The Epic That Never Was ~ I, Claudius (1937) ~ Charles Laughton ~ 1965 BBC-TV Documentary
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- The Epic That Never Was, is an amazing look at the first film attempt to make I, Claudius that reveals a lost film in all its splendor.
Actor Dirk Bogarde hosts this collection of surviving footage, retrospective interviews and footage of the studio where it was filmed as it looked in the mid-1960's. The interviews reveal the thoughts and remembrances of several cast and crew members looking nearly three decades back on the doomed production with some interesting thoughts. All the while Bogarde gives linking narration and commentary on the surviving footage. Yet while all this is interesting it isn't the highlight of the documentary.
The highlight of this documentary is of course the footage itself. The footage reveals a somewhat lavish production that could rival any of the epic films of the late 1930's. In particular is the performance of Charles Laughton in the title role especially in his speech in front of the Roman senate. If there is any shame to be found in the fact that the 1937 version of I, Claudius it is that most of the world never got the chance to see Laughton's performance and what influence it might have had.
The Epic That Never Was is a fine documentary. With its interviews and narration it is better then many of the similar documentaries found on many dvds today. More importantly the footage reveals what could possibly have been a classic. For anyone who enjoyed the BBC miniseries or is curious to see how that tale might have looked go no further.
Charles Laughton as Claudius
Merle Oberon as Messalina
Flora Robson as Livia
Emlyn Williams as Caligula
Robert Newton as Cassius
It's a thrill that so many wonderful people have and are seeing this for the first time. Thank you all for your contributions. This truly is a great documentary.
I much prefer these old BBC TV documentaries. They just go straight to the point. No unnecessary graphics, no obnoxious music, just the host, interviews, and all in pleasant surroundings.
very nice!
It is a privilege to watch this video. Laughton was a genius. He had the makings of being just as great a Director but only made one film…a masterpiece called “ Night of the Hunter” ( 1955). If you have not seen it, do so immediately. You will be astounded by this piece of art. Robert Mitchum gives the performance of his career. Absolutely unforgettable.
I'll look that up! Thank you.
@@HookLineSinker4343 Please do. It's an astonishing, unique film. No other movie is quite like it.
My favourite film with him is Hobson's Choice, .Laughton is magnificent in it. It is a film I have watched many times.
Funny coincidence: Charles Laughton played Claudius in the unfinished 1937 film version of I, Claudius and years later would go on to play a senator named Gracchus in another movie about Rome. Derek Jacobi played Claudius in the BBC production of I, Claudius and years later would go on to play a senator named Gracchus in another movie about Rome.
That's interesting and both of the Gracchus' were Senators conspiring against the leader of Rome in each time period
The 1970s British TV series version was one of the greatest shows of all time. When I was a college student in the early 1980s in Syracuse, NY the student association would show one episode before the featured film every weekend. Once you got hooked on them you had to go every week. And I did.
I was so set ill at ease by the drama in that production that I got my "Roman Women" class professor to allow me to read Grave's book and skip the video viewings. The various murderous betrayals were heartbreakingly portrayed. Cruel betrayal well performed has always disturbed me disproportionately, but, authors and artists do aim for this effect. :)
kindness- Agreed! A monumental achievement.
I have read he books so many times that I can quote whole sections. Graves' descriptive talents were well displayed in the BBC series. As far as the violence is concerned, Rome was a world of blood and death. I imagine that our sanitized world has made us ignorant of the reality of violence. Perhaps, an exposure to Roman style violence might make us fight against violence more.
Beautiful point my friend.For all it's stinking flaws our civilisation compared to most is absolutely precious.
When it comes to exposure to true violence a little goes a long way.@@michaeltowslee4111
Poor Williams was the one most hurt by the cancellation. He's so good as Caligula. He never had the opportunity for a big part like that in a major film again.
He was fantastic as Caligula! I like the man a lot. So nice of you to mention him. He also played Harry in oh...a Hitchcock film..Jamaica Inn.
