All language subtitles for The.Last.Days.Of.Pompeii.1935.1080p.WEBRip.x265-RARBG_3_English

[beeping]

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Hail, Gaius.

Ah! My dear, Lucius.
What news in Rome?

Great preparations are being
made for the Emperor's birthday.

I'm returning to Rome
to see the games.

We celebrate the birthday
here too you know.

Come, Gaius. Miss
the games in Rome

for the sake
of those in Pompeii?

Why not? There's no finer city
in the empire than Pompeii.

Always boasting, you Pompeians.

The beauty of your women,
the trading in you ???

even the violence
of your earthquakes.

Stay here long enough
and we'll make good ???.

What? Earthquakes and all.

I hope not. Well, I hope we sure
meet again before you leave.

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

- Ho??
- ??

The wild man almost
twisted his chain off.

It is dangerous.
Do something. Fix it.

The blacksmith can fix it.

Marcus. Marcus the smith.

- What's the bother?
- 'Job for you.'

Good.

Don't wait for us.
Take him up the arena.

He twisted his link.
So, it's almost broken.

He's a terror.

- Prisoner of war?
- From Scythia.

I picked him
out of a batch of 200.

For the arena?

Yes. I supply the arena
with slaves and wild beasts.

But he's more of a wild beast.

[intense music]

[music continues]

Beat him, flog him. Only
don't spoil him for the arena.

Beat a man held down
by four soldiers?

Get him on his feet.

Marcus, what happened?
Are you hurt?

No, my sweet.

Gaius Tanno, I hope you're well.

Well entertained.
The smiths will be in the arena.

Did you ever consider
fighting in the arena?

No.

I'm a man of peace.

For a peace lover,
you're a handy fighter.

That's different.

I can fight if I have to.

'I couldn't fight a man
who never harmed me.'

You could make money.

Not that way.

I have enough money.

Well, of course.

If you're a rich man, if you
can't lose wouldn't it hurt you?

This is for your work

and this is for saving my life.

Just about what
the job is worth.

[soldiers laughing]

A man in chains, going to
his death like a caged animal.

Makes a man count
his blessings, Julia.

Smith, you interest me.

You said you have enough money.

I never heard anyone
say that before.

I have a wife who loves me
and a baby son.

I work hard, eat hearty, sleep
sound. What more could I have?

You remind me of
an acrobat in the arena.

Walking on a rope,
stretch tie in the air.

- Walking on a rope?
- Yes.

A rope no wider than my thumb.

Ha ha ha. I'm not
walking on a rope.

Oh, yes you are.
Every poor man is.

You think you're
balanced nicely.

But only money can
make you safe.

Some little unexpected thing
and you're down.

Smashed.

What does your wife
think of your ideas?

A woman is always
ambitious for her son.

I hope he will grow up
to be exactly like his father.

Idyllic but impractical.

Here, buy something
for the young blacksmith.

- Marcus, a silver piece!
- What shall we do with it?

- Let's get down to the market.
- Don't you think we wanna save?

Tax gatherers is
coming in a few days.

I have the money
put aside for him.

Oh, this is a win for.
Let's have a holiday.

We'll take the baby
to see the puppet show.

Oh, Marcus, he's only
six months old.

Well, he might like the puppets
very much. How can you tell?

I can tell you'd
like him very much.

Sweet, the richest man in the
world can have more than I have.

In between my hands.

That's a very pretty picture.

Good morning, neighbor.
We just declared a holiday.

Gaius Tanno gave us
a silver piece.

He is a rich man.

(Marcus)
'He's the first noble
I ever spoke to.'

- Get ready, Julia.
- I'm ready.

What about the forge?

Anyone comes, tell them Marcus
is too rich to work today.

Julia, how would you like
to have some of that silk?

Silk? The ?? when
I cook you dinner?

- Come along.
- Oh-h!

How long before the baby
will be able to do that?

- Oh, at least a week.
- He can have a ball anyway.

I thought we were going
to the puppet show.

Let's buy him a ball first.
He's never had a toy.

That ball, the white one.

Oh-h, it's too big.
Look he couldn't even hold it.

He likes it.
How much?

[Julia screaming]

Julia!

The doctor.
Someone tell the doctor.

Bring 'em to the ??, hurry.

How long I've?? been
lying here?

A few days. The doctor
is coming again soon.

Don't try to talk now.

The doc, what did he say
about the baby?

Now, both of you
well again very soon.

Sleep now.

The doctor says he won't come
again unless he's paid for it.

He must come.
I'll pay him what I can.

He says he has plenty
of patients who can pay him now.

Go with Calvus to our house
and get some rest.

- I'll stay with Julia.
- I can't.

(male #1)
'Marcus!'

No??, Marcus. This is
the second time I've been here.

This time I won't go
without the tax.

- Don't let my wife hear you.
- Well, where is the tax money?

I told you I had it put
aside for you.

But it's gone,
for the doctor and for medicine.

- I'm here to get your tax.
- Give me a little time.

You had it. Bring the woman out.
Clear out the house.

Oh, you can't do it,
I tell you. She's sick.

You can't put them
into the street.

Look here, I don't want
to do this, you know.

Don't you know
anyone with money?

My neighbors are all
as poor as I am.

Gaius Tanno.
He'll help me.

Hmm. You know him, do you?

He ??is very kind. He gave
my son a silver piece.

You just wait till tomorrow.
Gaius will lend me the money.

I'll give you till the night,
but not another hour.

Ask your wife
to stay with Julia.

Are you mad or drunk?
I can't let you in.

- It's life or death.
- It is to me too.

What do you suppose Gaius
would do if I let you rush in?

He'll have the skin off my back.

But, he was kind to me.
I want only a little.

I'm desperate.
It may mean two lives.

- Ah, lives go cheap in Pompeii.
- Let me see Gaius.

You start trouble here,
you go to jail.

'Go to the arena
if you want to fight.'

'That's an honor place
where fighting pays.'

- Alright. You'll do.
- I'll be paid, won't I?

You put up a good fight
and please the audience

you'll get a gold piece or two.

But remember, you gotta
show them something.

Understand? Now,
get your sword and shield.

[crowd shouting]

[crowd cheering]

[crowd booing]

[crowd cheering]

- I have money. Take it.
- Too late.

