The Fall of the Roman Empire is a 1964 film starring Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, James Mason, and Christopher Plummer. It was directed by Anthony Mann.

The film loosely portrays historic events of the Roman Empire in the late 2nd century, particularly the career of Roman Emperor Commodus, his succession to his father Marcus Aurelius, and his clash with childhood friend Livius. Following historical records, Commodus is at first depicted as a promising young emperor but soon descends into instability and corruption. The film culminates in a symbolic battle of good versus evil.

Awards

• Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score (nominated & won)
• Academy Award for Best Music, Score - Substantially Original (nominated)

See also

• List of Roman Emperors
• the Five Good Emperors, of which Marcus Aurelius was the last
• Gladiator, another film based on Commodus' reign

External link

• IMDb: The Fall of the Roman Empire