Jay Robinson puts in a memorable performance as the Roman emperor Caligula in 1953's "The Robe," which exports the Christian persecution narrative back to his reign.
Sector 7 G ● He must have been exhausted after each scene ! I remember him from this film, now seeing these scenes ... I thought I would never forget him ... but I was just a kid then ... & quickly forgot ... now, I'm an adult & my memory is more mature ! What an incredible Actor !
@@mordecaiesther3591 His greatest performance ultimately ruined him. All the accolades went to his head and he gained a reputation for being difficult to work with. After Hollywood spurned him, he descended into drugs and prison.
There were some really really bad films from this time period. The classics are remembered for their greatness. Likewise the mediocre ones of our time will be forgotten. But there are some timeless classics made in our time as well. That being said, this is one of my favourite performances of a villain ever.
There have been many perfomances by different actors over the years playing Caligula but this is the superlative performance by which all others must be judged. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.
@@terryhawkins8191 well Mr. Robinson went through a great deal and his autobiography The Comeback describes it all in great detail! It was a most enjoyable read!
Jay was and still is the greatest Caligula AND the very best-dressed Roman leader in film history. His turn at 5:30 is perfectly performed. Just watch the way Jay handles the various capes he wears - each a flourish of its own. Wish I had that red cape.....
Two days ago I turned 86, and this movie has made an impact on my life ever since. I remember the day it opened in 1953, 71 years ago, at the Fox theater in St. Louis. I was 15 years old at the time.
The fact the Jay Robinson was only 23 years old when he played Caligula. And that a 23 year old basically unknown actor could steal the show from Burton and Mature makes his performance even more incredible.
Really ? Only 23 ? Wow ! I was totally off ! I thought he was middle aged in this movie...at least in his 30's. Are you sure about his age ? I understand there's makeup to account for, but I never would have guessed he was THAT young ! If so, it definitely is impressive that he overshadowed the veteran actors by his BIG performance !
Robinson DID steal the movie. He should've gotten an Oscar nomination. But I also believe it was one of Victor Mature''s best performances. Richard Burton was all wrong for the film, quite wooden. Fox originally wanted Tyrone Power for Marcellus, but Power's contract at Fox had expired and he was returning to Broadway to be in "John Brown's Body."
AustinPetDetective What is REALLY amazing is the guy in REAL life you'd NEVER in a million yrs imagine THIS was HIM !! Jay Robinson was actually humble and soft spoken !! What a GREAT transition !!!!
My parents took me to see this movie when I was a young boy. This guy scared me even as a child. Jay Robinson should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of an insane nut!
Back in 1980, I had the opportunity to meet Jay at the home of my then-employer, film producer Robert L. Munger, who a couple of years earlier had cast Jay as Robert Shapiro in "Born Again". Munger was hosting a fund raiser for his life-long friend, Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana. I had already had read "The Comeback" and had seen a VHS copy of "The Robe". I found Jay to be a pleasant and warm individual....very intelligent. It is too bad that Hollywood has long memories of people...he had paid his debt to society...and was also working with young people who were facing addictions of their own. I did tell him that I remember seeing him on Art Linkletter's "House Party" show, where he recited his famous "Christians" speech from "The Robe". I do hope his son and second wife are doing well.
Interesting back story on this actor. Thanks for sharing it. I didn't know he had addiction issues or had been in jail. Great work he did in The Robe to make his character Caligula come alive for me ! I hope he had a good life after he overcame his struggles. I heard that he very recently passed away, and to be honest, I was surprised that he had lived that long, since this movie is from the late 50's, I believe. He appears to be about middle aged in The Robe. Good for him ! Curious to know at what age he passed away. Feel free to fill me in fellow fans.
Let's keep to the idea that this is a MOVIE, OK, and not an historical drama. First, you have Jean Simmons, one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood history, doing one of the things she did best: biblical era drama. Then you have Victor Mature, one of the most underrated Hollywood actors of his era, doing one of the things he did best: biblical era drama. Add to that an Academy level performance from the great Jay Robinson in a role for which he was made. Great, great stuff. Jay even namechecks Spartacus, which was one of Jean's successes. Jean later came back in voice to narrate the finest TV show ever on the subject of the Bible. She was a wonder.
