The Robe
Seen it?1953 | 135 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won 2 Oscars and it made about 8 times its budget, though it had just 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Ben-Hur or The Ten Commandments, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 15 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
Drunk and disillusioned Roman, Marcellus Gallio, wins Jesus' robe in a dice game after the crucifixion. Marcellus has never been a man of faith like his slave, Demetrius, but when Demetrius escapes with the robe, Marcellus experiences disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions. Convinced that destroying the robe will cure him, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius — and discovers his Christian faith along the way.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsWeak
38% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Best Costume Design, Color, Best Art Direction, Color. Won 1 Golden Globe: Best Motion Picture. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 1 DGA Award. Plus 2 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$36 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 120K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Henry Koster
- Richard BurtonMarcellus Gallio
- Jean SimmonsDiana
- Victor MatureDemetrius
- Richard BoonePontius Pilate
- Leon AskinAbidor
- Michael RenniePeter
- Dean JaggerJustus
- Jay RobinsonCaligula
- Torin ThatcherSen. Gallio
- Betta St. JohnMiriam