Original subtitles

(sombre music)

(dramatic music)

- [Narrator] And upon the blood of Caligula,

there is a bitter struggle

between emperors and empresses in a monstrous game

of ambition, violence and abuse of power.

It is an age when men's lives are worthless,

an age in which corruption and treachery

become the law of existence

and Messalina, with her hatreds and her passions,

is the symbol of this epoch.

- Sulpitius!

- I've been waiting a long time.

This place is too dangerous for me.

- [Messalina] But tell me the news.

- Claudius.

Claudius is to be the new emperor.

That means our plan will be successful.

- Did you speak to him yet?

- The moment for that has not arrived.

It wouldn't be prudent to reveal your name.

But don't worry, you're the only noble Roman

who he does not suspect.

Rome will never again have a Vestal as beautiful as you.

You will be the empress

and the destiny of Rome will be in our hands.

I will be here in six days at the same hour.

(fanfare music)

- A propitious day for my coronation.

(fanfare music)

- May all the gods grant you a happy reign, Claudius.

The soldiers and the people of Rome salute you,

their new emperor.

(metal rhythmic clashing)

(fanfare music)

- [Claudius] The destiny of Rome rests upon my shoulders.

I wonder if I have acted wisely

in accepting so heavy a challenge.

- [Courtier] I know of no other hands but yours able

to guide the fate of the Empire.

- [Claudius] I am not deceived.

The Praetorians have placed me on the throne,

but the aristocrats will try to overthrow me.

Not one of them was here and perhaps

at this moment they are conspiring against me.

- [Courtier] The Senate pronounced you emperor

by acclamation and it will certainly defend your rights.

- [Soldier] They can do nothing against the Legions.

- To govern in the face of intrigues

is an arduous undertaking.

- Don't concern yourself about it, Caesar.

The aristocrats are ambitious, but easily corruptible.

(faint thudding)

(drumming music)

- [Courtier] You're late, Tribune.

Claudius arrived some time ago.

- [Tribune] By the gods, I'm fearful

of these emperors who are too punctual. (laughing)

- I bet one talent on the tall one.

- [Guest] Two talents on the short one.

- Five talents on the tall one.

- [Guest] 10 talents on the short one.

- 20 talents upon me.

Taken?

- Taken. (chuckling)

- With your permission, Divine Claudius.

(laughing)

- [Guest] Hit him!

(crowd chatter)

- Bad investment of good money, huh?

(splashing)

- Come on, pay your debts.

I've earned my money.

- [Guest] There.

- Ah, that's much better.

By the gods, you're rough customers.

- [Guest] Well, let's not lose any time, my friends.

Around us are gathering too many flowers.

- [Guest] In my opinion, you bribed them.

(exotic music)

- Marrying a member of the aristocracy

would be a wise policy indeed, Divine Claudius.

The nobles must give way sooner or later.

And one by one they will come to court.

- These are the advantages.

Now let's think of the disadvantages.

Who is the woman I must put up with by my side?

- I was thinking of Valeria, Valeria Messalina.

I assure you, she is a member of one

of the noblest families in Rome.

She is soon to become a Vestal within a few months.

But if Claudius asks for her hand

- You have spoken before of this young Vestal.

Who is she exactly?

- She's the niece of Augustus Caesar,

the most beautiful woman in the Empire.

- The niece of Augustus Caesar.

I hope she is not as boring as her illustrious ancestor.

- You know that I would never give you bad advice.

- Are you deciding the fate of Rome?

- The emperor is going to marry Valeria Messalina.

- The niece of Augustus.

If this is your desire, Divine Claudius,

may the gods grant you a peaceful life and a long reign.

- To the great Roman Empire!

- And to the strong arms that defend it!

- I need some of those strong arms too, to defend me.

(exotic music)

- Did those rascals leave you all alone?

May I help?

(exotic music)

(giggling)

- [Woman] Oh, you'll tear my peplum.

- It's true I must save the peplum.

Two of us will defend her too well.

- You say such things right here,

beside the temple of Vesta?

- Oh, it's sacrilege.

- [Guest] By the way, don't you have

to attend the Senate tomorrow?

(laughing)

(splashing)

- [Man] I've come to this temple many times

and I can't understand your attitude.

And didn't only distressed.

I can't see why you should refuse.

Is there another man who is keeping you from marrying me?

- No, but I would make you unhappy.

- [Man] And you, Lavinia, don't you have anything to say?

- Valeria feels highly honoured by your request.

You are the most powerful of all the aristocrats.

But Valeria's destiny is dedicated to the goddess Vesta.

- As you wish, Valeria.

For your sake I can only say I do hope you

will never regret your refusal.

- Vestals are daughters of the gods,

and only the gods can bestow power.

- Ambition becomes you Valeria.

To you it is a virtue.

That is why I wanted you to be my wife.

- Come.

(gentle music)

- [Valeria] Who are you?

- The goddess Vesta will never give you love,

and love is the only thing worth living and fighting for.

(Valeria gigging)

- It's very foolish of you to break

into the gardens of Vesta.

If they catch you, they'll kill you.

Go away.

- Perhaps, it'll be worth it.

What is your name?

- [Lavinia] Valeria!

- Valeria.

You're beautiful, Valeria.

My name is Lucius Maximus and being a soldier,

I could love you as nobody else.

- Go away.

A soldier should die in battle,not in the gardens of Vesta.

- When can I see you again?

- [Lavinia] Valeria!

(gentle music)

- In the morning those pine woods are deserted. (giggling)

- [Lucius] I'll be there, waiting for you.

(mysterious music)

- You may refuse the Emperor's offer

by accepting the cloistered life of the Vestals.

It is you who must choose.

- What if I wanted to dispose of my life in another way?

- [Lavinia] It would cause you unhappiness.

Remain here in this temple, Valeria.

The cruel voices of the world do not come here

or the ambitious passions of men.

- No, Lavinia, I can't give up living

and I can't give up loving.

And the glory that I won't have from the gods,

I will have from men.

I decided.