You're right about Jean. She was a fine actress and easy to fall in love with, and heck, I'm a 72-year-old gay man, lol. She was in the following epic films when Hollywood exploded with them in the 1950s and 1960s: "Androcles and the Lion," "The Robe," one brief prologue scene in "Demetrius and the Gladiators," "The Egyptian,"' "Spartacus" and a non-epic, but still with religious overtones, "Elmer Gantry."
Ok. I just saw "The Robe" and then, "Demetrius and The Gladiators" for the first time in my life yesterday, and I fell in love with Caligula. I know, I know. Stange. But damn, what a character, simply THE BEST. His acting is just... wow. The way he moves and speaks. His smile and his curved eyebrows, unforgettable. PERFECT performance. Min 2:27 I don´t know how many times i've watched this crazy face
There are some people I believe were put on this earth for the sole purpose of filling a role at the right time and they will do it so well that there wont be any who after them who do it better: Yul Brynner as Rameses, Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, Judy Garland as Dorothy, Charleston Heston as Moses, Jay Robinson as Caligula, William Shatner as James T. Kirk, Barbara Billingsly as June Cleaver, Christopher Reeve(and George Reeves) as Superman, Peter Falk as Columbo, Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan. There are many other examples. But there have many such great selections made over the years and it is always thrilling to see them in the role they were destined for!
Such a memorable performance,Jay Robinson really nailed the role of Caligula and most of his constant shoutings and ranting’s are so amazing. His role as Caligula is even more impressive than the other portrayals over the year and has aged well after 70 years.
Agreed ! Great movie ! Great performances by the lead roles...Props to Jay Robinson for making Caligula come alive ! Most performances had that campy aspect to it, both by the leads and the lesser characters. Yet somehow that's part of its great charm that kept me captivated even as a kid. My favorite is the main character played by Richard Burton. What an awesome intense actor he was ! I have a feeling that intensity was part of his actual personality, which is partly what made this role work so well for him. Can't resist that British accent either, and he's quite easy on the eyes !
Jay Robinson as Caligula was frigging fantastic. Makes you wonder what some of these modern day power mad politicians act like behind closed doors, considering how some of them act in public. (ha)
R. D. ~ Caligula gets a bad rap. Only the upper-classes & the Senate had to fear him. He pretty-much left the general population alone. If only he had control of the Senate today !
Jay Robinson also played Ambassador Petri (complete with green skin) in the "Star Trek" episode "Elaan Of Troyus"...My favorite line was when he said to the spoiled-brat/princess (France Nuyen), "Here is a necklace...to grace your LOVE-LY Neck!" (insinuating that he would rather strangle her with it)...
i have to agree with the people on here about jays performence in the robe-wow what a performence, every time it comes on i have to see it because of him.
One of the great and defining performances depicting a crazy, effete old Roman emperor. Too bad Robinson didn't have the career he was obviously capable of. His Caligula is always a high point for me.
I absolutely loved this performance. It was unforgettable. The problem with The Robe was too much robe and not enough Caligula. That’s why I like the sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators, to be superior. Robinson was given enough screen time to elevate craziness to a new level. Bravo!
This characterization of Caligula was more unhinged and spiteful .. the portrayal by John Hurt showed the insane cruelty of the man. Both are suburb. Yes Caesar, they are now in HIS Kingdom. And where are you? Shalom and Maranatha!!
No one will ever play a Caesar like him. He had ups and downs in life. But he was a fine actor. And this movie, plus Demetries and the gladiator were great movies.
Why this guy didn't get at least an Oscar nomination for this and the sequel is puzzling. He brought to life one of the most insane rulers in history. You can see the growing madness in his eyes.
You raise a good question. "The Robe" was the biggest box office film of 1953. Certainly, the novelty of the wide screen CinemaScope played a big part in the film's success. And the film won Oscars for its fantastic costumes and sets. However, I have long felt that Jay Robinso, Jean Simmons and Victor Mature all deserved Oscar nominations for their performances.
