Watch Pompeii - The Last Day

As the name suggests, Pompeii - The Last Day from BBC Earth is a dramatic retelling of the events that unfolded on August 24, AD 79, when the prosperous Roman city of Pompeii was suddenly destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The show is directed by Emmy award-winner Peter Nicholson and features a star-studded cast, including the likes of Olivia Hussey, Laurence Olivier, Nicholas Clay, Lesley-Anne Down, Duncan Regehr, Linda Purl, Franco Nero, Barry Stokes, Ernest Borgnine, Ned Beatty, and Maril.

The narrative of the show revolves around a number of characters who are living in or around Pompeii on the day of the eruption. These characters come from all walks of life and have their own personal stories, but they are all united by the fact that they are about to witness a catastrophe of unprecedented scale. The show follows these characters as they go about their daily business, completely unaware of the disaster that is about to strike them.

One of the central characters of the show is Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman naturalist and philosopher who was present in Pompeii at the time of the eruption. Pliny is played by Laurence Olivier, who delivers a brilliant performance as a wise and compassionate man who tries to help people in the face of overwhelming chaos.

Another key character is Nigidius Figulus, a high-ranking Roman official who is portrayed by Ned Beatty. Figulus is a weaselly and corrupt man who is more concerned about saving his own skin than helping others. Beatty is excellent in the role, bringing nuance and depth to a character who could have been a one-dimensional caricature.

Other characters include a pair of star-crossed lovers played by Nicholas Clay and Lesley-Anne Down, a wealthy merchant played by Franco Nero, a street performer played by Linda Purl, and a gladiator played by Duncan Regehr. All of these characters are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, and their individual plots add to the tension and drama of the overall narrative.

One of the best things about Pompeii - The Last Day is the amount of historical detail that has gone into its production. The show utilizes a combination of practical effects, miniatures, and CGI to bring the ancient city of Pompeii to life. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the show does an excellent job of immersing viewers in the world of ancient Rome.

The writing and direction of Pompeii - The Last Day are also top-notch. The show builds tension slowly and steadily, lulling viewers into a false sense of security before unleashing a torrent of destruction in its final act. The characters are well-developed and the dialogue is sharp and engaging.

In terms of performances, the cast of Pompeii - The Last Day is uniformly excellent. Laurence Olivier is a standout, and his scenes with Nicholas Clay and Lesley-Anne Down are particularly moving. Olivia Hussey is also impressive, bringing depth and nuance to her portrayal of a mother who is trying to protect her children during the chaos.

Overall, Pompeii - The Last Day is a gripping and powerful reimagining of one of the most devastating natural disasters in human history. The show is masterfully crafted and features strong writing, direction, and performances from its cast. Whether you are a fan of historical dramas or simply looking for an engaging and thought-provoking piece of television, Pompeii - The Last Day is definitely worth checking out.

Pompeii - The Last Day is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between October 20, 2003 and on BBC Earth