- [Lavinia] May the gods protect you.

(sombre music)

- Valeria!

It's the third morning I've come to the pine woods at dawn

and there have been only swallows there to keep me company.

- Did you really think that I would have come?

Did you forget that I was a Vestal?

- No, but the mother of Romulus and Remus was a Vestal too.

- Why did you come back?

- Because I love you, Valeria.

We were only playing a game the other evening,

but afterwards I realised that it's a game

that can cause suffering.

- Go now.

Go away.

And tomorrow I won't make you wait so long.

(gentle music)

- I've been counting the hours,

(gentle music)

Until I could see you again.

- Let's sit down on the grass.

(gentle music)

You're very brave to defy death for a Vestal.

All my life I dreamed of a man who would really love me,

no matter who I was.

- Was that man very different from me?

- He was you.

- Now let death come.

(dramatic music)

- If I didn't know you, I'd say you were worried

about what's waiting for you in Armenia.

- Yes, I am.

War can be rather unpleasant.

- Oh, Maximus, you're worried

about what you're leaving behind in Rome.

What is her name?

Do I know her?

- No, perhaps I don't know her very well either.

- Come along, you mustn't be so gloomy about it.

Do like me, and don't give it a thought,

and yet I'm leaving my family in Rome,

my wife and two children.

- And you can act so happy?

- Surely, I'm going to find my family in Armenia.

- Well how many families do you have?

- One in every country where I've been stationed.

(fanfare music)

- [Friend] Lucius, we've come to take you with us.

Your friends wanna celebrate your going away.

- No, I can't.

- I see what you mean.

When you refuse a friend's invitation

that means you're going to meet a woman.

- Women where you're going don't have the charms ours do.

- No, it's not what you think, Geta.

- Oh, oh, so it's serious.

- Perhaps it's really serious.

I'm afraid that the Armenian campaign

and a hundred others won't be enough

to make me forget her.

- Has Rome no other soldiers she can send to Armenia?

- [Lucius] It seems not.

- Surely, you're not going to accept it without protest?

- A Roman soldier would never think

of opposing the wishes of his emperor.

Will you wait for me?

- I've spent the most wonderful days of my life with you.

How could I forget you?

- I will count the days and the hours

and every evening we will look up at the same sky.

(dramatic music)

- Divine Claudius, here is the bride whom you have chosen.

The gods could do nothing against your imperial wish.

- Her place is by my side.

Perhaps fate itself has written it thus.

From this day you will share

with me the honours and the burden of the Empire.

And those who come after us will judge

whether we have been worthy of such great power.

- Our descendants will never be able to judge us.

They remember only illustrious men.

They turn them into gods, as they did with Julius Caesar.

- Serenity of reflection is the prerogative

of the world of the future.

Julius Caesar has not yet been judged.

(fanfare music)

- Well, Claudius's bride is young and beautiful.

- A little too young for him,

but it was a clever political move.

- Did you notice?

There wasn't a single aristocrat.

- Why should they come?

To celebrate their own defeat?

(gentle music)

- Leave me.

- Your wish has been faithfully carried out,

Divine Messalina.

The tribune Lucius Maximus is now on his way

to Armenia where I sure he will cover himself with glory.

- And where he will forget about Valeria.

And when he comes back he will love Messalina.

- I made you empress because of your beauty and our love.

Now we will govern Rome despite Claudius and his flatterers.

Claudius experts the gift of the first night.

But for you I am the emperor.

Wait a moment!

Listen to me carefully.

I know you.

Remember to play games with me could be dangerous.

- Are you so sure that you know me?

- I couldn't have chosen better.

You have every one of the qualities I've dreamed of.

- You the emperor, or me the empress?

- That's enough!

Don't dare to challenge me anymore.

I am your emperor.

Don't forget that.

- I won't forget it.

Let's drink to our love and to our power.

- We will make history,

because history is made by courageous men.

- I give you the finest wine in the Empire.

(Sulpitius gasping)

Guards!

Call me Lucius Geta!

(dramatic music)

I was obliged to defend my honor.

But don't tell Claudius until tomorrow,

because tonight is my wedding night.

- Listen.

Listen to that plebeian scum,

shouting and enjoying themselves.

- The new Caesar has been generous with sesterces

for the celebration in honor of his bride.

And then, you know, the poor like a beautiful empress.

She will satisfy them with a plate of beans.

- Beasts.

They're nothing but the wild beasts,

celebrating their own ruin.

Valeria Messalina has betrayed the cause

of all the nobles of Rome.

Hear me, Marcellus,

the cause to which we are dedicated needs your arm today.

We must act now, before the people

proclaim the triumph of the empress.

(mysterious music)

(dramatic music)

- I bet you've been ordered to kill me, haven't you?

Well then, what are you waiting for?

I know what you're thinking.

That it would be madness to kill me.

What's the good of hating, when you can love?

(gentle music)

(gasping)

(dramatic music)

- There are many dangers in Rome.

You are still young and inexperienced.

I wouldn't want you to have any illusions

about your new situation.

You need an ally and a powerful friend at Court.

- Last night that man tried to murder me.

I knew how to defend myself, alone.

I am Caesar's wife and I intend to wield my power alone.

- How many times have you turned

that hourglass, Caius Silius?

Be patient.

- Marcellus is clever, strong, and courageous.

- But the imperial rooms are well-guarded.

- She's here!

Messalina is here.

- Are the Roman aristocrats really afraid

of a young, defenseless woman?

- [Caius] No, none of us is afraid.

We were only worried about Rome.

- Don't be concerned.

Rome is in good hands.

In mine.

Not one of you came to render homage to Messalina.

But Messalina knows how to treat her friends.

And so, I've come to see you myself.

And I've,

I've brought you my gift.

(dramatic music)

(fanfare music)

- [Child] Give me the ball!

- [Child] No;

- [Child] No it's mine!

- [Child] Come on, let me do it.

- Smart huh?

How old are you?

- Seven.

- That's fine.

What's your name?

- Messalina.

