Rating: 
Summary: Underrated Roman Epic With Superb Gladiator Sequences
Review: "Demetrius and the Gladiators", is often relegated to the shadows of its illustrious and far better known parent "The Robe",which was the first lavish effort in Cinemascope. This sequel takes up where the original story ends and uses some of the same cast and many of the original films sets in it's continuation of the saga dealing with the search for Christ's robe. In many ways however is a much more enjoyable and lively effort and focusing on life at the Roman Court features some of the most stunning gladiator scenes ever included in a film. Based on characters drawn from the biblical novel "The Robe", by Llyod C. Douglas this effort focuses on the freed Greek slave Demetrius (Victor Mature), and his ongoing battle between his Christian beliefs and the lure of a decadent Rome under the mad emperor Caligula (Jay Robinson). While the original movie was a very respectful effort centred around Christ's crucifixion "Demetrius and the Gladiators", focuses more on the viciousness of Imperial Rome and the bloody sport of Gladiator combat where innocent men fought to the death for the Roman mob's amusement. For its amazingly accurate depiction of the "sport", of gladiator combat it far surpasses more recent efforts in showing the training, equipment, and life of Gladiators in Imperial Rome. Blessed with some memorable performances, in particular Jay Robinson's amazingly wild performance as the deranged Caligula this film captures beautifully all that was unique about this period in Rome's history while still including the conventional love story element.
After the executions of the earlier heroes Marcellus and Diana at the hands of Caligula Demetrius is entrusted with Christ's sacred robe which the Romans believe works miracles. The insane Caligula meanwhile has had himself declared a living God and strikes terror into everyone including his uncle Claudius (Barry Jones), and his much younger seductive wife Messalina (Susan Hayward). Caligula orders an immediate search for the robe which is still in Rome and when the house where Demetrius is staying is searched the simple peasant girl Lucia (Debra Paget), is attacked by the soldiers trying to conceal the robes whereabouts. When Demetrius comes to her aid he is arrested and sentenced to train as a gladiator in one of the Imperial schools run by Claudius. Refusing to fight because of his christian beliefs Demetrius becomes an unwelcome focus of interest for the dangerous and deadly Messalina who uses people fo rhe rown amusement. When Lucia attempts to visit Demetrius at the school prior to his debut in the arena she is molested by another gladiator Dardanius (Richard Egan)and suffers a crippling shock. Disillusioned by the cruelty of the men and the lack of a sign that his christian beliefs tell him will come to those who are decent Demetrius forsakes his religion and becomes the most successful fighter in Rome. Breaking with the christians Demetrius becomes the lover of Messalina. Sent by Caligula to retrieve the robe Demetrius comes into conflict with Peter (Michael Rennie)who reminds him of how he has abandoned Jesus's teaching and given himself over to the immoral values of Caligula's court. He nevertheless gives Christ's Robe to Demetrius who passes it onto Caligula who in a deranged moment kills a prisoner and tries to raise him from the dead. When he fails Demetrius is sent back to the arena as a gladiator again. Caligula now sets out to deliberately destroy Demetrius in the arena however he doesn't take into account his own changing popularity with the all powerful Praetorian Guard who fed up with his threats against them oppose his plan to remove Demetrius and murder Caligula in the arena. The placid Claudius is nominated as the new Emperor and in his first speech gives christians the right to worship as they see fit. The conclusion sees Demetrius reunited with Peter who leave together to begin a new life as practising christians spreading the word of the teachings of Jesus free of Caesar's tyranny.
"Demetrius and the Gladiators", exemplifies all that is typical of these lavish 1950's epics. Beautiful colour photography, a rousing musical score courtesy of Franz Waxman, lavish sets and opulent eye filling costumes and extensive historical research into all matters related to gladiators all combine to make this film a sumptous viewing experience. The talent on display here is perhaps even more extensive than that in "The Robe". Victor Mature as the questioning and very human Demetrius had one of his best roles here and once again displays his ideal suitability for these epic type of productions. Susan Hayward, an extremely talented dramatic actress perhaps at times appears too modern for the role of the seductive Messalina but she very capably makes the most of her scenes in playing one of Ancient Rome's most infamous ladies. Jay Robinson of course towers over this whole production with his larger than life portrayal of the insane Caligula and captures very well the deadly and depraved mind that the emperor according to historical sources possessed. The supporting players are first rate with Michael Rennie repeating his pivotal role of the calm and assured Peter from "The Robe", Barry Jones making good work of what could have been the potentially uninteresting character of Claudius, and especially William Marshall who really excels in his part as Glycon, the African gladiator who is converted to christianity and provides Demetrius with a focus and a conscience. The recreation of the deadly Roman sports in the arena in "Demetrius and the Gladiators", are first rate and really keep the action moving. So well staged are they that at times it really looks like Victor Mature is actually fighting with real tigers during the famous scene here he confronts a group of them in the arena.
