The Robe, a 1952 historical novel featuring the Crucifixion, written by Lloyd C. Douglas, is more familiar as a 1953 Biblical epic film which tells the story of a Roman tribune who commands the unit that crucifies Jesus. Haunted by the dreams that come from that event, he returns to Rome to try to cope with his nightmares. It stars Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Michael Rennie, Dean Jagger, Jay Robinson , Richard Boone and Jeff Morrow .
The movie was adapted by Gina Kaus , Albert Maltz and Philip Dunne from the Douglas novel. It was directed by Henry Koster.
It won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color (Lyle R. Wheeler), and the Best Costume Design, Color. It was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Richard Burton), Best Cinematography, Color and Best Picture.
It is notable for being the first film released in Cinemascope and had one sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators 1954 now featuring Victure Mature in the title-role.
The movie was advertised as "modern entertainment miracle you can see without the use of glasses", a dig at the 3D movies of the day. Since many theaters of the day were not equipped to show a Cinemascope film, two versions of The Robe were made, one in the standard screen ratio of the day, the other in the widescreen process. Setups and some dialogue differ between the versions.
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