- By the gods, from the moment I set in foot in Rome,

I've heard nothing but people talking about Messalina.

- [Woman] There's never been so much grain distributed as

in these days and you ought

to see the spectacles in the circus.

- Don't look for her here.

You know the law.

No one may ever see her.

Go, Lucius Maximus.

Forget about Valeria.

- [Woman] Come, Messalina.

- [Commander] I don't see you smiling, Tribune.

You promised me you'd be happy when you got to Rome.

- I can't believe she shut herself up

in the temple of Vesta.

- Now stop thinking about her, every moment.

Come on, give us a smile, Lucius.

There are a thousand ways and all of them pleasant

to forget about your Valeria.

- Women like Valeria are never forgotten.

- Come on, let's go.

- To the health of Messalina!

To the health of Messalina!

- [Lucius] The empress will live a hundred years

if your invocations are sincere.

- Sincere as this good wine!

They've broached 100 casks tonight.

10 in the Forum!

20 at the circus!

I'm going to run and see

if they're all of the same quality!

Where is my donkey?

Bring one here!

- [Woman] Want a Messalina kiss too?

- [Lucius] No.

- [Woman] What a shame!

- Messa ina's having an ox (mumbles) in Rome.

- What happens when the oxen give out?

- I will roast all the aristocrats.

(laughing)

(crowd chattering)

- [Man] All of them have been with long legs.

(crowd chattering)

- [Man] Come on with us our wine is the best.

(crowd chattering)

- The wine of other countries may have ruined my insides,

but not my muscles.

" Stop!

Stop it (mumbles).

(cheering)

All Rome seems to have lost its head over Messalina.

- A

this hub-bub for a woman.

- Who said something against Messalina?

- He did.

(glass shattering)

(laughing)

(thudding)

(grunting)

- Not bad huh?

(grunting)

(thudding)

- Hey, you?

(thudding)

(woman laughing)

- Come along with us.

(thudding)

(crowd yelling)

Even the Scythians have come to Rome.

- Do the women in Armenia take off their clothes

during the heat of battle?

- [Lucius] I don't know.

He's the one who knows the habits

of the women of every-

- From every point of view,

Armenia has progressed far beyond Rome.

There's always either a holiday or a war.

- [Man] Women and wine are the best remedies for every!

- My shield must deliver more brightly

than the rays of the sun.

When the sky is clouded it is by desire

that if need be in the midst of battle,

it shall dazzle the eyes of my enemies!

Now, now let us console this poor sword

that I hold in my hand.

(crowd laughing)

I do not want it to give way to lamentation

or suffer greatly if it must rest too long

lately in my side.

But I'm far too late.

It dies of desire to make sausage meat of its enemies!

(metal clanking)

Artur Dragos!

Artur Dragos!

- Here I am!

- [Soldier] Artur Dragos!

- Here I am!

(crowd laughing)

I'm right here by the side

of a mighty and lucky hero of glorious royal countenance.

The elephant for example there!

No there!

By (mumbles) sakes, how did you manage

to break his leg with a single blow?

(laughing)

' Ha!

I do not desire to speak of these matters

at this moment.

But in Armenia do you remember 810 was the number

of men I killed in (mumbles).

980 in (mumbles).

40 in Tunisia.

80 Macedonians.

(mumbles) how many is dead?

- 7000!

(laughing)

- [Soldier] Make way!

Make way for the empress' service.

Get out of the way legionary!

Lucius Maximus!

By all the gods!

Your friends have been searching for you

ever since you got back to celebrate your return.

But you disappeared.

I understand.

The great general, the victorious hero

no longer likes the company of us simple mortals.

- I'm glad to see you, Celsus.

- And I you.

The glory of your triumphs has spread everywhere.

- I only had a little luck.

- Praetorian!

A horse for the tribune.

Hurry!

Come with me, we'll enjoy ourselves.

We'll celebrate your return in the manner it deserves.

(crowd chattering)

- [Man] What evil have we done,

we have our rights too.

(mumbles) the empress!

Messalina (mumbles) to this (mumbles).

Monsters!

' [Woman] Help!

Leave those things alone.

(screaming)

They're trying to kill me!

Oh robbers, thieves!

Help, help me!

They're robbing me!

They're taking everything I own!

- [Soldier] Keep still!

Keep still!

Who's trying to kill you?

Keep still!

- [Woman] Let me go!

Let me go!

- [Soldier] Hold still!

- [Woman] Let me go!

Let me go!

- [Soldier] Hold still!

" Stop!

Stop!

Stop all this and let those people go!

Go back, all of you, to your houses.

Do not go away.

The soldiers will not harm you in any way

if you do not act afraid of them.

There is no law in Rome that obliges you

to leave this land.

Go back to your house.

You've been subjected to this treatment for too long now.

The law is on your side.

And in Rome the law is sovereign.

Not even the emperor can break it.

- [Geta] Aulus Celsus!

What are you doing here and at this hour?

- I have chosen the hour and the place best adapted

for opening the people's eyes.

This is just one more abuse in the name of Messalina.

- [Woman] There you see!

They mistreat us because we're the weakest.

- Get on with the evacuations.

You are taking advantage of our friendship.

No other man would still be alive

if he had talked to me like that.

- These lands are being confiscated

so they may be sold tomorrow to Vitellius,

who will pay 3,000 sesterces for them

into the purse of Messalina.

Where do you think she gets the money,

that great empress of yours,

to keep the favour of the common people?

- Be careful, Celsus.

I won't allow this kind of talk.

Another word from you and I shall have to have you arrested.

- Aulus Celsus! Geta!

It's impossible!

It's not right that two old friends like you

should speak to each other in this way.

- It's unbearable to see a friend blind himself

to the monstrous actions of Messalina.

- A

Rome acclaims the empress.

- Not all Rome.

But only part of the plebeians

who don't know the heavy price they will

have to pay for the few handfuls of grain

that Messalina scatters with such a dramatic gesture.

You don't know her.

- But I know Geta.

The rights of the empire can't be constrained by one

little community of miserable wretches.

