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Poster for Quo Vadis

Quo Vadis

Seen it?

1951 | 174 min | Drama, History, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It collected a shelf of major awards, it earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Romeo + Juliet or The Fall of the Roman Empire, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 54 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 2 hr 54 min.
  • Made in 1951: an older pace and style.

After fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    84% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Golden Globe Awards: Best Cinematography – Color. Also nominated for 7 Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 1 DGA Award. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $21 million worldwide on a $8 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 138K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Mervyn LeRoy

  • Robert TaylorMarcus Vinicius
  • Deborah KerrLygia
  • Leo GennPetronius
  • Peter UstinovNero
  • Patricia LaffanPoppaea
  • Finlay CurriePeter
  • Abraham SofaerPaul of Tarsus
  • Marina BertiEunice
  • Buddy BaerUrsus
  • Felix AylmerPlautius