@@HookLineSinker4343 Yes, I became a bit of a fan of his after seeing this doc and looked up his plays too!
@@etherealtb6021 That's very cool. Love him! Thanks!
As great as Derek Jacobi was as Claudius in the later dramatization, Charles Laughton here swings for the fences and succeeds! That speech at the end is absolutely stunning.
Remember Patrick Stewart played the role of Sejanus in “I,Claudius” and he had real Hair. Better than any acting he did as Captain Picard.
Laughton's depiction pierces the heart.
Masterpiece Theater did I Claudius in the 70s that was absolutely outstanding I highly recommend it.
Yes! Derek Jacobi as Claudius. What a fabulous cast all around.
2023: Found full VHS set of Jacobi "Claudius" at an aunt's house, hello working VCR! Amazing to revisit this event. I feel like I didn't appreciate Brian Blessed enough before.
Brian Blessed was probably my favorite actor in I, Claudius - and considering the cast, that's quite an achievement.
I, Claudius was my intro to Brian Blessed when the BBC production appeared on PBS. I was so taken by his performance it’s always a treat to see him anywhere else. I even think like Augustus (via l, Claudius) sometimes. As for favorites…phew! A toughie. I’d have to plump for two: Livia, Siân Philips & Antonia, Margaret Tyzack, Claudius’s mother. She out-Romaned all Roman women (or men!)
"Rehearsal" to the monumental BBC series "I, Claudius". Flora Robson is a fine actress, but Siân Phillips is simply unsurpassed. On the whole, British actors, especially those who belong to drama theatre are simply the BEST!
Emlyn Williams is so good. They are all so wonderful. Thank you!
LOL. Dame Robson is just a "fine" actress. Sit down please.
Yes the British actors are the greatest in the world.
It's no coincidence that Shakespeare was British.
@@MADAMA-CAMEL.ASS-HAIRYS Perhaps it was Shakespeare that had made British actors the best.
@@MrRight1000 He certainly provided good material #halfthebattle
Superb documentary, and a tragedy that the film was never fulfilled, in spite of the misgivings. Today, we wince at "ham acting" but all those on set were stage actors, and they needed to project to ensure the sound equipment caught them. Laughton was the only one to "take it down" in tone which made his performance all the more realistic. It also amazes me that references were made to the filming being "28 years ago" - as if it were ancient history - when, nowadays, in my old age, 28 years ago is almost yesterday.
I don't wince at the acting... I, too, noticed how "28 years ago" was made to sound like an eternity when, today, it doesn't (unless you're a kid). It's hard to explain why, but the 24/7 glare of mainstream media and the Internet makes everything from the last few decades seem "right around the corner" when, in 1965, that wasn't the case.
Merle Oberon was probably the most 'natural' and modern actor of the four leads. I don't think she had much, if any, stage experience which I think can be a bit too broad sometimes on film. Laughton shows flashes of absolute genius, but in other scenes is just adequate. I think from the rushes we can see he was struggling to find the right balance. The limp in particular is a little much, but these were different times. If Williams didn't want to seem too camp, he failed. It may have been the direction he was given, but I didn't get crazy psychopath, I got bitchy queen. Robson is a fine actress but she was wasted in this role. Old Livia no longer has any real bite... it's when she's Empress that she terrifyingly nasty and vicious. Sian Phillips was a revelation in the BBC production.
The acceptance speech was a perfect scene… lost and yet alive… thank you for letting me view the masterful portrayal by Claudius reborn.
agreed...
How wonderful, the narrator, Dirk Bogarde is and was. A fine writer,also.
Charles Laughton was near the peak of his acting powers. It is a shame that he was not permitted to finish a role that he was perfectly cast for. London Film (and Alexander Korda) made some of the most amazing films to come from Britain; most released here in America by United Artists. That this one did not see the light of day is a pity. Kudos to the BBC for preserving what there is of it.
I’m very grateful to have seen this in 2023. I never knew about this.
