The Revolt of the Slaves

source: The Revolt of the Slaves

La rivolta degli schiavi

Actor Burt Nelson's real name is Rafael Rivelles. He plays the part of Rutilio. There are too many inconsistencies to make this movie enjoyable. The Christians fight for their freedom and when they are about to win the battle, they lay down their weapons.

Vibio is being brought to be sold as a slave. He tries to escape and gets caught quickly. Before he is punished, Claudius bribes the overseer and buys Vibio. Claudia is Claudius' entitled daughter. Many are drawn to the new Christian church. Most are slaves like Vibio but there are some Romans including the powerful Sebastiano. Corvino is trying to track them down and pushing Emperor Massimiano to eliminate them. This is an Italian sword and sandal flick. It's better than most of this genre. The second half gets a bit messy but the ending is quite good. It arrives in the correct place. All in all, it's not going to win any awards but it has some good aspects.

I could never quite put my finger on what seemed ''off'' about the acting in Christian persecution films (usually disguised as sword-and-sandal movies). Any time they're talking about Jeevus or attending mass in the catacombs or looking up to the skies to be saved from some calamity, the characters always look zonked out, like their eyes are open by no lights are on in their brain pans ., They all walk around in their state, barely showing any human emotion, pledging their affinity for some fairy tale being. How is that different from zombies, barely showing any human emotion, looking for brains to eat? Watch Quo Vadis, Ben-Hur, The Robe, Barabbas. They're all zombies wearing loin clothes. You read it here first.

The Revolt of the Slaves can be enjoyed by those 14 and older. The movie provides light entertainment with little thought. The Revolt of the Slaves does command your attention by its picturesque sets and wonderful costuming. The movie contains enough sword fighting and wrestling matches to keep you interested. The Revolt of the Slaves moves quickly. You go from fighting scenes to beautiful peaceful scenes where there are plenty of beautiful women to keep keep you looking for more. The musical scores in this film come at dramatic times. This is a typical Christian persecution film. Pass the popcorn and soda to enjoy a night of film. I give it four thumbs up.

This is the kind of film , as a theatrical designer, I fast forward through to see if it's visually worth looking at--- I should say, I will watch a film no matter HOW BAD it is, if the sets and costumes look interesting ( and this is NOT a great film)--BUT--- This film is OUTSTANDING visually for it's over-the-top costume and set design (God, those Italians know HOW to do it RIGHT!) It was made in the, shall I say, "Golden Age of Sword & Sandal Epics" from the mid 50's to early 60's-all with bad scripts, bad overacting, bad dubbing, battle scenes-usually with someone revolting against a tyrant, some has-been American actors, lots of muscle guys and busty babes!--get the picture? Rhonda Fleming was one of the most gorgeous American actresses and looks fantastic in these luscious costumes and hairdos- 6 out of 10 just for the EYE-CANDY!