- Hurry, here's the money.
- Marcus, my friend. Too late.

[melancholic music]

She never knew
when the little son died.

[music continues]

My poor friend.

Poor.

Poor and a fool.

I've lost all I loved
because I was poor.

A year ago, a week ago,
I could have saved them.

- All my life I've been a fool.
- Steady, Marcus.

It cost me this to learn
what the world is really like.

Money is all that matters.

Well, I can get money.

It's easy to get money.

All you have to do..

...is kill.

[crowd screaming]

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[crowd cheering]

The god of war himself.

I knew this Marcus
when he was a blacksmith.

I won a 1000 gold pieces
on you today.

The Wolf was nearly
a match for him though.

- He was a good fighter.
- Let's go and find Petronius.

- He owes me 500.
- And me a thousand.

Wait here.

So even the great Marcus cannot
yet kill with a light heart.

'I'm sorry for you.'

What?

Sorry for me?

You, a slave?

Every man's a slave.

- I, you, my master there.
- He's a rich man.

Money doesn't matter.

You're a fool.
Money is all that matters.

Without money,
who cares for a man?

Who will listen to him?
They'll listen to me.

- And who will care for you?
- No one.

- Well done, Marcus.
- A good fight.

The best fighter in the empire.

Marcus, what a fighter.

You remember me, don't you?
You once saved my life.

I don't save lives.

[people laughing]

Very good. Very witty.

Surely you haven't forgotten
Cleon the slave dealer?

In your forge, the Scythian
prisoner would have killed me.

I remember.

I wonder why I stopped him.

I don't know why you should
look down on me, my friend.

Aren't we in the same business?

We both furnish amusement
for the people.

I risk my life
with the man I'm fighting.

You buy and sell wretches to
be slaughtered as a spectacle.

I'm not proud of myself,
but by Jupiter

compared to you, l'm a holy man.

You'll never be an old one.

It isn't brawn
that survives, it's brain.

It's well known that the rat
lives longer than the lion.

But who wants to be a rat?

I wouldn't do your dirty work,
not to save my life.

Did you see that backhand stroke
of the Wolf's?

He nearly got me with it the
first time. It's a good trick.

Well, the Wolf's
done his last trick.

I wonder if the cub
knows any tricks yet.

The cub? What are you
talking about?

- Where's my father?
- Who is your father?

The Wolf.

Where is he?

There's a question for ya.

Maybe there's a special place
for wolves to go--

Take your dirty,
grinning faces out of here.

All of you. Get out!

- Don't be frightened.
- I'm not frightened.

I was just getting
out of the way.

Oh, know what to do
when the shouting begins, eh?

Yes.

What are you doing? Why aren't
you at home with your mother?

Oh, my mother's dead.
She died in Gaul.

I was born in Gaul.

- Where did you live after that?
- With the legion, the 21st.

My father was
the best fighter in the legion.

(Marcus)
'Why was he in the arena?'

Well, you see,
he had a little trouble.

It wasn't his fault.

He's gonna win this fight and
then everything will be alright.

What happens to people
when they die?

Don't you know?
I know all about it

on account
of my mother having died.

You see, when people die
they go down to the River Styx.

And there's a boat
and a ferryman.

And he takes them across
the river to the underworld

where all spirits are.

Are there any soldiers
of the legion there?

Oh, yes.
Lots of father's comrades.

You're a soldier's son.

You don't have
to be babied and lied to.

Your father has gone
to join those comrades.

Ac-across the r-river?

And he went bravely.

I'm sorry, you know.

You're afraid I'm going
to cry, aren't you?

I don't cry.

He said he'd win this fight..

...and I could unbuckle
the winner's sword.

Do you want to unbuckle mine?

No.

[melancholic music]

How would you like to be my son?

Haven't you got one?

Not anymore.

I'll make what's happened here
today, turn into good for you.

To all my friends.

Never before in Pompeii,
such merchandise.

Look at her.
Sweet as a child.

An accomplished hairdresser.
Plays the harp.

She's a real bargain.

- Can she scrub floors?
- Oh, greetings, lady.

She's as good as the one
I sold you three months ago.

She'd better be stronger. It's
disgusting the way they die off.

Lady, this one has a tough hide.

That's what you said
about the last one.

- 'But, lady--'
- It's Marcus!

- Hail, champion.
- Greetings, Marcus.

I'm betting on you tomorrow.

Ha ha ha. I see
you're no gambler.

What can I do? A nice girl to
delight the heart of a fighter?

Nothing for me. I've come
to buy a tutor for my son.

By Mercury, I have
the very thing for you.

A Greek, speaks four languages.
A scholar, kind and steady.

Been in the same family
for 20 years.

Let's have a look
at him. Where is he?

There in the fourth pen.

Go first and talk to him.
See if you like him.

Maybe he won't like me.

(male #2)
'That's a good one.'

Hail, Greek.

Hail, Roman.

My father sent me
to see if I like you.

- Why?
- lf I do, he'll buy you for me.

- Can you speak four languages?
- Yes.

- You know a lot of stories?
- Thousands.

About soldiers and wars
and fighting?

Yes, but there are
better stories.

Well..

...you can tell me the ones
you like. I don't mind.

I like him, father.

(Marcus)
I remember you.
You're the slave who said,

"money doesn't matter."
Buy me for your son.

You served one family 20 years.
Why are you here?

I dropped my young master's
cloak in the mud.

- I see.
- May I have him, father?

- How much?
- Three hundred.

- What?
- Well, he's a scholar.

Well, I didn't know they cost
that much. It's beyond my reach.

But, father,
you said if I liked him--

But we don't have
that much money, Flavius.

He says he knows
lots of stories.

- Two hundred.
- Make it 250.

Oh, father!

Two hundred and forty three.

- Forty three?
- It's all I have. Here it is.

Oh, well.

It's a bargain.

Could you, uh,
lend me a couple of pieces?

Pay you back
after the games tomorrow.

So, money doesn't matter, eh?

- Is that tight enough, master?
- Yes.

Leaster, in these months
since I bought you

have you noticed any difference
in the way I fight?

(Leaster)
'You seem to grow
more careful, master.'

You're right.

When I'm out there fighting,
I keep saying to myself

"Suppose l am killed."

