All language subtitles for Salome.1953.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

The day of judgment approaches.

The Lord will reward
the righteous
and smite the wicked.

King Herod and Queen
Herodias are doomed,
for they live in sin.

They are not wed.

But, master, they are.

Not under the Law of Moses.

Herod has broken
the Seventh Commandment.

He has taken another man's wife.

And Herodias is equally guilty.

For she lives in adultery,
scorns our God-given law.

The hand of the Lord will
fall upon the King and Queen.

They will suffer his wrath,
but be calm, my friends.

Righteousness shall rise
like a mighty river.

Truth shall be
clear as crystal.
Repent.

Cease to do evil.
Learn to do good.

Relieve the oppressed.
Seek righteousness.

For His love
will be with you
as a morning dew.

And you shall
blossom like a rose.

What did you learn,
my dear Counselor?

Your Majesty,
the Baptist has returned
from the wilderness.

He speaks more
viciously against you
than ever before.

How many listen to his poison?

Many. Not only the rabble,
but men of means
now follow him.

You must stop him
or he will begin
preaching in the city.

Micha, wait here.
I will see the King.

Yes, Majesty.

(WHISPERING)
Your Majesty,
the Queen.

Tell her I have retired.

I remember when
you could not retire
without coming to me.

You wished to see me?

How rare to get
so quick an audience
with Your Majesty.

It is late. I'm tired.

Not too late
and not too tired to be
waiting for another.

Very well.
I am waiting
for another.

And your wife is the intruder.

I thought we were
long past that.

I know you are.

Why did you come?
What is it you want?

The Baptist is back.
And this time
you must silence him.

He calls me an adulteress.

No matter what is
between us, he threatens
the House of Herod.

I want him destroyed.

He is harmless.
What he says is
of no consequence.

Many fill your prisons
for saying less.

Yet you allow a madman
to preach treason.

You must put
an end to him.
Stop him!

Let me alone. I said go!
Stop him before
it's too late.

I warn you.

It must be his death
or it will be ours.

Ezra, you heard?

Everything, sire.

She descends upon me
like a plague of locusts

every time the Baptist appears.

She knows
what will happen to me
if harm befalls him.

And she asks for his death.

Yet I cannot
let him denounce me.

Lift not your hand against him.

But he preaches sedition.
I cannot allow that.

Remember the prophecy.

Remember when your father,
Herod the Great,
was King of Judea.

Three wise men came out
of the East, proclaiming
a child had just been born,

who would grow up
to be the Messiah.

I do not need reminding.

In your heart, you do.

Never forget the deed
of your father.

The old man,
he was seized
with terror

that the Messiah would
some day dethrone him.

I know, I know.
Why must you
hound me with it?

So that you will not follow
in the path of your father.

Remember the punishment
of the Lord upon him

for the blood he shed.

The innocent blood.

Remember the strange illness
that came over him,

the unbearable pain
that befell him.

His mind and body became
his own torture chamber.

Your father suffered agony,
agony without relief.

Enough. Enough.
I can still
hear him screaming.

You are trying to shield
the Messiah from me.

I do not know
if John was the Messiah.

Many people think he is.

It is written
the Messiah will first
appear as a prophet.

But there are many
prophets in the land.

The Messiah
is the prophet
and no other.

He was born in
my father's time and now
he tries to depose me.

I know him for a great prophet,

a holy man.

Harm him, and what
happened to your father
will happen to you.

You will die in agony as he did.

If only he would
not preach
against the throne.

If word reaches Rome
that I tolerate treason.

What was it the illustrious
Julius Caesar wrote?

"I came, I saw, I conquered."

How easy his task was.
All he had to do
was to win battles.

I must maintain peace.

That is the impossible
legacy I have inherited.

And I dare not indulge myself
in the grand illusion,

make war in order to keep peace.

I do not have the forces.

We are already stretched
thin across the world,

stretched almost
to breaking point.

I must keep the conquered
in place by other methods.

Well, to the business
of the day.

Pontius Pilate,
Commander of
the Ninth Legion.

Hail Caesar Tiberius.

Hail.

Pontius Pilate,
I appoint you governor
of our Eastern Provinces.

You will find unrest
and agitation,

which could
lead to trouble
in your new post.

We need peace in the East.

That is of great
military importance.

There will be peace.

I cannot spare you
any soldiers. I need them
to maintain order in Africa.

I am depending
upon your reputation.

This time,
use it like a glove,
not as a spear.

The great Caesar flatters me.

Not nearly enough
in view of your
accomplishments in Britain.

You will sail tomorrow night

to convey my felicitations
to King Herod in Galilee

and inform him
taxes are doubled.

From there you will
proceed to Jerusalem.

That will be your headquarters.

Caesar commands, I obey.

Hail Caesar.

COURT ATTENDANT:
Petitioner for
Senator Marcellus Fabius.

Hail Caesar.

A petition from
my nephew Marcellus?

Why does he not
present it himself?

Senator Marcellus Fabius
grieves.

Urgent business in the forum

makes it impossible
for him to present
this petition in person

for the favorable
consideration of
the Mighty Caesar.

Proceed.

"To Caesar Tiberius,
most generous of emperors.

"I humbly solicit
your imperial
permission to marry

"the Princess Salome of Galilee.

"I cast myself on
your royal forbearance

"and ask that you grant
a special dispensation."

Scrivener.

To Senator Marcellus Fabius.

My beloved nephew.

In answer to your petition
that you be permitted

to marry the Princess Salome...

(ENCHANTING
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)

Marcellus, why do
the gods favor you
above all men?

To present you
with so divine
a gift as Salome?

(MUSIC STOPS)

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

What does he say,
Marcellus? Tell me.

