Saturday, July 6, 2019

Through the years: CALIGULA

Caligula is one of the most famous, or infamous, historical characters in Roman history. His name will live on in infamy till the end of time. Many actors have played the sex crazed Emperor, including in many TV shows not listed here but here's a comprehensive list.

Emlyn Williams in the legendary Korda/von Sternberg non-completed I, CLAUDIUS film

Jay Robinson played Caligula in THE ROBE (1953) and DEMETRIUS & THE GLADIATORS (1954)

Charles Borromel in THE LAST GLADIATOR (1964; aka L'Ultimo Gladiatore). 

Very good but he's not often on screen.


John Hurt was Caligula in the I, CLAUDIUS (1976) mini-series


Malcolm McDowell in CALIGULA (1979), possibly the most famous (or infamous) portrayal of the deranged Emperor

Caligula was played by Gino Turini in the trashy x-rated CALIGULA & MESSALINA (1981)

This movie used tons of footage from old PEP film between the sex scenes.


David Cain Haughton (as David Brandon) in the explicit CALIGULA THE UNTOLD STORY (1982). On the right is Charles Borromel, who played the same role in THE LAST GLADIATOR.


The late Alexis Arquette (before transitioning) in XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS tv series.


1 comment:

Scott Ochiltree said...



Jay Robinson was clearly the best in my view.

His performance in THE ROBE essentially stole the movie.