"What will become of Flavius?"

So, this is the great Marcus.

Marcus is my name.
Could you be Murmex?

Murmex of Carthage.

- I'm gonna win this fight.
- I didn't know it was settled.

There'll be wailing tonight.
Gods are on my side.

Have you sacrificed to Mercury?

Mithras is my god.

Your mistake.
Mercury is the god of braggarts.

[people laughing]

You talk too much.
Come on and fight.

I told you I'd win.

Congratulations, Murmex.
Hail to the new champion.

Your great Marcus seemed
to be afraid of getting hurt.

[all laughing]

Who ever said Marcus was good?

[all laughing]

Next time, they'd better
get me a real fighter.

The truth, Leaster.

Master, it will heal..

...but, you've fought in
the arena for the last time.

I was too careful.

- So, the lion's day is over.
- Still, I don't envy the rat.

You may, in days to come.

I've looked forward to this.

Do you remember, you said,
you wouldn't do my dirty work?

- Not to save your life?
- I still say so.

Will you say so
when your son is hungry?

Makes you wince, doesn't it?

I always have work
for men like you..

...if they're
not squeamish.

Well, let me know
when you're ready

to bring slaves from Libya.

[dramatic music]

Come on, get them in line!

Don't you know
how to handle slaves?

We have a 10 days' march
to the coast!

[people screaming]

Oh, please, shut up!

Stop it!

Cleon doesn't pay
for dead slaves.

You'll have plenty
of trouble all the way back.

They know they're
going to the arena

and they'd as soon
die on their way to it.

I must have the full number
or Cleon won't pay me.

Look here. Let me tell this man
if he makes any more trouble

his son will go
into the arena too.

All right, tell them all.

[speaking in foreign language]

You see...you'll have no more
trouble with them now.

Why, he was
the fiercest of them all.

Until he saw his son in danger.

Which one do you want?

I like the red one.
But, I like the blue one too.

Well, then we'll get
a blue one and a red one.

Father, I'm so glad you're back.

Sweetmeats, young master?

- Father?
- He'll be sick.

He'd better have some porridge.

But I don't like porridge.

See that?

Porridge.

- Truly?
- Certainly.

All right, hold my horse.

Porridge.

[orchestra music]

Let me read your future, master.

- I make my own future, mother.
- No one does that.

I have no faith
in soothsayers. Off with you.

Well, my son, did you
have a good day?

Oh, yes. And I'd like
to see the puppet show again.

We'll get a favoring wind
at moonrise, Marcus.

- Better get aboard early.
- I shall, captain.

Are you going
away again, father?

Yes, I'm sailing tonight.

Where are you going?

To Judea, to bring back Arabian
horses for the chariot races.

I wished
you wouldn't go so soon.

This is an easy journey.
Just to buy horses.

I'll make enough money
to attempt something bigger.

- Bigger horses?
- Perhaps.

Someday, we'll live
in a big house

and you shall have a real horse.

We'll never have
a care in the world.

I hate to leave him again.

Marcus. I've searched
the town for you.

Men who work for me
can't idle in wine shops.

- I've got orders to give you.
- Not to me.

I've made a contract
on my own account.

What? With the money
I've paid you, ey?

Then, you must let me in on it.

Listen, little man,
someday you slave dealers

will take orders from me.

I'm gonna be head of the arena.

You? Ha!
Your fighting days are over.

- All you can do is brag.
- Think so?

Master, you didn't mean that.

You want to be the
head of the arena?

Why not?

Men like Cleon sit behind the
scenes and grow rich in safety.

Why shouldn't I get behind
the scenes, where the money is?

You'd be responsible for the
slaughter of helpless slaves.

What's it matter whether
I do it or another?

Would matter to your
own conscience.

A conscience in Pompeii? Ha!
I know the world for what it is.

I mean to get money
and I don't care how.

No, master.

- She's lying.
- Well, I didn't win, did I?

- Don't listen to her.
- What did she mean?

Keep out of this you old witch.

What's the trouble here?

She foretold I couldn't win.

She's quite right.
The dice are loaded.

- Old hag.
- You son of an ape!

You brave man,
you noble warrior.

[all laughing]

Give me back my money,
you cheat!

- A woman of my own race.
- Where does she live?

- Street of the tanners.
- Show me the way.

Come, Flavius.

[soft music]

Young master.

She needs porridge.

Good night, mother.
Come, Flavius.

- A kind man.
- I'm not kind.

You try hard not to be,
but, I can see.

I see a journey.

- You are going.
- Yes.

It's the turning point
in your life.

You will be offered the choice
between success and failure.

Be sure you know
which you are choosing.

I shall know.

And the son...
who is no son.

How can she know that?

She's like the wise women
of ancient Greece.

The child will meet
with a great man.

- Where?
- In Judea.

But, my son isn't going with me.

Take him.

Take him to the man.

The greatest man.
Greater than anyone yet known.

The greatest man in Judea.

He will help the child
when help is needed.

And his spirit
will direct the child.

Should I take him?

She sees things that
we can't, master.

A great man to help him?
Success for me?

The ship won't sail
without us, will it, Father?

No, the ship is waiting
to take us to Judea..

...to find
our fortunes.

[thunder and lightning]

[dramatic music]

Landlord...have those
fresh horses saddled quickly.

They'll be ready
in a few minutes.

Would you rather stay
here in my inn tonight?

No. I'm pushing on to Jerusalem.
I have important business there.

It must be important
if you go on in this storm.

I'm taking my son
to the greatest man in Judea.

The greatest man in Judea?

- He's here.
- What?

In there.

- Who is that man?
- The man you're looking for.

The greatest man in Judea
sleeping in a stable?

He was born in a stable.

Master, the horses are ready.

Old man, I'm going to Jerusalem
to see Pontius Pilate

the governor of Judea.

[wind gushing]

- He didn't believe me.
- Who would?

He will...someday.

mediterranean music]

For His Excellency,
Pontius Pilate.

Dispatches from
the eastern border.

Dispatches from
the eastern border.

The insolence of these
desert tribes.

And Herod, encourages them.

- Would he dare, Excellency?
- He has dared.

He encourages their raids
and probably profits by them.

This chief of the Ammonites
wouldn't dare so much

without Herod's secret help.

