Watch The Last Days of Pompeii
- Approved
- 1935
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.4 (1,203)
The Last Days of Pompeii is a 1935 epic film directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack and Merian C. Cooper. The movie is based on the 1834 novel of the same name by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, which is set during the last days of the Roman city of Pompeii. The movie begins with Marcus (Preston Foster), a blacksmith who has come to Pompeii to sell his wares. He soon falls in love with the beautiful Ione (Dorothy Wilson) who is a follower of the new Christian faith. Marcus' friend, the lawyer, Burbo (Alan Hale), works to discredit the Christians in front of the city magistrates.
Meanwhile, the powerful Arbaces (Basil Rathbone) wishes to marry Ione, and become the supreme ruler of Pompeii by any means necessary. His plans grow more sinister as the movie unfolds.
As Marcus and Ione's love story unfolds, Mount Vesuvius erupts, and the citizens of Pompeii are faced with destruction. As lava and ash rain down on the city, Marcus and Ione find themselves trapped in the city and must fight for their survival.
The movie is a tale of romance, betrayal, and disaster. The stunning visuals of the catastrophic eruption create a cinematic masterpiece that is still impressive today. The filmmakers use a mix of miniature models and special effects, such as matte paintings, which were state-of-the-art at the time. The filmâs use of camera angles and lighting make The Last Days of Pompeii visually stunning despite its age.
The performances are solid, particularly Basil Rathbone as the ultimate villain Arbaces. Rathbone expertly portrays the cunning and manipulative character, making him one of the most memorable villains in Hollywood history. Foster also shines as the heroic Marcus, who will stop at nothing to save the woman he loves.
The film's depiction of the Christian religion is interesting because it wasn't typical for Hollywood at the time. The movie takes a sympathetic view of the Christianâs faith. It depicts them as a group that spreads messages of love and peace in the face of overwhelming persecution.
The romance between Ione and Marcus adds depth to the movie. The love story is not just a side plot but central to the movieâs main themes. The story reminds the audience of the destructive power of nature, and how even the smallest of moments can change the course of history.
The Last Days of Pompeii is a hugely entertaining and fascinating epic adventure. Itâs one of the finest examples of Roman era movies ever created. By all accounts, this movie is a classic, and it remains essential viewing for a movie buff or history enthusiast.
As the title promises, The Last Days of Pompeii delivers an explosive finale that is both tragic and captivating. The moving climax lingers long after the credits roll, making it an emotionally impactful experience. This movie is an example of great storytelling and cinematic excellence done before the advent of modern technology.
In conclusion, The Last Days of Pompeii is a masterful and epic tale of love, honor, and survival. The attention to detail and the impressive set pieces stand the test of time. Even decades later, with all of the advancements in technology, the movie remains an unforgettable classic that should be on everyone's watch list.
The Last Days of Pompeii is a 1935 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