"Remember the law,
learned Senator.

"A Roman may marry only a Roman.

"And I need not tell you
the Princess Salome
is held in ill repute."

"Ill repute?"

Because I enjoyed life here?

I knew I should not
have petitioned Caesar.

It has only made
everything worse.

If you love me,
you will not
let him stop us.

You know I want you
with me, always.

But not enough
to disobey Caesar.

Why are you so afraid,
Marcellus?

What can he do?

Take away your possessions?

If so, let him.

He can do worse than that.

He can deprive me of my...

Of your precious Roman rights.

They mean more to you than I do.

I'm only being practical,
Salome.

I could not ask you to
marry me if I had no more
status than a slave.

I would join you as a slave.

But as a Roman, I...
Salome, wait.

This is for you.

(GASPS)

"From Emperor Caesar Tiberius
to Princess Salome of Galilee.

"You have incurred
our imperial displeasure

"by presuming to
exceed your status

"as a barbarian."

"You have tried
our hospitality
beyond our patience.

"Know, therefore,
you are banished
from Rome."

Banished?

"You will sail on a galley
leaving tomorrow night.

"You will be given
safe escort home
to Galilee."

But I have lived in Rome
since I was a child.

Everything that means
home is here.

I know.

So I...

I am banished from Rome

to make certain
that Caesar's nephew
marries a Roman,

not a barbarian.

Please, it is difficult enough.

Is it, Marcellus?

How difficult
if you can let me
go so easily?

There will come
a time when my word
will be law, then...

Then the Princess of Galilee
will reject your petition.

Please.
Do not touch me.

I am a barbarian.
Do not defile your hands.

My noble Roman

with a heart of pure marble.

(SOBBING)
You all come out
of the same quarry.

MAN: Make way
for His Excellency
Pontius Pilate.

Make way. Make way.

Claudius.

Under your command again, sir.

I thought you were
stationed in Galilee.

I was in Rome on leave, sir.

Happy to have you
with me again,
Commander.

Like old times in Britain.

Any more wounds since then?

No, not one, sir.

You will find
your new post
quite different.

I hope what I have
learnt about Galilee and
the people after five years

in the diplomatic service
will be useful to you.

Serve me half as well
as you did in Britain

and we'll keep
those barbarians quiet.

Captain Quintus, sir.

We must cast off
immediately, sir, or lose
the tide until morning.

Sail. I am ready.

There is still
one passenger missing.

What passenger?
Princess Salome.

And who may she be?

King Herod's stepdaughter.

We have orders
from Caesar to
transport her home.

Why is she not here?

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

I follow orders
and I expect others to.

I wait for no one,
least of all a woman.

Perhaps there's
one woman
worth waiting for.

No woman.

Not even that one?

Hmm?

Princess Salome,
His Excellency Pontius...

What impudence.

Claudius,
show me to my quarters.

Your quarters have
just been invaded, sir.

SLAVE MASTER:
Pull that oar harder.
Pull harder.

Shall we find quarters
below deck, sir?

No, I have no stomach
for the perfume
of galley slaves.

I'd rather camp up here.

To give up your quarters
to a Princess of Galilee

is diplomacy of high order, sir.

Protocol dictates
that you go
one step further.

Present yourself
to the Princess.

Welcome her personally
the first night aboard.

Protocol dictates?
I'm a governor.
I dictate.

(WAVES CRASHING)

Then allow me
to relieve you of
an unpleasant duty.

I will present your compliments.

I shall send none to her.

Oh!

It's possible the Princess
did not realize
she had taken your quarters.

Perhaps I could persuade her
to relinquish them.

Perhaps?
Order her out.

Yes, sir.

(CHAINS RATTLING)

Keep the beat.
Keep the beat.

SLAVE MASTER: You there,
put your weight into it.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

The Governor wishes...

The Governor wishes
to extend
his official greetings.

As for taking his quarters,
I must ask you...

Another gallant Roman.

Governors, senators,
commanders, all alike.

Men of iron made to rule.
All heartless liars.

You know Caesar banished me.

And yet you come
to greet me officially,

as a Roman of pure
blood to a barbarian.

What else, unofficially?

I assure you,
my intentions were...

I am not interested
in your intentions.

All I want is no Roman near me.

No Roman anywhere near me.

I will remain in this
cabin for the remainder
of the journey.

I want nothing
to do with
any of you,

and I expect that
courtesy to be returned.

I will have your wish
carried out.

All Romans onboard
will avoid you.

On no condition
will any Roman
speak to you,

not one word onboard ship

or on the overland journey home.

Well, Commander?

I regret to say that
I could do nothing, sir.

Did you order her out?

In the name of Your Excellency.

And she still refused to go?

She ordered me out, sir.

(LAUGHING)
Did she, Claudius?

The most important
man in Galilee

who knows just
how to handle
these barbarians.

I'm afraid the Princess
is beyond diplomacy, sir.

However, I shall not
give up the struggle.

Put your weight into it.
You there, pull harder.

I hope your mistress
is in a better humor
this morning.

Sir, the Princess would
like to take a bath.

My permission is
not necessary for that.

Sir, her bathtub
has been put away with
her other possessions.

The Princess requests you
to send it to her with
enough water to bathe in.

The ocean is full of water.

No ocean water.

Drinking water?
You can tell her...

Allow me to handle this, sir.

(SCOFFS)

Ocean water.

Did you not tell
the Commander...
I did tell the Commander.

SALOME: Remind him I do
not want a Roman in here.

I can bathe without
his supervision.

Tell him to leave.

SERVANT: Sir, the Princess
wishes you to leave.

Now, get out.

Pull that oar harder.
You there, pull harder.

Faster.

You there, back there.
Harder.

(GASPING) Water.