Since, Herod works
against you secretly

can you not do the same to him?

I would..

...if I could
only find a man.

Your Excellency.

A horse dealer from Pompeii
is waiting to see you.

What?

A horse dealer?

'He insists
it's important.'

[scoffs]

Who would be
procurator of Judea?

Riots and plots.

The people against Rome,
the people against each other.

If ever I have a quiet moment,
horse dealers come and clamor

at my threshold.

Who is he?
What does he want?

His name is Marcus.

He used to be a gladiator.
He was the champion.

Marcus.

Marcus, the gladiator.

Yes, I've heard of him.

Trading in horses now?

Thank you.

Send him in.

Well, what do you want?

"Permission for Marcus,
dealer from Pompeii to cross

"the Jordan
to buy horses."

This is only
a routine matter. Why?

- Your son, I suppose?
- Yes, Excellency.

His name is Flavius.
He's 7 years old. He--

Very interesting.
My good man, what is all this?

There's nothing
important in this paper.

Yet, you insist on seeing me.

You bring a child,
and you both watch me

as though you expected me
to burst into flames.

I'm sorry, Excellency.

I thought it would do no harm
to help the prophecy come true.

Prophecy?
What prophecy?

It was prophesied that
the greatest man in Judea

would help my son.

How could you help
if you didn't see him?

Oh, I see.

You're giving aid to the Fates?

lf you want a thing well done,
you must do it yourself.

So even the Fates
need an overseer. Ha ha ha.

Well, I've seen your son
and I won't forget him.

Little boy, sit down over there.

Let us not drive fate too hard.

Tell me..

...is it true that you were
once a champion fighter?

(Marcus)
'Yes, Excellency.'

You know, Marcus.

A man like you would be useful
to someone who could employ him.

Anyone can employ me...
for a price.

Sit down, Marcus.

Thank you, Excellency.

So, you came here to buy horses?

Yes, Excellency.

A pity to pay for them when
they could be had for nothing.

- How?
- Oh, just an idea.

Unfortunately,
it would require my help.

Yes?

And that, in my official
capacity, I could not give.

Why not?

It would make trouble for me.

I detest trouble.

There's a chief of
the Ammonites who annoys me.

The uh, horses I was speaking of

belong to him.

He has many fine horses,
this Ammonite chief?

Wonderful steeds. And this
desert barbarian is rich.

He has treasure.

In gold?

I believe so.

Oh, not enough to make
it worth Rome's while

but, a sum that you and I
would be well content to share.

Share?

A sudden foray, desperate men
led by the sort of man

I think you are.

I have no men to lead.

The dungeons here are crowded..

...with just the men
for such a lawless enterprise.

Well..

...the interview is ended.

- But, Excellency--
- Goodbye.

(Pontius Pilate)
'Oh, and one thing more.'

It has been prophesied
that four nights hence

a horse dealer will
sleep at the inn

in the village of Amman
across the Jordan.

- Why, Excellency?
- Mm-hmm?

Oh, merely a prophecy.

I thought you believed
in prophecies.

I should believe
in this one if I were you.

I believe in you, Excellency.

Not in my official
capacity, please.

As an official, I shall have
forgotten you in an hour.

As a private citizen..

...I shall look forward
with interest

to your return to Jerusalem.

Goodbye.

Master, what are we waiting for?

- Why are we here in Amman?
- Oh, don't worry me.

Go in and see
if Flavius is asleep.

Yes, master.

[slow music]

Are you the horse dealer
who believes in prophecies?

- What do you mean?
- I don't know what I mean.

That's what I was told to say.

Yes, I'm the horse dealer
who believes in prophecies.

Oh, you are, eh?
Well, here we are.

- Who's we?
- Your men.

All been in jail
just long enough

to be spoiling for a fight.

If you think
you're able to handle us

you'd better start in trying.

[slap]

How's that for a start?

That's all right.

I've got a lot more.
Wait here.

[music continues]

Leaster, don't wake Flavius.
I'm leaving at once.

- Yes, master.
- No, not you.

When morning comes, take him
back along the road we came.

There's a village this side
of Jericho. Eleah, it's called.

Where we stayed with the woman
who was good to Flavius.

- Yes, wait there.
- Yes, master.

I can do it, my son.

All that I owe you,
everything I've promised

this venture means all that.

The baggage. What do you
need for your journey?

Nothing but my sword.

Ready.

So this is my army.
A fine lot of cutthroats.

In a fight,
you'll all run like rats.

It's a lie.
We want a fight.

Keep your mouth shut.
I'm talking.

I was once Marcus,
the gladiator.

Now, I'm your leader.

If any man doubts that,
speak up.

We're going to raid
the Ammonites.

They have horses,
you're on foot.

They are fighters.
I don't know what you are.

But you'll come back riding
or you won't come back at all.

[dramatic music]

[war cries]

Ha! Bad day
for the Ammonites, eh?

Ha ha ha.

These men don't wanna go back
to Jerusalem, do they?

- Well, they'd be safer in hell.
- They'd better scatter then.

They can keep the horses
they're riding.

What about me?
What do I get before I leave?

You're not leaving.

Well, I can't
go back to Jerusalem.

- Ha ha ha.
- I know too many jailers there.

You're going with me.

- To Jerusalem?
- And then to Pompeii.

I'll fix it.
You're a good man, Burbix.

Nobody ever told me that before.

Maybe useful is the word.

Do you want to hear
something really funny?

- Yes.
- I trust you.

- You can.
- You're in charge.

I'll ride on ahead.

I don't have to tell you
to guard those packhorses well.

Do you think I'm a fool?
I know the loot's on 'em.

All right.
I'll see you in Eleah.

What's so important
in Eleah, a woman?

No, a child.

[opera music]

I've done it,
Leaster. We're rich.

And it's only the beginning.

- Master.
- Where's Flavius? Flavius!

Master, don't.
He can't hear you.

- Why not?
- He-he..

Flavius!

It happened yesterday.
A traveler was at the inn..

His horse outside.
Flavius mounted somehow.

The horse took fright
and threw him.

He hasn't moved
nor spoken since.

This can't be.
It can't be.

Not again.

I will not let it be.

Such skill as I have
in medicine is useless.

Doctors.

