

Excellent example of that very old and usually-ignored idea: 'anyone that seeks power should never have any.'

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Later Roman historians were less flattering to Claudius. They tended to have a pro-Senate bias and it is possible they exaggerated certain aspects. Seneca, who lived in Nero's reign, wrote "The Pumpkinification Of Claudius", which ridicules him. The text, not all of which has survived, ends with Caligula claiming Claudius is an ex-slave of his and Claudius is sent to be a law clerk in Hades. Seneca was trying to flatter Nero by ridiculing his predecessor, but ended up being forced to commit suicide.

[@AFMMD-q8]

La série télévisée la plus puissante jamais créée. Je l’ai regardé en 1976 et je le regarde maintenant, merci pour cette merveille.

[@donniehagy5125]

This series simply blew me away! The acting--from top to bottom--was simply the best. John Hurt damn near stole this series!

[@audionmusic2787]

Best thing on British Television ever.

[@stumac869]

Claudius taught me how to act at work.

[@katiebird53]

OMG our house watched this so long ago on the PBS station to Napa, CA when it was new. We were glued to the set every nite it came on. I recall his Mother was poisoning everyone. Claudius was actually very smart and took great care of the city. I recall his corn buying /storing scene ect. then his own wife he knew he suffered for having her - but he was only human and so badly treated all his life. The old PBS were the best

[@bowman4275]

RIP John Hurt. Fabulous actor.

[@thesnowfox7262]

I know that Caligula was a murderous psychopath... but the way he just cries "I'm dying" really sent shivers down my spine, like he really thought himself an invincible god, only to figure out that he's just a normal boy and break down like one

[@ianprocian2844]

Ground breaking tv for its time.

[@DistantLights]

Bernard Hill, King Theoden from LOTR, is the one who suggests Claudius be emperor

[@CarlosGuzman-qc7kf]

John Hurt: a great actor, always underrated (Alien, Harry Potter).

[@frillydress]

HE WAS IN HARRY POTTER??? WHO TF DID HE PLAY

[@CarlosGuzman-qc7kf]

@@frillydress Mr Ollivander

[@danielx555]

For obvious reasons, when I was young, we always called this show "I, Clavdivs."

[@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus]

Clavdivs 👍🌿😂🌿 so did we

[@stevetheduck1425]

'One Clav-divs' yes.

[@J.A.M.M.208]

What a young was jhon hurt....great britain actor....r.i.p.

[@wpatrickw2012]

I saw this series on PBS in the early 1980s. It was fantastic.

[@_iao_]

RIP Bernard Hill

[@lisarak8639]

WTTW channel 11,,,wow good memories, Mighty Python, Doctor Who , I Claudius. Sydney Riley, Ace of Spies. Sherlock Holmes. Jeremy Brent. Truly learnt a lot just by watching those shows alone.

[@rogerramjet5302]

To go through all of this and then an alien bursts out of your chest. Ain't life a bitch......

[@ernestschultz5065]

My all time favorite television program

[@jamesmaas7244]

I love the Centurion's line: "He's our new emperor". Lead German "Was?" "Emperor....Kaiser!"

[@chrisholland7367]

That actor was Bernard Hill .He would go from strength to strength in his acting career. Titanic Lord of the Rings Two Towers Boys From The Black Stuff to mention a few

[@KevTheImpaler]

I heard somewhere Kaiser was a corruption of Caesar. Don't know what old German was for king, but in Anglo Saxon it was cyning.

[@beowulf1312]

Excellent series. I, too, watched it as a young teen.