I saw "The Robe" when it first came out in 1953. Jay Robinson was the epitome of evil. Years later, I had moved to SF. The famous Castro Theater was holding its annual wide screen film festival and they were showing "The Robe," fitting because it was the first CinemaScope film. Robinson was interviewed over the radio before the festival. He was quite charming, but when I called in to the show and told him this six-year-old child had nightmares after seeing his performance, I heard a low chuckle.
I would tend to agree, but I still love Richard Burton's performance as the hero/ protagonist of this great movie ! He makes the ultimate sacrifice for what he believes in. And that happens to be God/Christ. Hard to beat that !
Jean Simmons, the greatest christian actress in the history of American film. Pick a great role: she was there. Demetrius. Mysteries of the Bible. Spartacus. The Robe. Androcles and the Lion. She was the face, and the voice. And it was a beautiful face, and voice. Bless her memory.
Because Hollywood has been corrupted by pure evil. They cannot risk investing any time & money into making such films of faith without expecting financial, professional and personal retribution by the God hating atheists that run and control the entire entertainment industry.
@rokkasotilas Thanks very much for that information there! I always liked this actor's portrayal of Caligula. Over the top, camp and sinister! Great work and a perfect Caligula!
Perfect description of this actor's performance ! So enjoyable ! I imagine pretty close to how the real Caligula was, as far as his overbearing, over the top persona !
@@David-dz3ig He was marvelous in "Demetrius." One of the things which played with subtle overtones was Franz Waxman's score for the sequel. You not only saw the insanity, but the music worked on you underneath.
Over the top Charles Laughton set the bar very high when he did Nero in Sign of the Cross . I do congratulate Joauquin Phoenix in Gladiator for shading the classical Roman mad emperor with sick and creepy qualities. Robinson's one note performance is about getting that one note exactly with every word and movement. Not so easy as it sounds.
Jay Robinson was excellent for this role...... and to THINK......the actor HIMSELF was a meek and mild human being in reality......a GREAT acting job for SURE !!!!
Well, until his success as Caligula, he might have been. The successes of The Robe and Demetrius and the Gladiators apparently inflated his ego and he became known as being difficult to work with. And then, there was the drug addiction.
I just saw a Jay Robinson interview --- and NO BRITISH ACCENT ---- Wikipedia says he was American born in New York. He creeped me out in the 1960s as Caligula. Good Work Jay --- R.I.P. 2013
You are aware, I take it, that Caligula was a dangerously erratic psychotic, correct? Just asking. I think Jay is well inside the parameters of the role, and yet magnificent....
@@caribman10 oh, I agree with you completely but to this day I still can't help but laugh nervously every time he appeared in a scene. He dominated every scene he was in and gave one of his most magnificent portrayals of a mad emperor! In the sequel, he was even more depraved and you can see he really pushed the role of Caligula into the stratosphere!
But I don't like it, in the movie are they showing Tiberius as a GOOD emperor? Not a chance! In the novel, it said The Robe was near Tiberius, he was reaching out to touch it, then he suddenly cringed and took his hand away from it! I only glanced through the book "Twelve Caesars ", but I kinda believe that Tiberius was the worst of them all.
One of the greatest preformance's of all time.
I certainly have a notion to second that emotion. A truly gifted actor who only rarely got the chance to shine as he did in his first film role.
Amazing performance by Jay Robinson. Didn't know his name until recently. Never forgotten him as a child. Visceral.
Sector 7 G ●
He must have been exhausted after each scene ! I remember him from this film, now seeing these scenes ... I thought I would never forget him ... but I was just a kid then ... & quickly forgot ... now, I'm an adult & my memory is more mature ! What an incredible Actor !
When films had real heart and soul. And Jay Robinson was the perfect villain's villain. That voice! That sneer!
Poor Jay, in his ending years he played Dr Shriner . Never got his due as an actor .
@@mordecaiesther3591 His greatest performance ultimately ruined him. All the accolades went to his head and he gained a reputation for being difficult to work with. After Hollywood spurned him, he descended into drugs and prison.
@@edydon yes .. I read that , and also read that Bette Davis helped him get in a film she was in .
There were some really really bad films from this time period. The classics are remembered for their greatness. Likewise the mediocre ones of our time will be forgotten. But there are some timeless classics made in our time as well.
That being said, this is one of my favourite performances of a villain ever.