There are none nearer
than Jerusalem.

Then I'll ride to Jerusalem.
Carry him before me.

His heart
is scarcely beating now.

On such a ride
it would surely stop forever.

Flavius.

Flavius,
I've brought you everything.

Happiness, riches.
It's all for you.

There's a young man,
a wandering healer

passing through the village
on his way to Jerusalem.

All the poor people
call him master and Lord.

- 'What can he do?'
- Perhaps he can help.

What harm to ask?

[slow music]

Master.

Lord.

Have mercy on my son.

[choir singing]

Flavius.

My son.

What does the teacher
require of me?

I'll give him
as much money as he wants.

He won't take money.

Whatever a man can do,
I'll do for him.

There must be something.
He's poor.

Poor?

He's the richest man
in the world.

[people shouting]

His Excellency will come here
from the judgment chambers

as soon as the trial is over.

I hope so.

Two days lying hidden
in his palace like a thief is--

Please, like a
confidential messenger.

You may be glad I concealed you
until Pontius could see you.

Luckily you've seen no one
and no one has seen you.

A messenger from Herod
arrived last night.

It seems
the Ammonites were raided.

Really?

And Herod demands
punishment of the guilty men.

Well, then let me
get out of town.

Those horses we stole are--

I sent those horses
round the city

to wait for me beyond the gates.

My son and my slave
are with them.

They won't know
what's happened to me.

Let me give Pontius
my accounting of the treasure.

You'll see him as soon
as the trial's over.

- Whose trial is it?
- A man accused of treason.

He wanted to be a king.

[people shouting]

[dramatic music]

Then be ye all witness to this.

I am innocent of the blood
of this just person.

I have washed my hands of it.

[dramatic music]

[people shouting]

[slow music]

The prophetic horse dealer.

A successful journey?

The treasure of the Ammonites
was not overrated.

Will you send for your secretary

and see that
I've divided fairly?

There's no need.
You won't cheat me.

No, Excellency.

You've done more for my son
and me than any man can..

Than any man can thank you for.

What have I done?

What have I done?

Excellency?

I am not myself.

Just now I have been forced
to condemn someone.

Poor man.

I found no fault in him.

But I must try
to keep the peace.

Violence..

...unreason, hatred.

Oh, let men wallow
in the quicksand

they have made of life.

Pin your faith to gold, Marcus.

I chose it long ago.

You're wise.
Now go.

You must leave Jerusalem
with your loot at once.

- Herod's messenger is here.
- I know.

I haven't seen him yet.

I'll contrive to delay him
until you're out of reach.

You've no time to lose.

Thanks to you,
I'll be a rich man someday.

Take care.
There's tumult in the city.

Crowds and rioting.

Mobs quickly turn to looting.

Guard your gold
carefully, Marcus.

After all I've done to get it

neither god nor man
shall take it from me.

[music continues]

[people shouting]

[dramatic music]

- What's happening?
- The executions.

The mob going with
the condemned man.

Every cutthroat in
the city is in that mob.

They suspect what's
on these horses?

You'll lose your gold.

- Can we get through that way?
- Yes.

Quick, bring the horses.
Hurry!

[horses galloping]

Take the horses through.
I'll come last.

You.
God be praised.

- Save him.
- Who?

The teacher.
The master.

- He is condemned?
- Yes, look!

[dramatic music]

You said you'd do anything.

You have a sword.
They'll crucify him.

- What can I do? One man alone.
- You can die for him.

Come on,
you'll lose your treasure.

Try to save him.

No.

When your world
crumbles about you

you'll understand
what you have done today.

You have rejected him.

[slow music]

Don't look back, Flavius.
Look ahead.

Think how happy
we're going to be.

We're going to be rich.

Now we can have that big house.
The finest house in Pompeii.

[dramatic music]

That's more like it.

- Mm-hmm. Good steel.
- The finest Damascus.

What do you think of it,
Leaster?

I'm not a judge
of swords, master.

Flavius will be proud of this.

A noble's son
couldn't have better.

- How much?
- Six thousand.

What?

Well, what is 6000
to the richest man in Pompeii?

The head of the arena.

[laughs]

- You old robber.
- Give him a note to Burbix.

My money is in the strong room
of my office at the arena.

The whole town
is looking forward

to the games tomorrow, Marcus.

It's going to be a good show.

The new prefect wants
to be popular with the citizens.

My son is coming.
Be off.

Hail, Flavius.

Greetings, Crassus.

Good morning, Father.

What's Crassus been
selling you now?

Oh, nothing much.
Wait.

- Look at that.
- What a beauty.

Draw it.

The finest steel. Go on.
Try it. Feel the balance.

- What do you think of it?
- I never saw a better.

It's finer than
any of your others.

I'm glad you like it.

It's for you.

Thank you, Father.

It's for a special occasion.

A messenger came
overland this morning.

Brought me word that
my old friend

is stopping
at Pompeii to see us.

His ship should arrive
in a few days.

Who is it, Father?

A man I haven't seen
in many years.

He laid the foundation
of our fortune.

Do I know him?

You saw him once
but you wouldn't remember him.

Where did I see him?
What's his name?

We were in Jerusalem.

His name is Pontius Pilate.

Could he be the man
I'm always trying to remember?

No, no, no.

How many times have I told you
that's only a childish dream?

There never was such a man.

Greetings, Marcus, Flavius.

The new prefect is coming
down to the quadrangle.

He wants to see
the preparations for the games.

He's afraid we won't
do him credit.

He is, is he?
I'll come at once.

My cloak, Leaster.

Show Burbix your gift, my son.

By Jupiter, what steel.

You could cut
through chains with that.

Could I?

Well, you might if you
were fool enough to try.

I suppose there's no use
asking you to come

to the arena with me, Flavius.

- Well, Father, you know l--
- That's alright, my boy.

I have bigger plans for you
than following in my footsteps.

Leaster, where's that cloak?

Speak to the prefect

about the slaves needed
for the fight tomorrow.

I was at the jail
and they've only a handful

of condemned men
and one escaped on the way.

Another runaway slave?
Where do they go?

If the prefect expects
his games to do him credit

he'll get me the men.

Father, must you
have more men to kill?

Now, Flavius, we won't
go over that again.

We decided long ago
to let that subject alone.