Being a real fan of the biblical epics of the 50's I feel that this film gets over its sincere message while still providing first class rousing entertainemnt of the old school of filmmaking. Often dismissed as "hokey", or "camp" mainly because of the performance of Jay Robinson, "Demetrius and the Gladiators", perhaps has those elements present but it also offers far more and is one of the most elaborate of these types of films. Intrigue, romance, tragedy, and danger are all combined in an eye filling package that is sure to win over all lovers of Roman history and of epic biblical productions in particular. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Not your typical sequel
Review: 'Demetrius and the Gladiators' isn't your typical sequel: the storyline is original, and it's easy to understand even if you haven't seen 'The Robe'. I haven't seen this film in about 2 years, but several of the scenes are still vivid in my mind. It is truly an epic, providing sights and sounds I WON'T forget, here is one of those great biblical epics they don't make anymore, one where good always reigns in the end, and it shows what glory the Christians had knowing their belief was true. This film really gives you a feeling that you are being transported to the turbulent times in Rome, it's so real and believable. the acting was great, Susan Hayward gives an astonishing performance as the temptrice Messilina. I must agree with the other reviewer that Victor Mature's great acting talents HAVE been overlooked greatly, Mature gives an unforgettable perforamce in this huge epic. *This film was made so quickly because Fox knew 'The Robe' would be a huge hit. It was finished before 'The Robe' was even released! There's showmanship.*
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Summary: The true love story!
Review: A love story unlike no other. A love for makind, Jesus King of kings, and a love of the enemy. I never heard of Victor Mature before I watched this movie. I was certainly impressed. This movie displayed the truth of Jesus Christ and the powers od God. I recomend this movie to anyone that doesn't know the meaning of life...
Rating: 
Summary: AMAZON THE GREAT!!!!!!
Review: AMAZON SENT THIS MOVIE TO ME IN A FLASH SO I COULD ENJOY IT!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Solid Sequel to The Robe
Review: Demetrius and the Gladiators is a good, solid direct sequel to the The Robe. Victor Mature (Demetrius the slave) reprises his role from the earlier movie as his master (played by Richard Burton in The Robe)is dead and Demetrius is now free and protecting the robe of Christ that the mad emperor Caligula seeks thinking, in his twisted mind, that it will make him a god. If you are a fan of Roman epics such as Quo Vadis, Spartacus, or The Robe then this movie will be a wonderful treat for you!
Rating: 
Summary: Terrible DVD quality
Review: Demetrius and the Gladiators is an enjoyable film (see other reviewers for details) but the film quality on the DVD sucks! No effort was made to restore the film and it shows in it's very fuzzy quality. What a shame, and a ripoff to the consumer. No extras either.
Rating: 
Summary: Demetrius!Demetrius!
Review: Demetrius and the Gladiators not only deals with issues on love and ancient Roman life, but it also deals with biblical context. Following the film THE ROBE Demetrius becomes tested by unnerving odds to go against his God and all that he believes in. The film has its slow moment but in all it is a film the whole family will enjoy watching.
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Summary: I love Jay Robinson as Caligula!
Review: I caught the last half of this movie on TV, and decided to buy it. I was not disappointed. It depicts both early Christianity and Rome under Caligula in a believable manner. Victor Mature is compelling in the title role, and Jay Robinson as Caligula is not to be missed! The supporting characters also do a fine job--I cared about what was going to happen to each of them. In sum, not the greatest movie of all time, but at least a guilty pleasure.
Rating:
Summary: Demetrius and the Gladiators
Review: I first saw "Demetrius and the Gladiators" back in the late 50's on NBC's "Saturday Night at the Movies." I was blissfully unaware of Lloyd Douglas' excellent book, "The Robe," and also unaware of the movie made from it. I therefore did not know that "Demetrius" was a sequel. I immediately recognized it as a very good movie. "Demetrius" tells a number of stories: The primary story chronicles the spiritual Oddyssey a Greek slave whose Christian faith was put sorely to the test by his being impressed into a gladiatorial school and by the rape of the woman he loved by his fellow "students" at the school. The second story tells of the madness of the Emperor Caligula. The two stories intertwine as Demetrius seeks vengeance and Caligula seeks eternal life. Other stories detail the early days of the Christian movement in Rome, the simple faith of a young girl, the epic mission of the Apostle Peter. Central to all the stories is the story of The Robe, the garment taken from Jesus on the day of his crucifixion and gamed over by the Roman soldiers who crucified him. When I recently watched "Gladiator," the Russel Crowe mega-epic, I could not help but make comparisions. For costumes, locations, sets, and special effects, "Gladiator" is hands down the better production. "Demetrius" tells the better story.
Rating:
Summary: A Gladiator's Vengeance; An Emperor's Megalomania
Review: I first saw "Demetrius and the Gladiators" back in the late 50's on NBC's "Saturday Night at the Movies." I was blissfully unaware of Lloyd Douglas' excellent book, "The Robe," and also unaware of the movie made from it. I therefore did not know that "Demetrius" was a sequel. I immediately recognized it as a very good movie. "Demetrius" tells a number of stories: The primary story chronicles the spiritual Oddyssey a Greek slave whose Christian faith was put sorely to the test by his being impressed into a gladiatorial school and by the rape of the woman he loved by his fellow "students" at the school. The second story tells of the madness of the Emperor Caligula. The two stories intertwine as Demetrius seeks vengeance and Caligula seeks eternal life. Other stories detail the early days of the Christian movement in Rome, the simple faith of a young girl, the epic mission of the Apostle Peter. Central to all the stories is the story of The Robe, the garment taken from Jesus on the day of his crucifixion and gamed over by the Roman soldiers who crucified him. When I recently watched "Gladiator," the Russel Crowe mega-epic, I could not help but make comparisions. For costumes, locations, sets, and special effects, "Gladiator" is hands down the better production. "Demetrius" tells the better story.
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