In the seventies my friends and I were overwhelmed by the brilliance of “ I Claudius”.
Unfortunately the earlier attempt to create this masterwork stranded.
But it seems to me it was of the same extraordinary quality.
I'm so glad you saw this!
I've heard about this production off and on through the years, and once saw one photo from it of Charles Laughton in costume for it. I've always wondered about...what could have been. THANK YOU for sharing this documentary...finally being able to see what there was of Laughton's performance, and the other great talent involved, is a revelation! Much appreciated! 😊
I'm thrilled this film has had such a great awakening. I've loved it for so long. Quite rewarding.
Stunning to see this Laughton is possessed by the character , thank you for posting this rare gem. I never got into the later BBC dramatisation and read the book many times. This has made my day
28:21 -- "I've got the man! I've found him. Don't you realize it's Edward VIII?"
I find it ironic that he felt that Edward VIII was the perfect model for his character, and not George VI, his younger brother who assumed the throne upon Edward's abdication. I say this because George VI, like Claudius, suffered from stuttering.
Yes...
A great presentation....shows the value of professionalism. And Laughton was magnificent.
Well said.
Dirk Bogarde was so handsome!
Thank you so much for posting this! I'm in the middle of rereading the novels and rewatching the BBC series, one of my favourites of all time (along with Fall of Eagles). I had never heard of the Charles Laughton version of this classic. What a shame it was never completed.
Watched on a lark, glad I did, this was excellent.
wonderful!
What amazing archive simply incredible and all the participants there to talk except Laughton whose acting speaks for him.
I have the bbc series on dvd...... once in a while i will binge watch the lot all at once.... it's my favourite series of all time.
Wonderful!
Thanks so much for airing this excellent scholarly production. At first I hesitated to watch, not knowing quite what to expect - but was caught in the first few frames. . . and riveted. God bless & preserve British film!
One of my favorites. I’ve had the book for decades, the mini-series on prime, and recently the audiobook on YT. This piece was a surprise.
i watch it weekly! haha..
Karol Kulik's biography of Alex Korda is subtitled, after one of his productions, 'The Man Who Could Work Miracles'.
A suitable label for a filmmaker who was grappling with a catastrophic slump in the business, trying to keep the financiers at bay, while supervising a slate of movies as varied as 'Things to Come', 'Knight without Armour', 'Fire over England' and this one, whose failure was not his fault. Even more admirably, Korda somehow found time to direct 'Rembrandt' with Laughton, coaxing out of that proverbially temperamental actor the finest depiction of a painter on celluloid. Nobody involved in British cinema thought bigger until Arthur Rank rode to its rescue.
Thank you for sharing this remarkable documentary!
A pleasure, thank you.
Greetings ✨ from Florida 🐬 Thank You 🙏 for Sharing 💕 these Beautiful ✨ Epic Gems 💎 of Performance ❤
Magnificent and beautiful remembrance of this worthy effort! Thanks for posting!
What a marvellous documentary! Many thanks for posting. The clips do suggest that it was a shame rather than a blessed relief that the film was abandoned. Sometimes when a cast and crew have a thoroughly miserable time when filming the end results can be glorious and this might have been one of those cases.
Thank you very much.
I remember this from when it was first broadcast, but it is good to see it again.
What a wonderful film it would have been. At his best Laughton is wonderful.
A really awesome documentary. I had never heard before about this (unreleased!) film.
Thank you for posting this! It is among the most brilliant cinema that I have ever had the pleasure to have witnessed!
Thanks so much.
God bless the cameraman on time travelling to capture Claudius's life
This is cool and the 70s miniseries was still to come.
Very cool! Thanks!!
Sooooo good thank you ‼️
Fascinating piece of movie history.
I guess the question, with hindsight, is whether the BBC series would still have been made had the Laughton film been a success? We'll never know, but the failure to complete the film version certainly increased the impact of the TV series in popular culture.
this is absolutely amazing! thank you to whomever posted this! ! ! ! ! ! !
My pleasure.