I'll speak to the emperor.

He is sure to listen to me.

I want you to become friends again.

Just the three of us four years ago.

Am I right, Geta?

- It's difficult, Maximus,

for a dead branch to sprout again.

The friendship between Celsus and me is finished.

- I've learned from my experience as a soldier

if the greater part of the troops complain,

there is something really wrong.

But if it's only a few, you may punish them

without worrying.

The malcontents are almost always in the wrong.

- You said, “Almost always.“

But this time it's not only a few who complain

about our Rome that is so utterly happy.

- Well, what have you decided?

Can we go back home?

Or do we have to go away?

- And who are you?

- I'm one of those that you were quarreling over.

And I want to tell you my opinion.

- Very well, let's hear it.

- If you look at me like that I can't talk.

Do you always stare at women like that?

- And why not?

Do you consider yourself a woman by any chance?

Come along, Celsus.

Let's go back to Rome.

- [Woman] But please tell me what's going to happen to us?

- Don't worry about it.

You will remain in your village.

- [Woman] What did he say?

- [Woman] Tell us what's going to happen?

- [Woman] Are they going to let us stay here?

- [Lucius] Vinicius!

Vinicius!

- [Vinicius] Give me your armor, master.

It's hot today.

- [Lucius] What are you stammering about?

- Oh, stammering.

It's just stumbling over my words.

- Either you've broken something

or you've been robbing me more than usual.

- Oh, master how could you say such a thing about me!

- Why?

It wouldn't be for the first time.

- [Vinicius] Oh, yes, master.

(mysterious music)

- Valeria!

You haven't forgotten me.

How did you know I'd come back?

- Lavinia told me.

She told me you were looking for me in the temple.

So I hurried-

- She told me you'd been made a Vestal.

(gentle music)

- Four years is a long time.

Would you still love me

if the Vestal you once knew no longer existed?

- I would always love you.

(gentle music)

- Would you still love me,

no matter what had happened during these years?

- Your kisses wipe out the past,

no matter what happened.

- Then kiss me.

Kiss me and love me, because I need you.

- [Soldier] I shall.

- Very well.

Hey, Lucius.

Well, which of us have you chosen as a friend?

Me or Aulus Celsus?

- I only want to know how an honorable man like Celsus

and an honorable man like you are not in agreement?

Announce me to the emperor.

- I'll ask the empress to see you.

- I cannot complain to the empress

of an act committed in her name.

- You don't know Messalina.

Come with me.

- [Valeria] The perfumes, Ladia.

- Divinity, I announce the tribune Lucius Maximus.

At your service, Divine Messalina.

- Maximus, come here.

Come closer.

' You?

Messalina?

- Wait.

Come back.

It's not Caesar's wife who commands you.

It's Valeria who begs you.

Please.

' You?

Valeria?

It's impossible.

For four years I have desired a woman who no longer exists.

- For you I'll always be Valeria.

If only you knew how much I longed for you to come back.

- In the arms of Claudius.

- Don't you know a Vestal has no choice in love?

Especially when it's the will of the emperor.

(gentle music)

- I could never live without you.

- What was it you wanted to ask the empress about?

Was it about those lands that were confiscated?

- Yes.

The Praetorian guards are slaughtering people in your name.

They want to burn and destroy

an entire village where poor people are living.

- Your friend Geta is an honorable man,

but as a soldier he knows no gentleness.

- There are a great number of honorable men who hate you.

- I know whom you mean.

But Aulus Celsus is not the only one.

Caius Silius is against me too.

The aristocrats and half the Senate are against me.

They're annoyed with me for trying to help the people.

I had those lands confiscated

because I wanted to give them

to the soldiers of the Armenian wars.

I wanted to give them to your soldiers.

That's why you must stay with me.

You love Valeria.

And now I'll make you love Messalina too.

(mysterious music)

- Who are you?

What is your name?

- You don't need a dagger to receive me.

I am Silius.

Forgive me for coming into your house in this way.

But Rome is full of spies.

No one feels secure anymore.

Not even in his own bed.

- What is the matter, Silius?

- I must give you some bad news, Aulus Celsus.

I have heard that you hoped to have Lucius Maximus

on your side in fighting against Messalina.

I must disillusion you.

Lucius Maximus has been named Consul by Messalina.

- [Celsus] Is that possible?

A man of his type!

Geta!

Geta has persuaded him.

- No, not Geta.

Messalina.

She manages to convince everybody.

All men seem to be afraid of her.

Her fascination overwhelms them.

- [Celsus] When a man like Lucius Maximus succumbs

to the voluptuousness of a woman like Messalina

then one begins to have doubts of himself

and lose faith in the things he has always believed in.

- [Silius] Your honesty and your loyalty are

of no use against Messalina.

An act of force must be planned.

- These are my weapons; my speeches, my reports.

I have never believed that justice can come from violence.

- When they cut your throat

on the Gemonian Stairs, your justice won't save you.

- No, but violence never.

I will be on your side, but my field of action

will be the Senate and the Tribunal.

- Very well, Celsus.

You are an honorable man.

A

that you will do and say will be for the good of Rome.

But be on guard against Messalina,

if you want to see the day of freedom.

(lighthearted music)

(crowd chattering)

' Away!

If you will observe the events of the past,

listen, Arias, I am speaking to you too,

making a comparison with those of today,

you will arrive at the certainty

that no matter what happens, nothing,

nothing whatever can change the events

in the great framework of history.

(lighthearted music)

- What's the matter, consul?

Does Claudius's chatter bore you?

- No, I'm worried about the empress.

- The empress?

There is the emperor whose business it is to rule.

For the administration there is a troop of professionals

and the tasteful Narcissus.

The empress is a woman.

Then go near the woman.

Don't leave her alone to be bored

by the historical fantasies of an old man.

Claudius is an excellent emperor, but a miserable husband.

Go to her.

(lighthearted music)

- If Rome is destined to triumph,

it's because history has made that decision.