Water.

SLAVE MASTER:
Put your weight into it.

Keep the beat.

SLAVE: Water.

Water.

Water.

I wish you were as concerned
with my comfort, Commander.

(COUGHING)

Why waste a slave?

Why not?
The world's full of them.

Land ho!

Land ho!

Tell your mistress
the litter is ready.

I will not be shaken
in that, that...

Inform her it is
the only litter
I could find.

Tell the Roman
I would rather
walk than...

Instruct your mistress
to lean forward.

She will be shaken less.

Also, tell her not to
drink so much water.
It will make her ill.

(LAUGHING)

I baptize you with water.

He that cometh after me
is mightier than I,

whose shoes
I am not worthy to bear.

He will baptize you
with the Holy Ghost,
with fire.

What is it?
A meeting of
some kind, sir.

Their leader was
sprinkling water
on their heads.

Well, cut them out
of the way. I intend to
camp on the other side.

Yes, sir.

(SHOUTING)

(PEOPLE EXCLAIMING)

We are here to hallow
the name of the Lord.

Let your faith be your shield.

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

Tyrants of Rome!

Those who live in hatred
and strife shall
vanish from the universe!

The day shall come
when Roman spears
shall be turned into dust!

Silence that traitor.

The stormers shall be consumed.

And all the evildoers
shall be destroyed!

The enslavers of
the world shall soon
be broken on the wheel

of the...
Don't kill that man!

Go on, quick.
Get away from here.

You sent for me, sir?
Yes.

I am informed that you
countermanded my order.

Why? I said that traitor
was to be silenced.

Sorry, sir. I did not
hear your order.

That man the guard
almost killed was
John the Baptist, a prophet.

His death would
stir up the populace.

Then the rabble-rouser
has lived too long.

Sir, heed my advice.
I know these people,

how they regard a holy man.

They will not tolerate
harm to a prophet.

Why court trouble?

Caesar commanded us
to keep the peace.

Let me help you keep it

until you become familiar
with the nature of the enemy.

(PEOPLE HUMMING)

Who was that?
The Commander.

What is that singing?

The religious people
on the other side
of the Jordan.

Strange.

It is like I have
never lived here at all.

ALL: * Hallelujah

* Hallelujah

Claudius.

I did all I could to stop them.

I know.

Pilate, the new governor,
is a ruthless soldier.

You must not speak
against Rome where your
enemies can hear you.

I can no longer retreat
into the wilderness. Next,
I will preach in the city.

No, it is too dangerous.
Wait until
you have more followers.

There is no time to wait.
The Kingdom of Heaven
is at hand.

The people must know
that there is hope.

John, stay out of the city.

You will have no protection.

The Lord will protect me.

How?

Will He send
a thousand swords
to guard you?

Claudius, in time you will learn

to put all your faith
in the Lord.

I know it will come,

even as it came to you
after many years of killing,

that the way of the
conqueror is wrong.

If I could reach
more Roman hearts.

If they were as open as yours

is to the horror
of slaughter
and slavery.

You'll reach no one
by inviting death.

And you embrace it
by speaking in the city.

When I do, do not risk
your life for me
as you did today.

If Rome learns you follow me,
you will end on the rack.

You taught me a man
must serve his faith.

Yes, but there are
many ways to serve.

Never with a sword.

Now go before you are missed.

Stay. It's deadly.
Do not move.

Why are you so bitter
against all Romans?

Because I know what a Roman is.

Tell me.

A heartless shell
of a man
ruled by Caesar.

You condemn every Roman
because Caesar banished you?

Do you know why he did?

No matter why.

Because I loved a Roman once.

But he chose Caesar
instead of a barbarian.

I would make no such choice.

And I would not love
a Roman ever again.

(PEOPLE CHEERING)

(TRUMPETING)

It's a Roman caravan.

Prepare to receive them.

Your Majesty,
Princess Salome
is in the caravan.

My daughter?

Make all preparations
to welcome her.

(WOMEN CHATTERING)

I am to attend your needs.

Take me to your king.
I will convey your message.

Your Majesty.
My dear Commander,

welcome back to Galilee.
I am very happy to be here.

I trust you relaxed
properly in Rome.

I shall enjoy hearing
of your conquests
as if they were my own.

You must give me
an account in detail,
my dear Commander.

In detail.

I have nothing to recount
that would be of interest
to Your Majesty.

You came back
with an escort befitting...

Befitting a new governor.
Pontius Pilate.

Pilate?
He is now the Governor
of these provinces.

I bring you
his felicitations and his
request for an audience

at your earliest convenience.

At his convenience, no doubt.

What an undeserved
honor, Caesar sending
so great a soldier

to govern our poor provinces.

To what do we owe this favor?

I'm sure the Governor Pilate
will prefer to enlighten you
himself.

He has enlightened me
regarding his taste in women.

Pilate conquers supremely.
A jewel like that, incredible.

Who is she?

Princess Salome.

My stepdaughter?

Salome.
Mother.

(EXCLAIMS)
What a heaven-sent surprise.

Let me look at you.

Why, just yesterday
you were the child
I sent to Rome.

You are just
as I remember
you, Mother.

(CHUCKLES)

Come, you must be exhausted.

Why did you not
dispatch word that
you were coming?

I would have sent
the palace guard
to meet you.

Although your escort
would do honor to
a Roman emperor's daughter.

I knew that when you came home

it would be with the best
that Rome could give.

I knew that only in Rome
would you find happiness.

No, Mother.

I made the mistake
of wanting to marry
a Roman

and Caesar banished me.

A daughter of the Herods
banished from Rome?

Mother, forgive me.

HERODIAS:
What is it?
Your Majesty,

the King requests an audience.