A tremendously entertaining villain. One-dimensional (in the old style) but so magnificently hateable you just gotta love him.
Yes, a lovable reptile !
Great portrayal!
A junkie and friend of william Burroughs. They were also lovers.
I have no desire to live another hour in an empire ruled by you! And Caligula goes crazy... I loved that even in 1957.
20 21 and his role is as powerfull as ever !
There have been many perfomances by different actors over the years playing Caligula but this is the superlative performance by which all others must be judged. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.
I agree. I'm surprised he wasn't nominated for an Oscar. The body language is interesting to watch. It's the definitive performance of Caligula.
saxon954 In complete agreement.
I concur!
saxon954 EXACTLY !! THIS was a scary and excellent portrayal !! Jay Robinson HIMSELF was meek and mild !!! Go figure huh ?!🤔🙄…👍
@@terryhawkins8191 well Mr. Robinson went through a great deal and his autobiography The Comeback describes it all in great detail! It was a most enjoyable read!
Jay was and still is the greatest Caligula AND the very best-dressed Roman leader in film history. His turn at 5:30 is perfectly performed. Just watch the way Jay handles the various capes he wears - each a flourish of its own. Wish I had that red cape.....
Every time I watch that ending, it makes me cry. Well done! "They're going to meet their King!!! They're going into a better kingdom!!!"
Two days ago I turned 86, and this movie has made an impact on my life ever since. I remember the day it opened in 1953, 71 years ago, at the Fox theater in St. Louis. I was 15 years old at the time.
Liar
Jay Robinson played that part, he is Caligula.
The fact the Jay Robinson was only 23 years old when he played Caligula. And that a 23 year old basically unknown actor could steal the show from Burton and Mature makes his performance even more incredible.
Really ? Only 23 ? Wow ! I was totally off ! I thought he was middle aged in this movie...at least in his 30's. Are you sure about his age ? I understand there's makeup to account for, but I never would have guessed he was THAT young ! If so, it definitely is impressive that he overshadowed the veteran actors by his BIG performance !
ANYONE who plays Caligula must be in their 20s, because the REAL Caligula was killed before he was 30 years old.
Robinson DID steal the movie. He should've gotten an Oscar nomination. But I also believe it was one of Victor Mature''s best performances. Richard Burton was all wrong for the film, quite wooden. Fox originally wanted Tyrone Power for Marcellus, but Power's contract at Fox had expired and he was returning to Broadway to be in "John Brown's Body."
Most actors just play their physical type. Jay Robinson, with his narrow eyes, sneering voice and bony frame tended to be cast as psychotic villains.
@@PatriciaMoreno-ff8pr yes. He was born in 1930. He portrayed Caligula at age 23.
Such a magnificent person for the role and his VOICE is simply amazing fits his Character perfectly.
Yes. The first character that really gave me nightmares when I was a kid lol. His voice was what I imagined the monster under the bed sounded like.
AustinPetDetective What is REALLY amazing is the guy in REAL life you'd NEVER in a million yrs imagine THIS was HIM !! Jay Robinson was actually humble and soft spoken !! What a GREAT transition !!!!
I know he did an episode of Star trek, the 60's one. And he was totally different from his Caligula. Played a friendly character.
My parents took me to see this movie when I was a young boy. This guy scared me even as a child. Jay Robinson should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of an insane nut!
Back in 1980, I had the opportunity to meet Jay at the home of my then-employer, film producer Robert L. Munger, who a couple of years earlier had cast Jay as Robert Shapiro in "Born Again". Munger was hosting a fund raiser for his life-long friend, Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana. I had already had read "The Comeback" and had seen a VHS copy of "The Robe". I found Jay to be a pleasant and warm individual....very intelligent. It is too bad that Hollywood has long memories of people...he had paid his debt to society...and was also working with young people who were facing addictions of their own. I did tell him that I remember seeing him on Art Linkletter's "House Party" show, where he recited his famous "Christians" speech from "The Robe". I do hope his son and second wife are doing well.
