Why have I never seen "I Claudius" before now?

[Khephra]

Oh yeah, I was never able to catch the whole thing from the start.

If you're an unlucky sod like me and have never seen it, Trio is showing the whole miniseries several times today and tomorrow.

[supernova]

1. Isn't it wonderful!

I love I, Claudius.

You can also get the whole series at the video store.

[izzie]

5. I have the set as I never could get to see the whole thing.

It is very good.

[Khephra]

6. I think I'm going to have to get this on DVD

I missed the first 8 parts ealier, but it's really easy to just start watching at any point. I didn't expect that. It starts over at episode 1 at 1PM CT.

[ewagner]

2. You're lucky

I saw it on PBS when it first came out and was lucky enough to see it again about 6 months ago.

Derik Jacoby (sp) is excellent as Claudius.

You'll enjoy it immensely!

[newyawker99]

13. Congrats ewagner!! 600 posts

:toast:

[NashVegas]

3. TrioTV Rocks the House

Don't it?

[nuxvomica]

4. That was a great series!

I saw it when it first played on PBS and a few times again later. Great acting, great political intrigue and Messalina's competition with a prostitute is not to be missed. I'm glad I don't get Trio cuz I'd get nothing done this weekend.

edit: Read the books, too. They're like butter.

[scarletlib]

7. that's the one episode that i've missed every time

i'm glad TRIO is running the series. I fell asleep last night watching it. Great cast: Brian Blessed--he's done lots of things including "Flash Gordon" and "BlackAdder". Sian Phillips was just incredible. I was wondering last night if she could have or did get an Emmy when it first ran on Masterpiece Theater back in the seventies. Of course Patrick Stewart had a part in it also. He had hair for that part. Derek Jacobi was fantastic but I think Sian Philips really stole the show.

[nuxvomica]

8. A agree. Phillips stole it.

And don't forget John Hurt as Caligula.

[scarletlib]

9. Yes absolutely

I remember him in the part. Also the guy who played Tiberius--his face is always familiar to me but I can never remember other parts he had. I am going to have to Google his name.
This was just a fantastic series--full of talent. TV at its best.

[newyawker99]

14. Congrats scarletlib!! 200 posts

:toast:

[scarletlib]

16. Thanks newyawker99

I'm slowly but surely getting up there. I probably read about 2- -30 times more threads for every post I make. I read and generally agree with what's being said so I just don't post. Everyone at DU is great.

[GAspnes]

10. thanks for reminding me

I don't get Trio, but I have "I, Claudius" on tape, and it's time I watched it again.

Saw it when it first came out on PBS -- I still get a thrill when I see that snake slithering across the tiles and hear the opening music. What a terrific adaptation of a great book.

Derek Jacobi said it took him a year or so to completely rid himself of the stammer and limp he acquired during the filming. Sian Phillips was amazing as Livia, and John Hurt as Caligula was shockingly scary. The entire cast was terrific.

My favorite scene is Livia's birthday, when she tells Caligula to leave the room and begs the favor of being made a Goddess by Claudius to avoid paying for her crimes in the afterlife, and suddenly realizes that Claudius has been playing her for a fool by playing a fool for all these years.

"Lost your stutter too, I see."

The dialog is crisp and the negotiations are brutal. Claudius is revealed as anything but a fool, and Livia gives him grudging respect for the first time in her life.

[MaineDem]

11. Excellent series!

Patrick Stewart - Sirjanus?? - made an impression on me when I first saw it. That voice!

And Livia is just cool!!!

[Clete]

12. Read the books, too.

"I, Claudius" and "Claudius, The God" by Robert Graves.

[Aristus]

15. "I, Claudius" is unsurpassed television.

Sian Phillips as Livia is astonishing. What a marvelous character.

[Clete]

17. The Caesars give "family values" a whole new

meaning.