Stories can infuse the human spirit with faith from all kinds of events and characters. In Henry Koster’s historical drama The Robe (1953), the robe in which Jesus Christ was crucified becomes the vessel of divinity for the man who led the crucifixion – a premise at once moving and appealing to viewers’ imagination.
Based on Lloyd C. Douglas’s 1942 novel of the same name, the movie follows the journey of Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) to Jerusalem where he is assigned by Pontius Pilate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Marcellus casually takes Jesus’ robe in a dice play after the crucifixion. How it changes him from a pagan to a follower of Christ is a drama of spiritual transformation named after the item.
The Robe remains sharply focused on its theme and the handful of main characters, of whom the Greek slave Demetrius (Victor Mature) stands out, second only to Marcellus. Loyal to his master, Demetrius plays a pivotal role in transforming Marcellus to have faith in Jesus as he devoutly carries the robe until Marcellus comes to embrace it. Jean Simmons as Diana, the sweetheart of Marcellus and a ward of Emperor Tiberius, makes a beautiful lady of noble character for the big screen in this epic tale of faith and freedom.
Several great cinematic moments can be cited from this spiritually powerful and moving story. Victor Mature’s expressions in the crucifixion sequence can hardly find a match. While the act of crucifixion is not really shown, it’s seen playing in the face and eyes of Demetrius in that iconic shot. The robe is the silent nom-human character whose red color becomes a visual metaphor for the blood/love of Jesus. The shift in background of the final shot featuring Marcellus and Diana is artistically meaningful.
Whether you come from a Christian background or any other, The Robe is a soulful story that speaks to the spirit. A gem from the golden days of Hollywood!
Note: This reviewer has not read Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel, which is the basis for this movie; hence no assessment of the movie in context of the book.