Tell His Majesty...
No, wait,
I will tell him.

Take the Princess to her room.

I will present you
to the King later.

HERODIAS: This is
the first time in years
you have entered my chamber.

I came to welcome your daughter.

After all,
I have not seen her
since she was a child.

And you cannot wait
to see what a difference
the years have made.

I can imagine
the difference,
my dear.

I know it is useless
to assure you,

but only my sense
of duty brings me here.

Certainly not your duty
as my husband.

Where is she?
I have other matters
to attend to.

She is indisposed.

Convey my regrets.

And I suggest
that you do not
keep her indisposed

for the dinner tonight
in honor
of the new Governor.

Your Majesty's
trusted counselor.

I have just learnt
that Caesar has appointed
a new governor.

The King told me.
Well?

Does it seem strange
to you that my husband
should come in here?

Why?
I only meant that...

No need to spare me,
my dear Counselor.

We have no secrets
from each other.

The King did not
come to see me,
but my beautiful daughter.

Beautiful?
Like no other.

A rare beauty in the palace.

Micha?
Your Majesty.

I wonder,
should beauty be wasted
or used for a purpose?

Strange.

The identical question
crossed my mind.

Would you say
that I have done
everything I could

to protect my daughter
from the King?

Well, you could do no more.

Sending her to Rome
to keep her
far from the King.

And now that she is near him,

and his appetite
has grown much keener...

Much keener, Your Majesty.

Could her return
not be used
to my advantage?

It is quite within
the realm of possibility.

Your Majesty,
may I suggest,
for your sake,

that you lose no time
in using that advantage.

Yes, Micha.

Why is the Princess not here?
Her absence is an insult.

Felicitations from
Caesar Tiberius.

Your Excellency.

Your Majesty,
this is my daughter.

I remember the child.

The blossom does
justice to the bud.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Or should I say,
the radiant flower
that bloomed in Rome,

beautiful beyond
my expectations?

Is Your Excellency
ready to dine?

Splendid. As tasty
as anything in Rome.

You have not
eaten anything,
my dear. You know,

I owe your mother
an enormous debt.

She sent you to Rome
when you were a child.

We shall have all the pleasure
of becoming acquainted now.

After Rome,
I'm afraid you'll find
life very dull here.

Of course, I shall do
my feeble best to amuse you.

Like hunting?

Boating?

I'll order a royal barge
from the Egyptians.

Your Majesty need not trouble.

I will find ways
to make the time pass.

I'll help you.

Yes, Captain?

We have no secrets
before His Excellency,
the Governor. What is it?

Your Majesty,
the Baptist
is in the city.

Word is about
that he will speak in
the marketplace tomorrow.

The Baptist?

Was that not the rabble-rouser
who was in our way
at the River Jordan?

Yes, sir.

Have you any orders,
Your Majesty?

No. Let him speak.

So, you allow
troublemakers
to speak out?

Your Excellency,
he is a peaceful man.
He causes no trouble.

He is a menace,
Your Excellency.
He threatens...

The Queen exaggerates
the importance
of a simple preacher.

He denounces
the House of Herod
in the name of religion.

Your Excellency will agree,

anyone who scorns the throne
should be silenced.

This man says
nothing against us.

He speaks against Rome.
I heard him.

Rome nails every traitor
to a cross, crucifies them
by the thousands,

so that the rabble
may know their master.

And yet you let
a traitor speak out.

Your Excellency, I am king here.

Thus far, I have
ruled without adding
to Caesar's troubles.

Where else does sedition lead?

The Baptist is harmless.
Nobody listens to him
but a few beggars.

If I were to stop him,
the word would spread that
I interfere with religion.

That will inflame the people.

You must allow me
to keep order
in my own way.

Very well.
Keep order your way.

But no one is to speak
against Rome.

That is my responsibility.

And yours alone.

Should you be
unable to cope
with any disturbances,

the Commander here
will report it to me.

I start early tomorrow
for Jerusalem.
I must retire.

So, you would even enlist
the Romans against me?

HERODIAS: To save us both.
HEROD: You mean,
to save yourself.

We were speaking.
What were we speaking
about, my dear?

If Your Majesty will
excuse me, the journey
was exhausting.

Remember, you march early.

SALOME: Commander.

You have been here
for many years. I'm sure
nothing has escaped you.

Who is this John the Baptist?

A prophet.
A prophet?

But why is my mother
so afraid of him?

And the King,
he seems just
as terrified.

What is happening here?
Why does he denounce them?

I understand
he preaches
a new religion.

My mother says
he scorns the throne.

He speaks of a different world
founded on justice and mercy.

Justice and mercy.

Strange words from a Roman.

Those are the words
of the Prophet.

As you say,
nothing escapes
a man in my position.

The truth about him
certainly appears
to have escaped you.

PILATE: Claudius!

You were supposed
to meet me
for final instructions.

Must she always take
precedence over me?

No such danger.

I shall arrange
for your departure
immediately, sir.

Princess, Princess.

Princess, please do not
go to the marketplace.
It is dangerous.

Is the guide here?
He is waiting
at the terrace.

Come.

JOHN: Run to and fro through
the streets, searching
the great plains for one man

who seeketh the Lord.

For verily I say unto you,

the Heaven of which I speak
can be found here on Earth

if we live like children of God

and not like beasts of prey
as those that rule you now.

People of Galilee,

Herod is an alien king!

He is descended
from a desert tribe
of heathens!

He was not born
in the faith
of our fathers.

Though he may
profess to believe,

he makes a mockery
of the Lord's Commandments.

Rulers who do not observe
the laws of God can only
bring disaster to the people.

Pay the House of Herod
no tribute!

