I, Claudius – 1976
Director
Herbert Wise

Writers
Robert Graves novels I, Claudius and Claudius the God
Jack Pulman

Producer
Martin Lisemore producer

Cast
Derek Jacobi – Claudius
Siân Phillips – Livia
Brian Blessed – Augustus
George Baker – Tiberius
John Hurt – Caligula
Margaret Tyzack – Antonia
Ian Ogilvy – Drusus
Frances White – Julia
John Paul – Marcus Agrippa
Christopher Guard – Marcellus
Kevin McNally – Castor
Patricia Quinn – Livilla
David Robb – Germanicus
Fiona Walker – Agrippina
John Castle – Postumus
James Faulkner – Herod Agrippa
Patrick Stewart – Sejanus
Stratford Johns – Piso (as Stratford Jones)
Irene Hamilton – Plancina
John Rhys-Davies – Macro
Beth Morris – Drusilla
Sam Dastor – Cassius Chaerea
Sheila White – Messalina
Bernard Hepton – Pallas
John Cater – Narcissus
Barbara Young – Agrippinilla
Christopher Biggins – Nero
Nicolas Amer – Minester
Darien Angadi – Plautius
Neal Arden – Cestius

Julian Armstrong – German Guard
Liane Aukin – Aelia
Richard Aylen – Senator
Robert Bateman – Singer
Sally Bazely – Poppaea
John Beardmore – Slave
Kim Begley – Guard
Peter Benedict – Slave
John Bennett – Xenophon
Roger Bizley – Senator/Plautius
William Bond – Usher
Peter Bowles – Caractacus

 

Review by GoRetro Girl
The Brits show us how it should be done,

I was first introduced to this series in 1990 or so, when PBS’ Masterpiece Theater reaired it due to audience popularity. I can see why. At the age of 18, this was the first series that helped me gain a deep appreciation for British drama and how far ahead they are of us Americans. After all, could we envision Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt starring in something of this caliber? I think not. And I also learned more about the early Roman Empire then I ever did in history class!

There are so many outstanding actors and actresses in this production, but my favorite can only be perhaps the most underrated of his generation, John Hurt. Outlandish, disturbing, and hilarious as the same time as Caligula, I was almost sorry to see him get killed off. How is it possible that Mick Jagger has been knighted by now, but not Hurt?

The retro feel of the sets and camera work may take some getting used to in today’s world of big blockbuster special effetcs, but it’s also a breath of fresh air. If only more American viewers would turn off the celebrity and reality TV trash and be exposed to this kind of art…they don’t know what they are missing.