A fascinating..and…gripping story 😲👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 I love the interviews with the planned cast of this great idea for a British film…that….was never distributed to the cinemas of the World. Its good also to hear the beautiful English quality of diction among the great actors and actresses of that time 😊 Thank you for sharing this gem of a story about the British film making👍👍 No wonder that the 1976 BBC tv series I Claudius was such a legendary success…with such an equally superb brilliantly British cast…forty years after this film version…and finally Claudius‘s curse….was….lifted 😄
A great piece.
I saw this when I was 15 or 16, so I immediately found and read Robert Graves's books. I still own them.
Graves' own story is simply unbelievable. His autobiography Goodbye to All That is one of the most amazing things you could hope to read. Among other things, he was a contemporary of Siegfried Sassoon, each in his own right a WWI war hero(he played a role in Sassoon's being committed to a mental institution rather than being subjected to court-martialed for his antiwar rantings)- and each was wounded so severely in battle as to at first being given up for dead when found on the battlefield.
@@scriptsmith4081 I've read GTAT, I've read Sassoon, I've read Undertones of War, and many more. If you're interest in the WWI poets, you might want to read The Great War And Modern Memory by Paul Fussell.
So glad you uploaded this . I have always been fascinated with Hollywood and theatrical presentations of Ancient Rome . As well as with the lyric theaters productions of Arigo Boito’s opera Nerone
Somewhen on an alternate timeline, this film was finished and became a classic. I want to watch it. That is one of the few delights I keep on my wish list. That cannot be too much to ask from the arbitrary twists of fate.
haha...nice wish!
So, Merle's accident was the excuse for stopping the off-screen quarrel with Sternberg and Laughton? Too bad, this could've been a classic flick. Thankfully, Jacoby saved "I, Claudius" in the 80s. Thanks for posting....
I've only seen parts of this here an there, I'm glad to see the whole thing now. I'm watching the rushes and I notice what a difference background music makes to a movie. Without music, the scenes look slow cumbersome.
What was the result of 400 years of Roman occupation of the British Isles?
The British make for the best Romans and Greeks in Movies, TV Series and Plays.
Heck, the best Roman Speeches were those written by Shakespeare, 1,200 years later.
Also because the U.K. was once at the head of the most expansive of the European imperial powers, were among the foremost in the arts and humanities, especially science and technology, and the home port of one of the most commercial languages in the world, kind of like Rome.
@@howardlevin2753
Except in the Arts.
The Romans would gore out eyes and hack off heads of Slaves to make their plays more entertaining.
The British would “just play make believe” in their plays.
Mea gobba smackta est. Never had heard of this. Read the book, and of course, watched the TV series. Also somewhat familiar with the busts as far as we have them - and can't quite see C.Laughton as Clau-clau. Of course, inevitably memory is tinted by the amazing cast of the BBS series which has been stuck in my mind every time I read anything about the period. Followed closely by Nero looking like a young Ustinov. That all said, did they bother following the book at all?! The ending is quite poignant. "will we ever see it done?" Yes, brilliantly just 10 years after this documentary.
This was a disaster, because Merle Oberon could have easily been replaced. The "picture" was never about this vain, haughty woman, but she insisted on making it so, with her accident; which, I question. She certainly made it all about her in the end.
Who was the person who ran into Merle Oberon, and for heaven's sake, why weren't they going faster?
How did she make this about her? If Korda wanted to make this a star vehicle for her, and it was in her contract that she couldn't be replaced, tough nuggets. I agree the story really isn't about Messalina, but it is a captivating part for her to play, a beautiful villainess, something that's pretty rare in film. She had an accident because of a crazy driver, but yah, blame her for the film stopping. Okay...
She made the whole film about her.. lol..
This is a must see!
Laughton is tremendous. Unlike anything he ever did. Wasted opportunity.
What a splendid documentary. It's a pity though that Laughton's widow Elsa Lanchester didn't appear, as I'm sure she would have been able to contribute a lot. I wonder if she was asked but refused.