Interesting back story on this actor. Thanks for sharing it. I didn't know he had addiction issues or had been in jail. Great work he did in The Robe to make his character Caligula come alive for me ! I hope he had a good life after he overcame his struggles. I heard that he very recently passed away, and to be honest, I was surprised that he had lived that long, since this movie is from the late 50's, I believe. He appears to be about middle aged in The Robe. Good for him ! Curious to know at what age he passed away. Feel free to fill me in fellow fans.
Sadly Jay Robinson passed away in 2013.
@@PatriciaMoreno-ff8prHe was 83 years old, April 14th 1930-September 27th 2013.
He made Lenny Bruce look like a choir boy.
Let's keep to the idea that this is a MOVIE, OK, and not an historical drama. First, you have Jean Simmons, one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood history, doing one of the things she did best: biblical era drama. Then you have Victor Mature, one of the most underrated Hollywood actors of his era, doing one of the things he did best: biblical era drama. Add to that an Academy level performance from the great Jay Robinson in a role for which he was made. Great, great stuff. Jay even namechecks Spartacus, which was one of Jean's successes. Jean later came back in voice to narrate the finest TV show ever on the subject of the Bible. She was a wonder.
You're right about Jean. She was a fine actress and easy to fall in love with, and heck, I'm a 72-year-old gay man, lol. She was in the following epic films when Hollywood exploded with them in the 1950s and 1960s: "Androcles and the Lion," "The Robe," one brief prologue scene in "Demetrius and the Gladiators," "The Egyptian,"' "Spartacus" and a non-epic, but still with religious overtones, "Elmer Gantry."
Jay Robinson was on Star Trek TOS as the green alien, Ambassador Petri of Troyius.
Ok. I just saw "The Robe" and then, "Demetrius and The Gladiators" for the first time in my life yesterday, and I fell in love with Caligula. I know, I know. Stange. But damn, what a character, simply THE BEST. His acting is just... wow. The way he moves and speaks. His smile and his curved eyebrows, unforgettable. PERFECT performance. Min 2:27 I don´t know how many times i've watched this crazy face
There are some people I believe were put on this earth for the sole purpose of filling a role at the right time and they will do it so well that there wont be any who after them who do it better:
Yul Brynner as Rameses,
Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West,
Judy Garland as Dorothy,
Charleston Heston as Moses,
Jay Robinson as Caligula,
William Shatner as James T. Kirk,
Barbara Billingsly as June Cleaver,
Christopher Reeve(and George Reeves) as Superman,
Peter Falk as Columbo,
Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan.
There are many other examples. But there have many such great selections made over the years and it is always thrilling to see them in the role they were destined for!
you are absolutely right!
Such a memorable performance,Jay Robinson really nailed the role of Caligula and most of his constant shoutings and ranting’s are so amazing. His role as Caligula is even more impressive than the other portrayals over the year and has aged well after 70 years.
The Robe & Demetrius/Gladiators - 2 of my favorite movies of all time.
Thanks for uploading these great scenes come a from a great movie !! Jay Robinson did an awesome job portraying the evil Caligula.
Agreed ! Great movie ! Great performances by the lead roles...Props to Jay Robinson for making Caligula come alive ! Most performances had that campy aspect to it, both by the leads and the lesser characters. Yet somehow that's part of its great charm that kept me captivated even as a kid. My favorite is the main character played by Richard Burton. What an awesome intense actor he was ! I have a feeling that intensity was part of his actual personality, which is partly what made this role work so well for him. Can't resist that British accent either, and he's quite easy on the eyes !
Better than Malcolm McDowell.
The best acting I have EVER SEEN. EVER!!!!! Jay Robinson was so into character.
Jay Robinson was great at being Caligula. Best Wishes to Everyone. Sincerely, Tom
Jay Robinson as Caligula was frigging fantastic. Makes you wonder what some of these modern day power mad politicians act like behind closed doors, considering how some of them act in public. (ha)
R. D. ~ Caligula gets a bad rap. Only the upper-classes & the Senate had to fear him. He pretty-much left the general population alone. If only he had control of the Senate today !
Jay Robinson also played Ambassador Petri (complete with green skin) in the "Star Trek" episode "Elaan Of Troyus"...My favorite line was when he said to the spoiled-brat/princess (France Nuyen), "Here is a necklace...to grace your LOVE-LY Neck!" (insinuating that he would rather strangle her with it)...