Do not let them
proceed to new crimes,

or misery and destruction
shall fall upon thee,

and not a stone of thy house
shall remain unmolested.

For as certainly
as all rivers
rush to the ocean,

the day of justice
shall come, for the cup
of despair brims over.

Iniquity sits upon the throne!

The King has forsaken
the people
for wine and harlots!

And the Queen lives in sinful
luxury with no heart for
the afflictions of the poor.

Her wickedness and her evil...

You will not say
that of the Queen.

I will speak against sin!

She has done nothing.

She is an adulteress!

That is a lie. A lie.

She has turned
from her husband
to marry his brother.

She scorns the law
that was given to us.

The law. Words!

She has harmed no one.

She has brought injury
to all the people.

By placing herself above
the law, she has destroyed
the equality of justice!

I will have you silenced.

Daughter of Herodias!

Yes, I am her daughter.

Heed me, Galileans.

Do not visit the sins
of one generation
upon another.

Daughter of Herodias,
I know your heart
speaks for your mother,

but let it not blind you
to the evil of her ways.

Though you are
of her flesh and blood,
your soul is your own.

Abide not her wickedness.

Where have you been
dressed like that?

At the marketplace.

I heard the Baptist speak.

How I hoped you would
never hear him.

He has made my life a misery.

Why does the King
allow him to humiliate you?

He's afraid to stop him.

Afraid?

But why should
the King be afraid of...

Because of a prophecy made
in the time of his father,
Herod the Great.

What prophecy?

"If a king
of the House of Herod
harms a messiah,

"he will die in agony."

The King thinks
the Baptist
is the Messiah.

He fears if he harms him,

he will die in terrible
pain like his father.

That a king could
believe such things

and permit anyone
to speak against you.

And call for my death.

No, Mother.
He did not incite
the people to harm you.

He calls me an adulteress.

There is only
one punishment
for this crime,

to be stoned
by the people.
Stop.

But you are innocent.

I have broken
a senseless law and for
that they want me to die.

Mother.

Mother, leave this place.
I will go with you anywhere.

I cannot leave Galilee.

But what is to keep you here?
The King?

Not the King, the throne.

The throne.
What does it matter when
your life is in danger?

The throne is more
than life to me.

It is the legacy
I leave you,
my daughter.

You will be the next queen.

The throne will be yours,
but only if I guard it
for you.

I will suffer anything
so that you may inherit it.

I will endure
a loveless marriage,
humiliation by a madman,

even stoning.

(CRYING)

Therefore, Rome may expect
the following yield in taxes.

From the Province...

I did not mean to disturb you.

We will continue later.

I'm sorry
for my rudeness
last night.

Then you no longer
hate all Romans?

Not all Romans.

What is it?

Tell me.

How much do you love me?

What is the measure of love?

What is asked of another

and what is granted.

Anything.

One favor.
Anything you ask.

Is that a promise?
Yes.

Help me save my mother.
Arrest the Baptist.

That I cannot do.

Why not?
I cannot interfere.

You can stop him.
I can do nothing.

I could report it
to Pontius Pilate,
but arrest him?

I have no such authority.

You mean you do not
want to use it.

You're late, my dear Counselor.

My daughter has already
informed me of what was
said in the marketplace.

Did she also inform you
that the Baptist
will speak again tonight?

Tonight!

Even now
they are gathering
to hear him.

He'll rave until the stones
are hurled against me.

What else can happen
when the people see
he's not punished?

If no retribution comes,

the rabble can only
regard it as a token
of the King's approval.

I fear so, Your Majesty.

He must be stopped tonight.

Then will your daughter
persuade the King?

She cannot be rushed
into Herod's arms.

It'll take time
and there is no time.

Micha, you will silence him.

Your Majesty, I must remind you.

The assassination
of John the Baptist may...

The King will suspect you
and in his anger he may...

It is a risk I must take.

The desperate can
only survive by taking
desperate measures.

Your Majesty.

The crooked paths
shall be made straight,

and the rough ways
shall be made smooth

so that we shall receive
the salvation of God.

The day has come when men
must cease to march
from one evil to another

and know not the Lord.

It is true we live in times
of violence, when men are
turned against each other.

But since the same
God is our father,

and we have the same destiny,

we are all brothers.

And that is our great hope,
that humanity will prevail.

When men see that hatred
and fear are the mutual
enemies of mankind...

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

Guards!

Guards!

Guards!

An assassin tried
to kill John the Baptist.

Arrest him
and take him to the King
and he will reward you.

Speak up, wretch,
while you still
have a tongue.

Your loyalty is commendable.

Place it at the service
of your king and you will
be repaid with your life.

Who hired you?

I asked you to be present

because your ear
is keener than mine
to palace intrigue.

Whom do you suspect?

Your Majesty,
I couldn't even
venture a guess.

Not one?

It must be somebody
close to the throne,
very close,

who knows what
the Prophet's death must
mean to me. Do you agree?

Perhaps it was thought
a service, not an injury
to Your Majesty.

Then help me reward
my loyal servant.

Have you no recommendation?

If I knew, I would
reward him myself.

Well, wretch.
Still dumb?

Perhaps the rack
will oil the hinges
of your tongue.

Out with him.

It is late
and I'm tired.
If that is all?

That is not all.

It was your hand
behind that dagger.
Yours and yours alone.

It appears you think
I had good cause.

If you ever try
to harm him again...

You threaten me?

You will learn
that I am king here.

I command who lives
and who dies.

And the Prophet must live.

Why?
Because you are mad?

Mad, am I?

You let him bring
the House of Herod
down on our heads.

I will bring it down
on yours if you do not
get out of my sight.

Now, get out!

She will murder him, I know it.

She will hire assassin
after assassin until one
of them strikes him down.