I know that my lectures are boring,

but you are all paid to listen to them,

so try to pretend at least a minimum of attention,

instead of being bewitched

by the sensuous movements of a dancer.

- This evening you've sent your twin

who doesn't love me.

- How could you doubt, my love?

(lighthearted music)

- Let's drink.

To us and to our power.

- Burn down everything!

Destroy all those hovels!

(dramatic music)

" quickly!

Burn down everything!

(screaming)

(dramatic music)

- [Celsus] Aulus Celsus, Helen has sent you to us.

Lucius Maximus!

I insulted the person who came to tell me

that you had betrayed Rome.

Please forgive me, Silvia,

I couldn't believe you were telling-

- What do you want here?

I have no time to listen to sermons today.

- I don't intend to make a sermon,

but just look at these people here.

They don't believe in our gods

of which by now neither you nor I believe anymore,

but in a God of justice and mercy.

Is that why you wanna drive them from their land?

In the name of Rome, or what, Lucius Maximus,

are you gonna befoul yourself with this infamy,

in the name of a vile courtesan whose crimes

have made our empress-

- Don't presume upon our friendship.

- [Silvia] Monster!

- Look at the results of your handiwork.

Messalina can be proud of you.

- Take care, Celsus!

- You may threaten, but you will never stop me.

I have enough proofs to accuse Messalina in the Senate.

A

of Rome will listen to my voice,

a lust for power and greed!

- Don't kill him.

Don't you know you mustn't harm a friend?

God hates all violence.

Don't do a thing that afterwards you might

have to regret for the rest of your life.

- You can thank her.

She has saved your life.

- Messalina!

Why was such a woman ever born?

- They are product of a period.

In those times when the lives of men have no value

and Messalina's have their day.

Tomorrow the Senate will have to decide whether Rome

will go on living or seal the beginning of its end.

(dramatic music)

(gentle music)

- Ah, you're looking worried.

What are you thinking about?

- About what happened this morning.

- Anyway, I know that you've defended me.

- Aulus Celsus hates you.

- Oh, I'm not afraid of him.

Tribunes always try to build up their power

by running down the empire.

Didn't you know?

- It's not just the common people he wants to impress.

He's going to denounce you before the Senate.

He says he has proof of your mistakes.

(gentle music)

- I am not afraid of him.

Truth doesn't fear the lies of Aulus Celsus.

He's a very young man and he's a senator.

And the time in which the Senate could govern is finished.

The Republic is dead because Julius Caesar finished it.

And the republicans have all be killed at Philippi.

But let's not talk about that now.

(gentle music)

- [Vinicius] But you can't come in.

Are you insane?

Do you wanna get me whipped?

- [Silvia] A good idea.

- [Lucius] What's going on out there?

- I told you, you can't come in.

Help, master!

- [Silvia] Stop making such a noise

and help me with these things.

Hold this and be careful not to break it.

Do you hear?

Good day.

- Would you explain what you are doing in my house?

- [Vinicius] Master-

- May you be quiet!

Be quiet, I'll explain myself.

- Well then, I'm waiting for an answer.

- They drove me out of my village,

and they burned down my house,

so now I've come to stay with you.

I didn't have anywhere else to go.

- Have you gone crazy?

- No.

And your house is very nice too.

I think I like it here.

- Now you listen to me, young woman.

If this is a bad joke, it's gone on too long.

But if it was Aulus Celsus who sent you here, I-

- No.

Aulus Celsus knows nothing about it.

He was terribly upset about what happened

between you two the other day.

He's a fine man and he's very fond of you.

- And I'm fond of him too.

But that has nothing to do with it.

It's you we're discussing now.

- Oh!

You mustn't worry about me.

I'll arrange things somehow and I won't bother you at all.

I'll look after your clothes

and help this poor old man take care for the household.

I noticed some weeds about.

I have a very definite suspicion that sometimes he robs you.

- [Vinicius] Oh Master, I swear by all the gods-

- Don't swear because it's a sin.

(Lucius groaning)

It doesn't matter anyhow, your oaths don't count.

- Will you tell me what I have done

to bring down a catastrophe like this upon my head?

- Why, you burned my house down.

- May the gods help me!

Where are you going?

(crashing)

- [Vinicius] Oh, I stumbled.

(crowd chattering)

- [Soldier] Stand back, stand back!

Get out of the way!

Get back!

- [Soldier] Easy, easy

Stand back!

Stop pushing!

(mysterious music)

- He has had his throat cut.

Whoever did must have fought it out with him to the death.

- It might be a suicide.

- Senator Aulus Celsus has committed suicide.

He committed suicide.

- [Soldier] Stand back!

Stand back!

Silence!

Silence, back!

Stop pushing!

- Qluickly, quickly, let's go!

- [Soldier] Stand back!

- The Senator Aulus Celsus has committed suicide.

- He was murdered by you!

He was the only honest one!

God will punish you!

- [Soldier] Stand back there!

- Are you preparing to celebrate Aulus Celsus's death?

- Leave me.

Are you mad?

- Not anymore.

I was mad before.

Mad to believe you.

Mad to silence my conscience.

You have had Aulus Celsus murdered.

Now I know why you were so calm

when I came and warned you against him.

- I didn't raise you up to this position

to have you insult me!

On the contrary, I wanted you at my side to defend me.

I have so many enemies here in Rome.

And especially here in the palace.

- Who killed Celsus?

- Look into my eyes?

Would you believe me if I told you

that he took his own life?

- Celsus was going to speak against you in the Senate.

- There's somebody else who saw him,

somebody who you respect.

Lucius Geta.

He's your friend and he was his friend.

Ask him how Aulus Celsus died.

No.

Come back when you've spoken to Geta.

- Oh I was frightened.

I was afraid Messalina had put you in prison.

- Why did you think so?

- I saw you go out.

And there was hatred and vengeance in your face.

- Aulus Celsus committed suicide.

Messalina had nothing to do with it.

- Nothing to do with it!

When you went to the palace,

I was afraid what might happen to you.

And I prayed to God to help you conduct yourself

as a just man and a merciful one

because your anger frightened me and-

- Be quiet!