Yes, I love that line! Jay was fantastic as Petri.
i have to agree with the people on here about jays performence in the robe-wow what a performence, every time it comes on i have to see it because of him.
Agreed...and for Richard Burton...the movie's hero.
One of the great and defining performances depicting a crazy, effete old Roman emperor. Too bad Robinson didn't have the career he was obviously capable of. His Caligula is always a high point for me.
Sadly, career was curtailed by a narcotics convictions, and two prison terms. 🙁
Caligula died when he was 28. Not exactly old.
One of the most unforgettable performances of all time.
I heartily concur. When Jay Robinson is on the screen as Caligula, all eyes are on him ! VERY charismatic performance !!
Wow the best villian performance in film history.
Mr Robinson was 22 when he made the Robe and 24 when released, he looked like he was in his 30's
I would say his late 30-early 40's but he was brilliant in this film!
@@David-dz3ig Yes I agree, It's also incredible that he wasnt even nominated for the roll.
Heroin addiction
How appropriate for 2021. He was really good at his role. He was just as good in the sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators.
He was even more egomaniacal and mad in Demetrius and the Gladiators! a truly fabulous performance!
I absolutely loved this performance. It was unforgettable. The problem with The Robe was too much robe and not enough Caligula. That’s why I like the sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators, to be superior. Robinson was given enough screen time to elevate craziness to a new level. Bravo!
Jay Robinson (R.I.P.) best performance of any actor portraying Caligula.
That is one outstanding performance from Jay Robinson. Just talk about that malice and creepiness I feel in that voice!
“Drunk with power…”….that whole speech is what I want to say to hospital CEOs.
I just love Jay Robinson as Caligula...his portrayal is frighteningly real of what I perceive a Caligula would be at that time...
This characterization of Caligula was more unhinged and spiteful .. the portrayal by John Hurt showed the insane cruelty of the man. Both are suburb. Yes Caesar, they are now in HIS Kingdom. And where are you? Shalom and Maranatha!!
Its took me weeks to find this Emperor,Fantastic acting i love this,The Robe
Astonishing performance from jay Robinson his Caligua was frightening accurate!!!
There is nice screen presense of this actor but it is very far from actual Caligula on all levels.
The only American actor to pull off a convincing English accent.
Interresting, I thought he was british.
Offend him no more, Tribune! Jay Robinson was the best actor in the film.
You speak the truth, Kemo Sabe !!
No one will ever play a Caesar like him. He had ups and downs in life. But he was a fine actor. And this movie, plus Demetries and the gladiator were great movies.
Why this guy didn't get at least an Oscar nomination for this and the sequel is puzzling. He brought to life one of the most insane rulers in history. You can see the growing madness in his eyes.
You raise a good question. "The Robe" was the biggest box office film of 1953. Certainly, the novelty of the wide screen CinemaScope played a big part in the film's success. And the film won Oscars for its fantastic costumes and sets. However, I have long felt that Jay Robinso, Jean Simmons and Victor Mature all deserved Oscar nominations for their performances.
@@williamsnyder5616”masters of the world you call yourselves…” Victor was brilliant .
Best Cagligula ever!!....powerful proformance and completely steals the Film, total eclipse.
He was the best Caligula so far
Jay knew how to chew some scenery!
Well said !
I fell in love with Jean Simmons after seeing this movie!! I also became very afraid of Caligula (Jay Robinson) I was only 8.
He was a scary dude for a kid growing up in the early 60s ... produced many nightmares
Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest produced many n nightmares for me as a kid.
I saw "The Robe" when it first came out in 1953. Jay Robinson was the epitome of evil. Years later, I had moved to SF. The famous Castro Theater was holding its annual wide screen film festival and they were showing "The Robe," fitting because it was the first CinemaScope film. Robinson was interviewed over the radio before the festival. He was quite charming, but when I called in to the show and told him this six-year-old child had nightmares after seeing his performance, I heard a low chuckle.
He enjoyed smack.
Wow he played the role of Caligula like no one else !
Robinson was brilliant!!! He stole the movie, The Robe, and the sequel!
I would tend to agree, but I still love Richard Burton's performance as the hero/ protagonist of this great movie ! He makes the ultimate sacrifice for what he believes in. And that happens to be God/Christ. Hard to beat that !
