The shelf

The Robe (1953) poster

7+

The Robe

1953

Marcellus Gallio, a Roman tribune, is ordered to oversee the crucifixion of Jesus and wins His robe in a dice game. Haunted afterward, he sets out to find the robe and the truth about the man who wore it.

For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.

Runtime
2 hours 15 minutes
Rating
NR
Director
Henry Koster
Cast
Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Richard Boone, and Leon Askin
Picture
Color
Genre
Drama, History
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

The Roman officer who crucified Christ is haunted, converted, and lays down his life. The first CinemaScope film, with faith shown standing firm before Caligula.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Whipping, swordfights, and a crucifixion with some blood; Christians are persecuted and the ending is a martyrdom, so prepare younger viewers. Drunken soldiers and slavery are shown as part of Roman cruelty.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. Why did the robe trouble Marcellus so much?
  2. How did Demetrius show his faith?
  3. Why did Marcellus choose to stand before Caligula?
  4. What did Diana decide, and why?

Content advisory

Movieguide and ParentPreviews (via WebSearch): whipping, swordfights, torture, and the crucifixion with some blood; slavery; drunkenness; mild language.

Trailer

Best edition

The disc comes first.

The Robe Blu-ray (Special Edition | Epic Stories of Faith)

Blu-ray · January 23, 2013

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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