Don't you fret about
how I make my money

and I won't worry about
how you spend it.

Those horses for tomorrow,
you made a good deal.

I was always good
at a horse deal.

Remember the first one
I helped you with?

- Ha ha ha.
- Ha ha ha.

You see, it's useless.

He'll never listen to me.

He'll never change.

Come, help me to get ready.

Clodia will be wondering
what's become of me.

Leaster, I've got
a ship at last.

The day for action
is almost here.

If only the danger for
you were not so great.

Only one thing worries me.

Are you sure that island
is still free?

I am.

There's no wealth,
no people to enslave.

No Roman soldier
has ever set foot on it.

An unspoiled world.

When we go, come with us.

Marcus will be glad of me
after you're gone.

If only I could
tell him the truth.

But he'd smash the whole thing.
And I can't let him.

Come.

I'll make sure the way is clear.

I'll be back tonight.
Watch for me.

Oh, it's the friend.

- Greetings, friend.
- Is all well, Phoebus?

- It's good to see you.
- We've missed you.

What's kept me away,
do you think?

Great news!
I have a ship.

- For us?
- To escape to the island?

Yes. Some night soon,
you can reach the waterfront

in twos and threes, unnoticed.

- How soon?
- After the games are over.

The search will be relaxed.
They won't need slaves

for the arena then.

Before anyone knows
what cargo the ship carries

we'll be beyond their reach.

You've saved us from
torture and death.

You've hidden us here,
kept us fed and clothed

given us hope.

But do you really believe
there's any place

where runaway slaves
can be safe?

But I know the place.
That's where I'm taking you.

Where Rome cannot reach us?
Rome owns the world.

This island is
forgotten by the empire.

The man who brought me up
told me where it is.

I'll lead you there.
Have faith in me.

Yes, friend.

You know, I haven't seen
Clodia for two whole days.

It's been so long.

Soon we'll be together forever.

- Is it really true?
- Yes.

I won't be hiding and trembling
at every sound? I'll be free?

Except for me.

It seems so strange.

You risk disgrace
and death to help us.

Yet none of us know who you are.

I'm a man who loves you.

Isn't that enough?

I suppose it is,
since you're the man I love.

But why do you
do all this for slaves?

Clodia, did you ever try
to recapture a dream?

A dream?

It's like strain of music
I can almost remember..

..and yet
it slips away.

I've been haunted by it
since I was a child.

But what is it?

It was a voice.
I can't hear the words.

But I can see a man's face.

He looks as though
he pitied the whole blind

and suffering world.

As though he knew the world
could be so brave and beautiful.

That men could help each other
to live and be happy.

That's not a child's dream.

My father says
there was no such man.

But even if it is only a dream.

I believe that such
a world could be.

On our island,
we'll try to make it true.

There will be no more
slavery, nor flogging

and torture and agony.

(guard)
Who's there?

Hide me.

I know him.
His name is Drusus.

- He's been flogged.
- Drusus.

He was running.
Soldiers may be on his heels.

Could they have
followed you here?

No, I threw them off.

They've gone...north.

Why did you run away?

They said I was a thief.
I was condemned to the arena.

I never stole.

But Marcus needs slaves..

...for the games...tomorrow.

Marcus, the butcher.

Excellency,
why can't your soldiers

capture these runaway slaves?

Singular that so many
have been able to avoid capture.

Someone is helping them.

What fool would
risk death by torture

for the sake of slaves?

I should like to know.

What do you keep behind
those locks and bolts?

My fortune, Excellency.
It's a safe place.

Would the prefect care
to inspect the barbarians?

Oh, the Britons who are
to fight tomorrow?

Yes.

Captives
from Agricola's campaign.

I wonder why
we trouble ourselves

with that wretched island.

After it's conquered
what good is it?

Don't you believe we can ever
civilize the Britons?

Those people?
They'll always be barbarians.

What will they ever do?

Here's a savage fellow.
A sort of chief, they tell me.

He looks capable
of fighting 20 men.

Well, there you are.

What will the battle look like
if I have only a handful

of slaves to fight these men?

Marcus!

I'll take care of that.

Throw some water on him.

These Britons don't know
how to use their fists.

Your pardon, Excellency.
Well?

Pontius' ship has dropped
anchor in the harbor.

What? Order the galley
to be made ready at once.

Your pardon.

Pontius Pilate has arrived
sooner than expected.

I must go out to the ship
and bring him ashore.

Pontius?
He's a very distinguished man.

I've never met him.

Then give me the pleasure
of dining with us today.

To meet Pontius?
Thank you, I will.

Whatever the motive,
you still will give me pleasure.

Welcome to my house, Pontius.

I've looked forward
to this day for many years.

The house of Marcus.

It's well established.
Founded upon a rock. I'm glad.

You founded it.

Now, where's my protégé?
Where's Flavius?

I sent a messenger
to look for him in the town.

I wish you could stay
for the games tomorrow.

The emperor's orders,
l must go on to Rome tonight.

This uh..

This prefect who asked
himself to dinner

what sort of man is he?

Just a prefect.

You know, great idea
of his own importance.

Ha ha ha.

Come, you must rest
and bathe before we dine.

- They fought each other.
- Ha ha ha.

Ever heard better stories
than our horse tales?

I'm not judge of the
reminiscences of self-made men.

You flatter me.
It's not my work.

- Pontius is responsible.
- I? Nonsense.

All that I am, you made me.

Then I've a good workman.
Don't you agree, Aulus Martius?

Oh, assuredly, Pontius.

Fine specimens. They should
look well in the arena.

Mm, the arena.

Do you realize that tomorrow's
games may be a failure?

They're my games you know.
I'll take the responsibility.

You must, Excellency .

It's your soldiers that
must capture the runaways.

Have the goodness
to allow me to attend to it.

Fine grapes grow
in your vineyard, Marcus.

It's good to taste again,
the fruits of Italy.

The gods are propitious.

Your son doesn't
even arrive in time

for the family worship?

I hardly know how to apologize.

I arrived before I was expected.
How was the boy to know?

Where can he be?
What is it, Leaster?

The captain of the city guard,
with a message for the prefect.

He says the prefect gave orders
to follow him here.

Where is he?

I sent him around
to the terrace, Excellency.