You must protect him, sire.

How?

She will contrive his death.

And when the Messiah dies
at the hands of a Herod,

I will die.

What am I to do?
Am I to wait like a lamb
for my own slaughter?

Why does the Prophet
visit me with worse
than the tribulations of Job?

Why does he preach
against me, too?
What harm have I done him?

Does he not know
I want to protect him?

(SIGHING)

Wait, yes,

I will have him
brought before
my ministers.

Would you try a holy man?

Is a prophet
above the law
he upholds?

This Prophet has spoken
against his sovereigns.

Let him answer for his treason.

Sire, to what end?
Would you sentence him?

Bring the prophecy to pass?

I have found a way
at last to make the Prophet
come to terms with me.

To what terms
can a prophet
come with a king?

You will see.

Captain, have
John the Baptist brought
before me in the morning.

Sire, what are you doing?
What is your intention?

You will learn tomorrow.

MAN 1: Release the Baptist!

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

WOMAN:
The Baptist has
done no wrong!

He has committed no crime!

MAN 2: Down with
the House of Herod!

Mother.

WOMAN:
Release the Baptist.
Free him!

MAN 2:
He has committed
no crime!

I cannot believe it.

MAN 3: Free the Baptist!

Forgive me
for last night.
Forgive you?

You had him arrested.
You knew what
it meant to me.

Thank you.

You have been brought here
to answer charges of treason.

Who bears witness against me?

The people of Galilee.

I see no one here of the people.

You see my ministers
who represent the people.

They accuse you of arousing
the people to overthrow
the House of Herod.

I do not speak for violence.

Only evildoers
must resort to force.

You call for violence
by denouncing the throne.

I call upon the people
to pay no tribute
to iniquitous rulers.

Then you would have
another king in my place?

Yes.

One who would rule
with godliness,
with justice and mercy.

You admit allegiance
to someone other
than His Majesty?

The one I acknowledge is
above all kings on Earth.

Then he's mightier
even than Caesar?

(ALL LAUGHING)

He is the King of kings.

He will make all the Caesars
and the Herods tremble.

He will raise the yoke
from the oppressed,
right all wrongs,

bring a day of judgment
upon the evil masters
of the world.

And who is this King of Kings?

He is the Messiah.

But you are the Messiah.

You then are the king
who sets himself above me.

(ALL CLAMORING)

He does not declare
himself the Messiah.

Elder, I have never
told the people
I am the Messiah,

only that the Lord
has sent me to awaken
the conscience of mankind

to the coming of the Holy One.

Many people who hear you
denounce me,
say you are the Messiah.

Then I have failed him
who follows me,

for I have not
prepared the way
as I should have done.

What is your judgment?

Your Majesty,
he acknowledges a king
higher than you.

(ALL EXCLAIMING)

He is guilty of treason.

(ALL SHOUTING)

You are twisting his words
to suit your purpose.

What is the recommendation
of my ministers?

He must be punished
like all traitors.
He must die.

To the cross with him.
To death.

He must die.
Death to the traitor.

Take him to the cross.
We must be rid of him.

My judges
have pronounced
sentence upon you.

You pronounced it.
The guilt is yours
and yours alone.

You have made
a mockery of justice
by trying a righteous man.

Enough.

Hear me,
your religious counselor,
before it is too late.

You know that you were
not born in the faith
of our people.

Do not offend them
by committing sacrilege
against what they hold sacred.

You have already turned
their hearts against you

by breaking the Law of Moses.

Do not turn
the hand against you
by murdering a holy man.

Enough, I said.

I will pray for you.

Pray for them, Elder,

for the Lord is beside me.

You have heard
the judgment
of my ministers.

If you plead for mercy
and if I grant it...

I will plead for your soul.

(ALL SHOUTING)

Generation of vipers!

Do what you will with me,

but a day of judgment
is coming that will
swallow up all evildoers.

Vengeance will be the Lord's.

(ALL SHOUTING)

Clear the room.

Do not touch him.
Get out.

You see how your enemies
are arrayed against you,

and the Queen would
assassinate you.

All in power stand
to murder you
were it not for me.

Have you tried me
to prove your friendship?

Yes. I am your only protector.

I, and I alone,
can save you now.

All I ask is that
you do not denounce me
before the people.

You cannot buy
silence with my life.

Say what you will
outside of Galilee.

Promise me never to return
and I'll set you free.

My mission is here.

Then speak only of religion.

Leave the House
of Herod to itself.

I cannot,

for it stands on
a foundation of sin.

And I have been
ordained to root out sin,

offer repentance
to all who will listen.

I offer it to you now.

Return to God.

How?

Give up the throne.

No, that I cannot do.
It is my life.

I speak of a life everlasting.

Seek repentance.

I will not give up the throne.

And I cannot allow you
to preach against me
any longer.

I will place you under
guard here in the palace
where you can do no harm.

Guards.

You will find no peace
in my imprisonment.

Only the Lord can ease
the terrible burden
of evil on your soul.

Take him!

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

Elder, what has
happened to our Prophet?

What has the King done with him?

Will he harm him?

He has imprisoned him.

We will free him.

Abide in peace.
Nothing will be
gained by violence.

Your Majesty,
this is more
than a suggestion.

Peace must be maintained.

I demand you
release the prisoner.

This does not concern Rome.

Whatever threatens
the peace
concerns Rome.

The peace is not threatened.

Every minute
you keep
the Baptist

increases the danger
of bloodshed and disorder.

There is less danger now.

You removed this man
from his followers.

I will treat him well.

He can have anything he desires.

Anyone can see him, anyone.

He is still your prisoner.
The people will rise.

I will put them down.

Commander,
you have no authority
to force his release.

Saddle three horses.
We leave for
Jerusalem immediately.