You can't understand.

- Oh, yes, I understand all too well.

All your indignation died away in the arms of the empress.

She gave you a smile and you fell at her feet.

- Be quiet!

- You've profaned the memory of Aulus Celsus in an embrace.

With your cowardice you betrayed the-

- Be quiet, I said!

(Silvia gasping)

Did I hurt you?

Forgive me.

- It's you who must forgive me.

I talk too much.

And say things that I shouldn't even think of.

- Now go along to bed.

I have to stay alone.

(Silvia sighing)

(gentle music)

- [Cassius] Did you send for me?

- I hope I didn't wake you.

- Those who fear the vengeance of the dead don't sleep.

- I thought you were a courageous man.

- Look at my hands!

They are burning as if I were holding them over a flame.

It's the blood of a friend!

- These hands are precious to my life.

You and I share the same secret and the same blood.

You and I need each other.

If Lucius Maximus asks you how Aulus Celsus died,

tell him Aulus Celsus took his own life.

- [Cassius] And if he doesn't believe me?

- He'll believe you.

He has faith in you.

He must have it in me.

- Messalina, you know that I, I have always loved you.

I have always obeyed your every wish.

Please stop!

Stop yourself now while there's still time.

(Valeria chuckling)

- Why should I stop myself now,

now that I know that you love me?

Now that a new life starts for us.

(gentle music)

' [Man] Easy!

Easy!

Lower it.

That's right.

Let's go.

- There we'll construct a magnificent staircase

and here we'll build a charming fishpond.

And over there we'll plant the grove of trees.

The stone quarry is nearby.

You'll have the villa of a (mumbles)

And it'll cost you very little.

- If the land hadn't cost a 100 times its true value.

- The empress always gets such high prices.

- Oh who has mentioned Messalina?

- You see where the land is going that was supposed

to be given to us veterans.

- You believe that story?

- Maximus said the lands been going to be turned over to us.

- They're all alike and Lucius Maximus more than any.

- What do you have to say, Vibulaenus?

- Ah, stop your chatter.

- Didn't Lucius Maximus desert you too?

- You keep your nose in your own business!

- How stupid animals are.

Just look at that pigeon.

Instead of flying away it prefers to stay

and be a prisoner in a house,

so it can be sure of being fed every day.

- Look, don't you have anything else to do

but water me like a flowerbed?

- [Cassius] Lucius Maximus here?

- Oh, what a to-do about a few little drops of water.

Why did you build a fountain

if you're so afraid of getting wet?

- Geta, I'm glad to see you.

What's the matter?

Are you ill?

- No, it's nothing.

I have to speak with you, Lucius Maximus.

I ordered Aulus Celsus to be killed.

- What are you saying?

- No, that's nothing.

Under my command violence has been committed

and I allowed it.

I put myself against everyone, disregarding every principle.

Messalina.

She stunned me with her beauty.

She destroyed my honor with her lasciviousness.

- You should take care of your life.

- I don't need anything.

I only need your pardon.

The poison I have taken is already burning my life out.

Listen Lucius, Messalina wanted me to convince you

that Aulus Celsus had committed suicide.

I hope you will forgive me.

And when they speak badly about Geta,

at least one person know that I knew I was wrong.

The gods have been generous allowing me

to see you and speak with you.

(sombre music)

- [Servant] I implore you, my lord tribune.

Messalina doesn't want to see anyone!

She'll punish me, please!

- I've brought her a present.

- [Servant] Please!

- It's at the palace and she can't refuse.

- [Servant] I implore you, you mustn't go in!

- She must see it!

- [Servant] Please!

Please!

(men grunting)

(Lucius yelling)

- Let him go.

Forgive me Lucius Maximus, if I was obliged

to borrow from our mutual enemy such an uncivil system.

I know why you have come to the palace

and I also know what you have brought Messalina.

I too had great respect for Lucius Geta.

- She must see the man she drove to suicide.

- You would probably never leave here alive

after showing her that corpse.

Your hands are clean, Lucius Maximus.

You're a soldier and Rome needs you now more than ever.

Your legionaries are scattered.

Gather them together

and see that they are held in readiness.

Go, Lucius Maximus, and do not hesitate.

You know that what I am asking you

is for the good of Claudius and the Empire.

I will speak to Messalina in your place.

Forgive me, august lady, if I have dared to disturb you.

But the sight I have to show you

is worth a few seconds of your precious time.

- I never appreciated irony.

What is it you want?

- Here, august lady, history repeats itself.

(dramatic music)

History repeats itself, even if the signs are different.

Do you remember one morning you called me

to look at a corpse?

It was the sign that Messalina was born.

Now the body of Lucius Geta who,

because of you has committed suicide,

could mean that your reign, august lady, is about to end.

- How dare you!

I'll make you pay dearly for those words.

- No, Messalina, you don't even believe that yourself.

Do you know who brought this corpse here?

Lucius Maximus.

- It's not true.

I don't believe you.

- Yes, he!

He asked me to tell you that this is a gift worthy of you.

He said that women like you, Messalina,

don't deserve to live or be loved

and that you will be obliged to live out the rest

of your days surrounded by hatred and scorn.

He said that every memory has of you makes him ashamed.

He regrets not having fallen in battle like a soldier. - You've said enough, Narcissus!

You will know my vengeance for this and that of Caesar.

You cannot allow me to be insulted in this way.

- What do you want me to do?

Kill Narcissus?

- Yes.

- You think that will settle everything.

- You must do something.

You must defend yourself.

- There is only one way to handle this.

However, I must always be certain

of having you at my side. - What must I do?

- Give up all intrigues.

Leave behind you all your crimes, hatreds,

conspiracies and treacheries.

- You want to give up your throne and the empire?

- Of what use is this power, Messalina?

Are you able to grasp with your hand water,

or the air that you breathe?

It's something that you seek after continually

and which always eludes you.

- But you cannot give up like this.

Now that Geta is dead the Praetorian guards

will be without a leader.