Around 39:03, the Senators behind Caligula, especially the guy on his immediate right are hilarious! Expressions are perfect!
Thanks for posting. I watched this documentary when it was first aired on the BBC and may have an audio recording of it somewhere. This piece, and the influence of an English teacher who ran a film club at my school, let to a lifelong interest in British cinema and the craft of acting. It was also the first time I had heard the piece by Richard Strauss. I wonder who would have been asked to write the music for the film. Also, if it had been finished and become a major hit, would the BBC have commissioned the landmark television series?
The following year Laughton and Robert Newton made The Beachcomber together, and the year after Jamaica Inn. In the 50's Newton would play Javert in a version of Les Miserables. Laughton played the same character in the definitive 1935 version. Also in the 50's Newton would play Laughton's part in a remake of The Beachcomber.
I love it! :D Thanks!!
2023: Happen to have just seen "The Beachcomber" (first one) on VHS! (long story) Loved it! Thought nobody else had ever heard of it. Well, there you go.....
At 47:32, has Caligula using a mirror - they didn't do much
research, glass used for mirrors weren't developed until the 11th century.
Highly polished bronze!
Laughton is one of greatest actors of all time. All time. I have no doubt that Derek Jacobi (who made the character of Claudius his own - and who, himself, is one of the greats of all time) was inspired by these snippets of Laughton's performance here.
SIMPLY AMAZING!
Yes, I've loved it for many years. I'm thrilled it's been found by such wonderful people.
Merle Oberon had quite an interesting life.
She was quite friendly with Prince Philip.
Emlyn Williams was wonderful.
Love him. A perfect mad man! lol..Thanks.
Sternberg was a tough customer, even 30 years later. I've read his autobiography, 'Fun in a Chinese Laundry' (named after an early Edison short) which was published shortly after this film was shown. He had a particular dislike of Emlyn Williams, I suspect over the part from 1:04:47 to 1:07:27, describing Williams' comments as 'not only thirty years late but incompetent.' He included a picture of Williams in costume as Caligula with a caption quoting the part about wearing a 'short cocktail number' in 20:06 - 21:02.
Yes,I remember,I,Claudius was on when I was in High School 🏫 in;1978,and 1979.My teacher who was my English teacher,saw it,too.’I,Claudius,I Claudius!He’d say,about the t.v.series.
brilliant
yes! Thanks..
There is a good one out there.
As the documentary was first shown in 1965, I was wondering about the BBC 2 ident being in colour as BBC did not start regular colour broadcasting until 1967. Turns out that particular ident was used between June 1979 and March 1986 (thanks Google) which must be the period when the programme was rebroadcast and video recorded.
How much of the film survives in archive? With modern AI tools, it might be possible to piece together a miniature narrative from the portions that remain.
Messalina doesn’t play a major role in Graves’ book- I wonder why they didn’t recast Oberon’s character?
I think she does in the sequel book CLAUDIUS THE GOD....
Charles Laughton was a genuis! Prehaps the best male actor of all time, and he didn't even know it!
I agree. His speech in this documentary left me stunned.
The answer to the posed at the conclusion would be yes indeed.
If only..........
Fate meant for Claudius to be played by Derek Jacobi, and Augustus by Brian Blessed.
I have a feeling that Stanley Kubrick must have seen this BBC documentary before he went on to direct “2001.” (Cue “Also sprach Zarathustra…”)
In this film, does anyone know who played Caligula? I'm interested because I recognize something about him, but can quite place him. 🎉
Let's see..Emlyn Williams is his name.
@@HookLineSinker4343 Thank you! Later on, I believe he played a Star Trek character...
@@jeanettecook1088 Really? wow!
Happy Holidays Dave 🌲⛄️ Hope All Is Well
Hey Mike, I'm on another account. I thought about you last night! Thank you my old friend. Happy Holidays to you too. :)
iT WAS made. It was a made-for-TV movie. May have been in two parts, don't remember. I think it was on PBS. In the 60s I think.