Claudius.

Why does the Princess
call the Roman?

Where is he going?

Does that matter?

I found him
more of a friend
than anyone here.

My dear, in what way
have I been remiss?

You allowed a madman
to inflame the people
against my mother.

The Commander had him arrested.

Is that what he said?
The lying dog of a Roman.

Claudius wanted me to free him.

Free him?

The Roman pleaded, ranted,
threatened, did all he could
to make me release him.

It was I who
ordered him arrested.

I'm sorry
to disillusion you,
my dear.

I lost my illusions
about Romans long ago.

Splendid.

To be a realist
is the beginning
of wisdom.

And the wise know that
nothing matters except to
find pleasure in the present.

How little
I've seen of you
since your return.

I've hardly had a chance
to welcome you home.

For the homecoming
of a princess.

Your Majesty is most generous.

Please wear this
at the banquet in
the honor of my birthday.

I should be giving
His Majesty a gift,
not receiving one.

Your presence
will be the most
precious gift of all.

Let's see if the artisan
has done justice
to your beauty.

No silk
nor spun gold
can compare.

Your Majesty,
I cannot wear this.

Why not?

It is more fitting
you give it to the Queen.

It is mine to give as I wish.

Not mine to accept.

Then wear it for me.
Let it be
a token between us,

that you may know how much...

How much you please me.

Allow the Queen
to please Your Majesty.

Am I to be denied
what I want above all,

one woman with whom
I can find forgetfulness?

Your Majesty
takes much for granted
even though he is king.

And he forgets
the Queen
is my mother.

Why should you
want to interfere?

Herod has good cause
to imprison
this rabble-rouser.

The arrest of John the Baptist
may have serious consequences.

It might start a rebellion
that would spread
throughout the provinces.

You must order his release.

Claudius, as a Roman,
I would expect you
to ask for his execution.

Your Excellency,
we've served together
for many years.

May I speak frankly?

I never thought
you spoke otherwise.

Rome cannot go on
as it has, ruling with
a sword and the whip.

If we are to survive, we must
recognize that a new force
is coming into the world.

New force?

The religion of this prophet,
it will bring hope
to the conquered.

It will bring peace to all men

by teaching every man
how to live at peace
with his neighbors.

This faith will march
across the world

and win men
where Rome could
only conquer them.

Caesar is the only faith
possible for a Roman.

I believe the religion
of this prophet will
surge over the Earth.

Become his protector,
and you would
achieve immortality.

Yes, immortality.
Think of it.

Your name will be inscrolled
on the pages of history.

Your name will ring
down through the years.

Pontius Pilate,
the first champion
of a new religion.

Immortality...

In a few years from now
we shall all be dust
and forgotten,

no matter what we do here.

The name of Caesar will live on.

But Pontius Pilate?
(SCOFFS) Never.

The God of the Baptist
is eternal.

Ally yourself with Him
and your name will never die.

A new religion
that will march
across the world.

A God that is eternal.

You've been here for years.
And I, only a few weeks.

Yet I already
know this country
better than you.

It's ridden with prophets.

Right here in Jerusalem,

there's a carpenter
that even claims
he's the Son of God. Yes.

They call him a Man of Miracles.

Miracles?

They say he can
make the lame walk,
the blind see.

And if the rabble in Jerusalem
wish to believe such
idiotic nonsense, let them.

But I will not tolerate anyone

denouncing Rome
under the cloak
of religion.

And this, your prophet does.

Your Excellency...
Claudius.

How can you ask for
his release, knowing
that he's a traitor?

I cannot understand a valiant
soldier and a brilliant
officer turning to treason.

I've found a greater
loyalty than Rome.

Humanity.

Were I not your friend,

had we not fought many
battles together, shared
many dangers in the field,

were I not mindful
of how bravely you
served me and Rome,

I would be compelled
to execute you for treason.

However,
I must relieve you
of your post.

I will not place you
under arrest,

but I cannot permit you
to return to Galilee.

You will stay here in Jerusalem

until we have word
of a galley
leaving for Rome.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Claudius.

I'm sorry, Claudius.

Claudius.

The last remains
of the Ninth Legion.

Come. Join us.
We are on our
way to my villa.

No, wait. Tell me,

do you know this carpenter
who claims to be
the Son of God?

You mean the Man of Miracles?

The great healer
who cures everything
just by touching you?

(CHUCKLES) They say
he turned water into wine
at a wedding in Cana.

Imagine the money
he would save us.

(LAUGHING)
Come with us.

Wait. Where's he now?

I heard he went to Bethany.
Why? Do you want to see him?

Bethany?

(GASPS) I can see.

I can see.

I can see.

I can see.
I can see.

I can see.

I can see.

(TRUMPETING)

MAN 1: Down with
the House of Herod!

WOMAN 1: Free the Baptist!

MAN 2: The Baptist
has done no wrong!

(ALL CLAMORING)

Release the Baptist!

The Baptist must go free!

WOMAN 2: Down with
the House of Herod!

MAN 3: The King is a heathen!

What is it, Your Majesty?

My affectionate subjects
helping us celebrate
the event of my birth.

They seem quite threatening
in their affections,
Your Majesty.

Let us go on with the feast.

(ENCHANTING
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)

MAN 1: Down with
the House of Herod!

MAN 2: Death to the Queen!

WOMAN 1: The Queen
is an adulteress!

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

WOMAN 2: Death to the Queen!

Your Majesty,
I've never seen
the rabble in such a mood.

The stupid fools.

They will soon learn
how I reward those
who threaten.

MAN: Death to the Queen!

Micha, stand back.
They'll break
into the palace.

They'll stone me.

Nothing but my death
will satisfy them.

