Richard Burton and Jean Simmons made sure they couldn't be involved in this sequel to "The Robe" (1953) but director Delmer Dawes did manage to bring in Susan Hayward and retain the maniacal services of arch-ham Jay Robinson to keep this sword and sandals story watchable. If you recall, "Demetrius" (Victor Mature) was the servant present at the crucifixion and who now holds the red robe used on the day. It's a prized possession amongst the Christians but when Caligula (Robinson) hears of its supposed recuperative powers he demands it be found. The ensuing searching ends up with "Demetrius" back in slavery, only this time working for the famed Messalina (Hayward) who is married to the emperor's uncle Claudius (Barry Jones). She takes a shine to this handsome hunk but his faith renders him impermeable to her charms. She's clever, though, and orchestrates a tragedy that will drive the furious champion into her arms. Can she keep him? With the increasingly irascible emperor managing to fall out with just about everyone, too - including his feared Praetorian Guards - will anyone manage to keep their heads? There's a hint of something biblically inspired to the plot, but essentially this is another opportunity for Hayward and Mature to have a go at presenting us with a colourful romantic action adventure - and they do it fine. It's colourful and decently paced, but the dialogue is a bit on the banal side - enough to create quite a soporific effect amongst the marauding tigers who seemed perfectly capable of breathing even after they'd been stabbed half a dozen times. Mature was as wooden as a picket fence most of the time - so don't expect much passion, but if you like the genre then pots of cash and loads of silks and satins as well as plenty of gladiatorial jousts just about render this watchable.