Dame Flora Robson played the same parts for nearly 50 years!!!!
I think it is a great film. I wonder what percentage is in the can, so to speak. Maybe some genius will have the skills to complete it , somehow.
They were giants.
yes..
The BBC beat Stanley Kubrick by three years in their use of Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra”. It has been worked almost to death since.
:( sound quality almost ruins this
... A Yorkshire Lad is Our Charles, Scarborough on the East Coast of England 🏴🌄🥂 Toodle Pip Old Bean's 1:56
What is this little treasure doing on a fishing channel! They did make a serious catch, but still!
Around 21:18, doesn't Williams look a little like a young Derek Jacobi??
the theater isnt what it was ,no , and to tell you something else , it never was what it was
Laughton was an outstanding actor and his body of work needs no support from unmade films. He was dreadfully inconsistent in these scenes and as the director says (and indeed the cast) it was probably fortunate the film didn’t get made. There is no comparison whatsoever with Olivier in Henry V re the speech. Laughton can’t locate his character or bodily / facial consistency at all throughout the film.
Laughton DID find his character 3 days in. Not being helped by the snobbish attitude of Von Sternberg but he got their. His speech was certainly on par with Olivier's but we can only imagine what the result would have been with another director. Von Sternberg was great in creating sets and images but considered actors as inferior to the director.
My grandfather edited some of the scenes and was thrilled about the result!!
It is what it is. They were who they were. The conductor sees the music differently than the oboist sees it. We can see this today and cherish our diversity of observation.
While I do not see Laughton’s performance as this writer did, his observations made me look deeper then reflect. And for that I thank him.
Exactly, if only they'd had another director, we may have had a great movie. We will never know but this documentary is a unique document of a great epic in the making. 👏
I wonder who could play Claudius now?
According to Steven Bach in his book, "Marlene Dietrich: Life and Legend," Alexander Korda owed Marlene Dietrich $100,000 and she would forfeit the debt if Korda applied it to hiring Josef von Sternberg to direct the film. I think Korda found out what they already knew in Hollywood that (von) Sternberg was a washed-up prima donna. Costume designer John Armstrong's reminiscence is a good illustration of what a jerk (von) Sternberg was. Charles Laughton may have had difficulty 'getting into' his role, but his performance in the clips show to me that he overcame it and Emlyn Williams as Caligula was very good as well. Merle Oberon's auto accident became the way out for Korda to shut down the production and cut his losses. The movie probably would have been completed if someone else had directed it and perhaps become the epic it was meant to be.
Ypu emperor give pne order. To that senare and its follow . Hunger by bones to the sky . No human but the skyes flights see trabsfer that decudes who nit any human . Death then if no i wont. Death is or nit
As i said no human .
Yes, I can see why it was a big flop, even with the great Charles Laughton in it. The 1970@s version was outstanding, Jacobi and Hurt, two of the greats.
How could it be a flop if it was never finished or released?
Lol. Skip. All you need to know is that the diva actor and director constantly fought over how to portray Claudius, the studio got tired of the bickering and said, "Shut it down."
You are insane.
It was Emperor Claudius who executed the roman priest Valentine ♥ ever since the day i was informed of this monsterous execution I've disliked Claudius the guttersnipe 😊
Sorry I can't understand how Laughton was ever seen as a "great" actor. He may have been good on the stage, but on film he just seem a ham.
Probably the greatest of his period and he is not all 'hammy' in here😳
It looks to me as if it would have been a laughable epic. Those overdone crowd scenes are cringeworthy.
The actors are fun to watch... yes.. cringeworthy for sure. overacting..
Totally not cringeworthy, idiotic comment
He was too busy eating poop sandwiches
No wonder it was a flop .
Crap acting and mentally ill cast .
haha..
You obviously don't know what you're talking about
agreed!@@patcronenberg2334
That's the opinion of one. You're vastly outnumbered.
@@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633
Nope .
We outnumber you.
As you will soon find out .