If you'll excuse me.

This may be interesting news
to you too.

I hope so.
Where is Flavius?

He came in
a few moments ago, master.

He's changing his clothes.

Tell him to hurry.

I can hardly wait to tell him
he's going to Rome with you.

May we have
a favorable wind tonight.

To think that the last
time I saw you..

...all you owned was carried
by a few packhorses.

But you haven't changed.

Looking at you, I fancy myself
back in Jerusalem.

On that day, years ago..

...you hurried out of the city,
with your treasure.

I can hear you saying..

..."Neither god nor man
shall take it from me."

How can you remember
my very words?

I seem to remember
everything about that day.

Things that happened
only yesterday..

...are not
so vivid.

At last.

Pontius, this is my son.

A thousand pardons, Excellency.
I didn't know you'd arrived.

I'm glad to see you, Flavius.

I suppose you don't remember me.

Yes, I remember you.

But there's something else
I'd hoped to remember.

Come with us, Pontius,
while I tell him the news.

The last time I saw you,
I couldn't have leaned upon you.

Not very comfortably.

Very good, Excellency.

Pontius, I must take
my leave of you.

I am honored by our meeting.

- Good night Allus Martius.
- Marcus, good night.

My soldiers are better
than you think.

News of the runaways?

They've caught a slave
who knows the hiding place.

Don't worry about the fight
tomorrow. I'll make him speak.

- We'll catch them before dawn.
- Splendid.

- Now, Flavius.
- Father. Father, l must--

Pontius has gratified
the greatest wish of my life.

He's going to take you
with him to Rome.

Rome?

You can be a great man, my son.

Sponsored by an aristocrat,
all the money you can spend.

Why, there's every chance
you may be made a noble.

But father--

Everything I've ever hoped
for you is within your grasp.

- You leave for Rome tonight.
- No.

Listen to me, Father.
There's no way I can spare you.

I'm not going to Rome.

I'm not doing
the things you've chosen for me.

What do you mean?

You want me to be a noble like
that smiling prefect, I suppose.

He's gone to torture a man
to make him betray his fellows.

- A heartless swine like--
- Silence!

Shall I keep silent
forever in the face

of injustice and brutality?

The poor, the persecuted.
There must be someone

to speak for them.

Take the world as it is.

I can't. I know
there's something better.

My boy, I've heard such
ideas a long time ago.

They are dreams.
Beautiful dreams, I know.

But only dreams.

Was it a dream that once
I knew a man of pity who said

"You shall love your
neighbor as yourself"?

There never was such
a man, I tell you.

Don't lie to him, Marcus.

There was such a man.

What happened to him?

I crucified him.

Now I remember.

The cross is on the hill.

I know now, what he meant.

That man accomplished
nothing, but his own death.

His teachings will never die.

You ever heard
what else that man said?

Sell all you have
and give it to the poor.

Where would you be if
I'd listened to his teaching.

You'd be a labor.
Sweating all day

for a few coppers as I did,
when I was young and foolish.

I've done everything to spare
you the sorrows of the poor.

You're a rich man, son.

With a fine house
and slaves to wait on you.

You've had everything
that money has to offer.

I made that money for you.

I know you did.

And I won't benefit
by it any longer.

You don't want my money, what do
you have to give the poor.

Myself.

- Flavius, come back, here.
- No, no, Marcus.

Let him go now.

Why did you tell him
his dream was real?

For years, I've tried to block
that memory from his mind.

And from your own too,
haven't you?

[violin music]

You can't.

I know.

Master, the galley is waiting
to go out to the ship.

[violin music continues]

Come see me on board, Marcus.

Alright, don't let this
make a breach between you.

And remember,
when the boy sees reason again

send him to me in Rome,
just to save him.

He's young.

He still believes in things.

You and I are wiser.

Perhaps.

What is truth?

But who is this friend?

Who in Pompeii
would help slaves?

You don't know.

But he's the man who'll save us.

Friend, what's happening?

Quick.

The Prefect soldiers have caught
a slave who knows this place.

- Torturing him. He'll tell.
- What shall we do?

Scatter and try to reach
the ship. It's our only chance.

- Hurry!
- He's a spy! He's a spy!

- He's our leader, our friend.
- Friend? That's Flavius.

- The son of Marcus.
- We've gotta stop him!

- Drusus, listen--
- He's Flavius, I tell you.

I've seen him with his father.

- Man who sent us to the arena.
- Denial.

He's the son of Marcus,
the butcher. He can't deny it.

- Can you?
- Friend?

- I am Flavius, son of Marcus.
- We're locked in.

[everyone bickering]

Wait let me explain.
Listen to me!

Clodia, am I a spy?
Do you believe it?

No, he's not a spy.

- Phoebus, he saved your life.
- Yes.

- Apelles, he brought you here.
- I know.

Truly, you'll know the penalty
for helping slaves escape.

He's risked his life, everyday.
How can he be a traitor?

Don't believe him.
Filthy spy.

Listen to me. No torture
could make me betray you.

I'm no longer the son of Marcus.
I'm one of you, now.

We'll escape together.
The ship is ready.

Tomorrow, we'll be free.

Free?

[dramatic music]

[harp music]

- A beautiful day, Leaster.
- Yes, master.

The whole town is streaming
toward the arena.

Isn't it time you started?

Yes.

[violin music]

See how Vesuvius is smoking.
The old mountain

hasn't looked like that
in the memory of man.

A special part in
for your games, master.

[violin music]

I quarreled with Flavius
last night, Leaster.

I should have reasoned
with him, not lost my temper.

I was too hasty.

I wanna tell him so.
Send him to me.

He's not here.

Gone out, already?
Where?

I-I don't know.

- When did he go?
- Master, I..

His bed is undisturbed.

He must have left
the house, last night.

- And not come back?
- Not yet.

It's not possible,
he'll leave like that.

Something may have happened.

No.

He thinks I'm still in a rage.
That's it, Leaster.

He's giving me
a chance to cool down.

- He'll be back.
- 'Marcus!'

Marcus, good news.
A message from the Prefect.

The whole company of run-away
slaves was captured, last night.

- They tried to escape by sea.
- How many?

- About two score.
- There's a real stroke of luck.

Pompeii will see
something today.