It will be easy for the nobility to win them over.

You must do something!

- I should have the strength to abandon everything

and return to the enjoyment of the spectacle

of the sun as it rises behind the hill,

or a flower as it blooms.

Down at Capri there is a villa which was left by Tiberius.

Perhaps there we could find comfort

for the torments of our spirits.

Listen to me, Messalina!

Why won't you come with me to Capri?

- Huh, you're mad Caesar.

But I won't follow you in your madness.

(sombre music)

Caius Silius?

(faint dramatic music)

Caius Silius?

" YOU!

Messalina.

- Yes, it's me.

You're not dreaming.

- And what does Caesar's wife bring with her this time?

What new gift?

- This time my gift is Rome.

You and I together can obtain the support of all the people.

- And Claudius?

- To Capri.

Or to the country.

- No, Messalina, exiles are dangerous.

They can reawaken nostalgia or give birth to regret,

raise hopes and desires for restorations.

- Well then, what do you want me to do with him?

- The dead are less dangerous.

- If Claudius was killed the people would revolt.

- That is what must happen.

His death will become the symbol of our rebellion.

We perform an act of justice.

We don't plot to conquer the world.

- It's too dangerous.

Wait, there must be another solution.

- Claudius must die.

Only this way will I unite my forces with yours.

When you have decided, light the great brazier

on the terrace of your apartment.

That will be the signal I will expect.

At last, we will march ahead together,

as I have always desired.

- He wouldn't be able to do without me now.

Who would be keeping his house in order, you understand.

He's never had things kept in such good condition.

His weapons are shiny

and his servants have stopped robbing him.

You know I'm so happy that the master set fuel to (mumbles).

Sometimes I don't understand him,

but you've been a friend of his for so many years

and with you, maybe with the master-

- I'd like to know why you always insist

on calling him master?

You're not his slave.

- Listen, all men are divided up into masters and husbands,

and I'm afraid Lucius Maximus

will always be only a master to me.

- Why should he be?

You're a little trying, but taking everything

into consideration you're not so bad.

- Thank you.

But have you ever seen Messalina?

She's the kind of woman men like,

though you couldn't persuade men to change places

with her for all the gold in the world.

- Forget about Messalina.

That was an ugly business.

But now it's over and done with.

And then it's up to you to make him forget her.

- [Soldier] Halt there!

No one can pass here.

You can't go in there!

- But it's my own house!

- This is the house of the consul, Lucius Maximus.

- Well you (mumbles)

What has happened to him?

- Nothing up till now.

- Come back here.

Don't do anything foolish.

An official visit, she's even brought along an escort.

- Messalina!

I might have known it.

Naturally she couldn't leave him in peace.

He'll end up by falling for her tricks again.

- Let's hope not.

- Lucius, please come back with me.

Please don't leave me alone now.

I'll do something desperate.

Lucius, you're the only person who can help me.

- It's not possible.

It's no longer possible.

I have always loved you,

but it's a sin I hope will be forgiven me.

Now I cannot have pity.

- Isn't it enough for you that I come here to drag myself

to your feet like the lowest of (mumbles) women?

- Even there, the women are better than you.

(gentle music)

- Remember, I'm still Caesar's wife.

- Well then, have me killed!

- What are we to do?

Do you want us to arrest him?

- Kill him too?

No, tell your men to turn back.

- I think it might be wise if you would.

- What more do you want from Lucius Maximus?

Isn't it enough that you've ruined his life?

- How dare you speak to me like that!

Who are you?

And what are you to him?

- I don't know as yet, but I know that I love him

more than I've loved anyone else.

I would gladly give my life for him.

- I'll give you the opportunity

to satisfy your desire sooner than you think.

Arrest this stupid little girl.

- Help!

Let me go!

(dramatic music)

- What are you waiting for?

Follow them!

(dramatic music)

- For the present we've reached safety.

- Ah, what a splendid gallop we had.

I've never had such a wonderful horseback ride

in all my life.

You can't forget her, can you?

It's true she's very beautiful, not like me.

But there's no telling how much vermillion from Tyrus

and oriental tins help make her beautiful.

On the other hand, if I jump into a fountain

I come out just the same.

- You're right, Silvia.

You have much more than she does.

- Maybe, I have, but she's the one you're in love with.

Do you think that's nothing?

For a woman in love, it's everything.

- Silvia, you don't know what you're saying.

I don't love Messalina now.

You're a sweet child.

Capricious and often trying,

but more than anything else a child.

- Oh, Maximus, I'm so tired

of everyone always calling me a child.

I'm 17-years-old and I'm in love with you.

- But life is not as simple as that.

You can't solve everything with a couple of words

and your tender girlish sentimentality.

- Yes, you can.

Things must be solved that way,

because it's the only right way.

Listen to me a moment, only a moment.

My people are about to leave for Mount (mumbles).

We're going to board ship there

and go far away from this terrible city that's so corrupt.

You can come with us.

We'll be together and we'll be happy always.

Happy, happy!

- No, Silvia, I can't leave Rome now.

- Still more intrigues,

perhaps more vengeance and bloodshed.

How can I marry a man who thinks of nothing else

but killing people.

- But who said anything about getting married?

- I did.

Why what did you expect?

That I'd fall in love with a man

without thinking of marrying him?

But I'm an unlucky girl,

if you want to know the truth, Aulus.

And you, you're a soldier.

A girl should never trust a soldier.

My grandfather always said so.

- He was absolutely right.

Never trust a soldier.

Never trust me.

And never trust anyone who only thinks of killing.

Now wait for me here.

- Very well.

- Glaucus!

- Marcius, Maximus has arrived.

I didn't expect you to come today.

It must have been the gods who sent you.

(mumbles) has brought the weapons

and he wants to talk to you about the horses.

And who is that bewitching nymph?

- A little Christian cousin of mine.

Uh, I'm going to entrust her to you.

Take her back to her own people.

- Good.

- You must come with me.

We must warn all the others to hold themselves in readiness.

Events may come to a crisis from one day to the next.