Micha, go quickly.
Try to pacify them.

WOMAN 1: Down with
the House of Herod!

Salome.

Careful! A stone
raised may strike you.

Mother, we cannot stay here.

We must stay here.

If I let that
rabble depose me,
you will be next.

Your life means
more to me than...

I will not let them deprive
my daughter of her heritage
after all I've sacrificed.

Listen to them.
And you speak of...

I speak of your future.

My child, your destiny.

The rabble is nothing
without a leader.

MAN 1: Free the Baptist!

If I could make the King
destroy the Baptist
before it is too late...

There is a way, yes, yes.

One possible way
to save the throne.

Salome, you alone
could accomplish it.

But what can I do?

Prevail upon the King
to destroy the Baptist.

But how can I?

You can persuade him.

How?

With your matchless beauty.

Dance for him tonight.

Dance for him?

Mother, you know a woman
who dances for the King

becomes his possession.

Yes, I know the custom.

You would have me
give myself to...

For the throne, yes.

MAN 1:
The Baptist must go free!

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

MAN 2:
Release the Baptist!

The King is a heathen!

WOMAN 1: Romans! Romans!

Heathen! Roman heathen!

(CRYING)

Why are you crying?

Take me away from here.
Claudius,
please take me away.

Do you really want to leave?

Yes. Yes.

There's something
I want you to hear.

Something you must
know about me.

Then we can go away together.

What is it?

Come with me.

Where is the Princess?
You keep her from me.

Command her to appear.

Command her yourself.

(LAUGHING)

I bear strange tidings.
Such strange tidings.

While in Jerusalem,
I heard them speak

of a prophet
who performs miracles.

If true, this would
be great tidings.

I heard them say this
prophet brings sight
to the blind, heals the sick.

That he fed
thousands of the poor

with no more than
a few loaves
of bread to divide.

I went to Bethany
where I was told
he had gone.

Just outside Jerusalem,

I saw a procession
such as I have never
seen following one man.

The lame, the halt,
the blind followed him.

Those whose back
were bent from years
under the yoke,

those whose heads
were bowed from years
of shame, they followed him.

And many who were skeptical,
who came to scoff at him,

they too followed him.

I joined this procession.

We followed him to a tomb

where lay a man
called Lazarus,
four days dead.

The sister of Lazarus,
who believed,

had begged him
to raise her brother
from the dead.

I heard him say to her,

"I am the resurrection,
and the life.

"He that believeth in me,
though he were dead,
yet shall he live.

"And whosoever liveth
and believeth in me,
shall never die."

He said that, I heard him.

And then he went to the tomb,

and while others
rolled back the stone,

he raised his head and prayed.

He said,
"Father, I thank thee
that thou hast heard me,

"and I know that
thou hearest me always,

"but because of
the people that stand by,

"I said it,
that they may believe
that thou hast sent me."

And when he said this,
he cried out
in a loud voice,

"Lazarus, come forth."

And Lazarus came out
of the tomb. I saw him.

I saw a man who had
been dead four days,
walk out of his grave.

All of us fell on our knees.

And then he told Lazarus
to remove the shroud
and rejoin the living.

And what had
been a corpse
became a man again.

Not only did I see Lazarus
raised from the dead,

but I spoke to him.
I talked to him myself.

The one who called him
back from the grave

was named Jesus.

My kinsman, Jesus.

The Messiah.

When I baptized him,
I heard a voice
from Heaven, saying,

"This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased."

I spoke to this Jesus.

I told him that
you were imprisoned.

He said he would
come to Galilee.

I shall never see Jesus again.

I will free you
before he gets here.

I do not fear death.

All my life
I have been surrounded
by wickedness.

I have lived by false standards.

I've held myself
unaccountable to anyone.

And I have known evil.

For the first time,
I see there is good
in the world.

To see good
is to be awakened
to the Lord.

Know that my blessings
follow both of you,
all your days on Earth.

Go in peace.

Go.

How can you possibly save him?

I still command
the Palace Guards.

But Herod's soldiers
fill the palace.
You cannot.

It is the only way.

No.

There is a more
certain way.
How?

I will dance for the King.

And I will make him
free the Baptist.

Dance for the King?
Do you realize...

He will never possess me.

No.

No, I will not have you
dance for him.
Prepare to leave.

I will free the Baptist
and then come for you.

Rebecca, come with me.
Yes, Princess?

(PEOPLE EXCLAIMING)

I have orders
from His Excellency
the Governor.

Release him.

I can only release
the prisoner by orders
of His Majesty the King.

(ENCHANTING
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)

I'd give half my kingdom.

No, give me
the head
of the Baptist.

(SOLDIERS SHOUTING)

MICHA: Guards!

Guards!

(MUSIC STOPS)

(SCREAMING)

(GASPS)

Away!

(GASPING)
My mother,

that I should be
of your flesh and blood.

I never want to look
upon your face again.

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

Listen, do you hear?

I could open the gates
and let the populace
tear you apart.

I could run my sword
through both of you.

But that would make
too quick an end. No.
Live. Live in torture.

May the blood of the man
you murdered rise
in your throats to choke you.

(LAUGHING)

Ezra.

HEROD: Ezra!

...be with us,
God of Mercy,
be with us.

JESUS: Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them that hate you,

and pray for them

which despitefully use you,
and persecute you.

That you may be the children
of your Father
which is in Heaven,

for He maketh his sun
to rise on the evil
and on the good,

and sendeth rain
on the just
and on the unjust.

Blessed are the poor
in spirit, for theirs is
the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall
possess the Earth.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are they who hunger
and thirst for justice,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called
the children of God.

Blessed are they who suffer
persecution for justice sake,

for theirs is
the Kingdom of Heaven.