- This will be a real show.
- Master.

This has more meaning than
old Vesuvius smoking.

Plus they're all
good fighting men.

A fine, hardy lot,
the message says.

Good.

- Who are the captured ones?
- Who?

You don't suppose I know
their names, do you?

Leaster, order my chariot.

[orchestra music]

Rejoice today.
The omens are all good.

Jupiter is pleased..

...and favors you,
his people of Pompeii.

'Happy the people'

'for whom the great Prefect
provides such games.'

'Be not afraid of
God's or Men's displeasure.'

'Today is yours!'

'On to the game!'

[orchestra music]

- Ave, Titus.
- 'Marcus.'

Have you heard of the capture of
the run-away slaves?

Of course! Fortune favors us.
Don't be late for the games.

This is where your
leader brought us?

- Into a trap.
- I'm trapped as well as you.

- Pretending to be one of us?
- Your father knows you're here.

- You'll be released.
- He will sit and watch us die.

I tell you,
no one knows I'm here.

You'll believe me when I stand
beside you in the arena.

Take the women out.

[violin music]

- Come on, come, I tell you.
- No, I'll stay with him.

Men are going to the arena.

What good are women
in the battle.

- Go Clodia.
- Don't make me leave you.

Remember this.
If we had a lifetime together.

- I couldn't love you more.
- What's the trouble, come on.

[orchestra music]

[trumpet fanfare]

I see, it's not the custom in
Pompeii to applaud the Prefect.

That's only because
they don't know you, yet.

[dramatic music]

- Was he captured?
- Yes, tell his father.

It's Marcus.

Ave, Marcus!
Ave, Marcus!

[orchestra music]

Really, one might suppose that
you were playing for the game.

People know I can
amuse them, Excellency.

They're not so hearty
to those who merely govern them.

Tell me.

Does always applause
cost you much.

Oh no, Excellency.
It's spontaneous.

How pleasant...for you.

[orchestra music continues]

- Well, what is it?
- Master, Flavius.

- What's happened?
- He's there with the slaves.

They caught him
helping them escape.

What?
My reckless folly!

- Wait, it's a capital crime.
- It's a death penalty.

The law of Rome.

Your indulgence, Excellency.

Well, is everything
ready to begin?

There is some difficulty.

If you'll have patience
for a few moments.

I'll return at once.

- Master!
- I'll get him out.

[orchestra music]

Flavius, what have you done?
Why didn't you send for me?

You can't do
anything for me, father.

- I'll get you out.
- No, these men must die.

It's the law of Rome
that condemns them.

It condemns me too.
Goodbye, father.

No, the Warder
shall release you.

- Why doesn't Marcus return?
- Really, Martius.

This a poor way to gain
a favor the people.

I can't understand
the reason for this delay.

I came to see fighting.

Is Marcus trying
to make a fool of you?

He takes too much upon himself.
Give the signal for the slaves

to be driven out.
Let the games begin.

[trumpet fanfare]

The young man here,
he's no slave. Release him.

No slave?
How did he get here?

Don't waste time.
Release him.

[trumpets blowing]

You shall have
a hundred gold pieces.

These men are numbered.
If one is missing--

- Five hundred gold coins.
- I can't.

A thousand. Release him, I say.
He's my son.

I have a son, too.
I can't risk my life.

I am Head of the Arena.
I order you, release him.

I dare not.

Your turn next.

'Quick, march.'

Forgive me.

Stop!
You there, stop!

- Don't take my son.
- 'Are you crazy?'

I'm Marcus, Head of the Arena.
Leave my son where he is.

- I don't take orders from you.
- 'That's my son, there.'

Don't take him.
I'll stop the game.

No one but the Prefect
can stop the game.

Prefect says the men who fight
well and come out alive

will be set free.
Tell them so.

speaking in foreign language]

[slaves cheering]

[orchestra music]

Why should we try?
There's no chance for us.

You wanna be
flogged like a slave

or die fighting like a man?

- I'll stand beside you.
- If you believe me now?

- Stop the game.
- Are you mad?

My son is there.
There, among the slaves.

- Why is he there?
- He was captured.

- With the others.
- Helping them to escape?

He's reckless,
he's young. Stop them.

He's committed a crime
against Rome itself.

He's my son.

So it's your command of
law of Rome to be set aside.

He will be killed.
My son.

If it were my own son,
I could not do it.

People of Pompeii, I beg you,
my son is there.

[orchestra music]

Today the game is be stopped.

My son!
They'll kill him.

Senator, suspend the game.
You'll kill him.

Just one thing.
Just a game!

Flavius, Flavius!

Flavius!
My son!

[volcano rumbling]

[people shouting]

To the public treasure then.

The keys!
Unlock the door.

- Let go!
- Take them out!

Let go!

Flavius!

Get back.

[dramatic music]

- Let us save ourselves.
- Yes, let us take Marcus gold.

Let us escape.

I'll lead to go to the ship
but not without Marcus gold.

[orchestra music]

Marcus, come with me.

[orchestra music continues]

Flavius!

My son!

My son!

'My son!'

'My son!'

Help him.

The Warder.

Help him.

You ask my help?

You, who could have
let my son go free.

Marcus!

Marcus!
Help my son.

Help my son.

Have mercy on your..

I cried that once.

And he heard me.

[orchestra music]

Marcus, here's your money.
Quick to your own dock.

You'll get it on the boat there.

Run away.

- What? That's your treasure.
- Throw it in the stream.

Pick up the wounded.
Save all you can.

Get to the boat
at my wharf. Hurry!

[orchestra music]

- Where to, now?
- To Marcus's wharf.

Bring the treasure.

[orchestral music continues]

Well, help him, please.

Flavius!

Father.

You did save me, after all.

God have mercy.
You let me save my son.

Stop. Hold the boat.

Take those people off.

Take them aboard.
Quick!

Make ready to cast off.

Fantastic!
I bring the city treasure.

- Unload that boat.
- Cast off.

Hold the boat, I say.

- Take those people off.
- Not for any treasure.

- In Caesar's name.
- No.

You fool!

Marcus!

Bring that boat back.
I order you.

The men at the oar.
Shoot them.

[orchestra music]

[opera music]

Master!

So many years ago.

[choir singing]

[opera music]