- [Silvia] I want to stay with you.

I can help you.

- No, little one.

You stay here.

Difficult times lie ahead of us.

Farewell.

(mysterious music)

- [Caius] Take this to Valeria Messalina.

(fanfare music)

- During my absence Rome is entrusted to your care.

Be on your guard.

See that the State

and the lives of its citizens are respected.

- We shall not rest, Caesar.

However, Rome shall anxiously await your return.

- Go to Messalina, Narcissus.

Talk to her, ask her forgiveness,

and try to convince of the futility of her plans.

Perhaps we might still be able to find happiness together.

(fanfare music)

- Claudius is leaving, Divine Messalina.

He's going to Aquila with a small escort

to inspect the work upon the aqueduct.

- Are you ready?

- I'm taking the most trusted Praetorian guards.

We'll take his retinue by surprise at the waterfall.

Before evening it will be all over.

- Here, your men will fight better with this.

For me there can be no greater reward

than the joy of gaining your favour.

- You'll have that too, Fantes.

I've already asked that you be appointed leader

of the guards.

Now go and may fortune be with you.

(mysterious music)

" Stop!

Where are you going?

- I am going back to my mistress.

- Tell me, who ordered that brazier to be lighted?

- I don't know anything.

You give me too much importance.

I'm just a humble maidservant.

I don't know anything.

- You're a liar!

You're tricking me.

What's that you're hiding behind your back?

- Oh!

- What are you doing?

Speak!

(screaming)

Speak!

Where were you coming from?

It was a message for Messalina, wasn't it?

Who wrote it?

Who gave it to you?

The brazier, the sudden departure

of Fantes' Praetorian guards!

What do you know?

' No!

No!

- You were coming from Caius Silius' house, weren't you?

(servant moaning)

Speak!

- NO! (screaming)

Stop!

" Speak!

" Stop!

I'll tell everything.

The Praetorian guards are going

to attack Claudius at the river.

- [Narcissus] Lucius Maximus must be warned at once.

(dramatic music)

(men groaning)

- [Claudius] What's the matter?

- [Soldier] We're being attacked.

Hurry, everyone to the waterfall!

- [Soldier] Praetorians!

Forward!

Forward!

(dramatic music)

- [Soldier] Take the litter over there!

(dramatic music)

(mumbles) men go about!

The others to the rocks!

- Forward, everyone dismount!

- [Soldier] Men, follow them.

(dramatic music)

(metal clanking)

- [Claudius] Let me see who they are.

The Praetorians.

They put me on the throne

and now they've come to put me to death.

Ah, how true.

To be contradictory is quite characteristic of human nature.

Read on.

- I was taking a stroll along the Via Sacra thinking.

- Forward!

(dramatic music)

(fanfare music)

- Forward!

- Forward!

- They're attacking us.

We're surrounded.

Get to your horses.

Hurry!

Make a retreat!

(dramatic music)

(swords clanking)

(dramatic music)

- We arrived in time, Claudius.

We've won.

You're safe.

(fanfare music)

Hey you, Glaucus.

Quickly, put on the uniform of one of these Praetorians

and race to Rome to Silius' house.

You will say that you are bringing an important message.

Tell him it was Fantes who sent you.

- Very well.

- What are you doing?

- Have confidence in me once more, Divine Claudius.

- I think you, Lucius Maximus.

I owe you my life and the empire.

We will return to Rome.

This day will see much before it is finished.

(dramatic music)

- It was a short but violent battle.

Claudius offered his throat without fear

to the sword that struck him and he did not suffer.

Fantes stayed down to run down the last of the survivors.

No one will ever know the origin of this massacre.

- Rome is ours, Divine Messalina.

- From this moment a new era will open up for Rome

and the fame of Julius Caesar will be eclipsed.

(lighthearted music)

- [Man] Friends, let us drink to the health

of Imperial Rome and to your triumph, Messalina!

To the nobility!

- [Woman] At last we have an emperor

who is young and virile!

- [Man] To the new emperor!

- I always imagined a day

of our triumph like this, Messalina.

Now thanks to us the aristocrats

and the people will march together for the first time

in the history of Rome.

- So drink to the prosperity of Rome.

I give you the best wine in the empire.

- Caius Silius!

Caius Silius, we were massacred in Aquila!

Fantes is dead and Claudius is alive!

Alive!

(woman laughing)

- [Silius] Messalina, leave the hall and go to your room.

Keep calm!

Go and get your arms!

Don't stand there like statues,

prepare yourselves to resist an attack.

Praetorians, range yourselves at all the entrances

and allow no one to come in.

You, run down to the main gate

and see that the guards resist to the last man.

And go instantly.

(dramatic music)

(crashing)

(swords clanking)

(Silius groaning)

(dramatic music)

(swords clanking)

- Here.

Fight like a man.

- Whom do you want to kill, Lucius Maximus?

Your sword is already dripping with blood.

You too have killed for Valeria Messalina.

Here we are not on the field of battle,

where he who kills is a hero.

Here's the tyrant who kills the tyrant.

So it will always be as long as in Rome there is an emperor.

It's finished, Lucius Maximus.

It is finished for me who am dying

and also for all of you who must go on living.

(dramatic music)

- What are you waiting for?

Kill me.

You must die as you have lived.

' No!

No, Narcissus.

My death is your responsibility.

You must kill me yourself.

I'm not going to help you do it.

Come on, take your vengeance!

- Don't kill her!

(dramatic music)

(Valeria faintly coughing)

(sombre music)

- Lucius, Lucius,

you're the only one who really loved me.

I'm dying.

I loved only you.

(Valeria sighing)

- She had to die because Rome must live.

(sombre music)

- At this price?

It would be better for Rome to die!

(dramatic music)

♪ Alleluia ♪

♪ Alleluia ♪

♪ Ave Maria I'

♪ Alleluia ♪

Silvia!

Silvia!

♪ Alleluia ♪

Sylvia!

♪ Ave Maria ♪

- My prayers have been answered.

Now I have nothing else to ask for.

(dramatic music)