Monkof Magnesia YES he DID !! You couldn't wait for HIS scene to see and hear WHAT CRAZY SHIT he'd say NEXT !!!👍
especially...the sequel! He could have taught actors of today a thing or two with his memorable performance!
He did indeed !!
I never knew there was a sequel
From Caligula to the host of Beyond Bizarre.. A Unique talent indeed Mr. Robinson
An excellent heroin addict.
Jean Simmons, the greatest christian actress in the history of American film. Pick a great role: she was there. Demetrius. Mysteries of the Bible.
Spartacus. The Robe. Androcles and the Lion. She was the face, and the voice. And it was a beautiful face, and voice. Bless her memory.
This guy was great in the role.
How right you are !
Love the fact he mentions Spartacus!
I like these two films mostly because of him playing Caligula, he's much fun.
I get the suspicion Martin Short drew inspiration from Jay Robinson's performance as Caligula when he played Brock Linehan on SCTV.
I love Jean Simmons
A classic performance from a vintage movie. They don't make films like this anymore.
True that !
Because Hollywood has been corrupted by pure evil. They cannot risk investing any time & money into making such films of faith without expecting financial, professional and personal retribution by the God hating atheists that run and control the entire entertainment industry.
They don't make films like this or that anymore, and they never will again, Donie
Robinson was the master character actor at playing the crazed or comically slightly off his rocker part.
He says "Christians" with such disgust.
How would you rate Jay Robinson's Caligula against Peter Ustinov's Nero in Quo Vadis?
Davey74Boy I saw QUO VADIS, THE ROBE, and DEMETRIUS AND THE GLADIATORS. I really enjoyed both actors’ performances.
Well
Both actors are superb in their portrayal of two of the worst power mongers and narcissists!
@@outercyberia Both remind me of Emperor Donald the First!
@@jamesalexander5623 🤣
This is without a doubt one of my favorite movies. I remember it’s debut on tv and it inspired me even as a young child that Christ was the message.
Jay Robinson..Perfect Caligula 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐🤩🤩🤩🤩⭐🤩🤩🤩🤩⭐⭐⭐
@rokkasotilas Thanks very much for that information there! I always liked this actor's portrayal of Caligula. Over the top, camp and sinister! Great work and a perfect Caligula!
Perfect description of this actor's performance ! So enjoyable ! I imagine pretty close to how the real Caligula was, as far as his overbearing, over the top persona !
Jay Robinson and Frank Thring, my two favorite psychotic and ruthless emperors and ruling types.☺
I would add Peter Ustinov (Nero) to that distinguished company!
Love this guy a perfect bad guy legendary performance.
I agree 100 per cent !!
I concur!
Jay Robinson is the male Bette Davis. I love his portrayal.
True! How ironic that Bette Davis actually helped to revive his sleeping career after his arrest for drug possession. Brilliant performance!!!!
Interesting comparison ! He was so perfectly campy & evil in this one a la Betty Davis ? Made The Robe so fun to watch !
@@PatriciaMoreno-ff8pr have you seen him in the sequel Demetrius and the Gladiators??? He took it to the 100th power!
@@David-dz3ig He was marvelous in "Demetrius." One of the things which played with subtle overtones was Franz Waxman's score for the sequel. You not only saw the insanity, but the music worked on you underneath.
@@williamsnyder5616 indeed he was!(Robinson) Franz Waxman really nailed it with his fantastic score!
A great actor 🤙🏼
I pray that God saves us all.
Chew up that scenery and spit it out
Brillant!
I love this movie
Jay and Bette Davis were best friends in fact Bette helped his career
The movie theme for Caligula fits the role perfectly!👍
If you press your iPhone screen and it plays 2X fast forward it is hilarious especially Caligula’s dialogue! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Over the top Charles Laughton set the bar very high when he did Nero in Sign of the Cross . I do congratulate Joauquin Phoenix in Gladiator for shading the classical Roman mad emperor with sick and creepy qualities. Robinson's one note performance is about getting that one note exactly with every word and movement. Not so easy as it sounds.
Jay Robinson was excellent for this role...... and to THINK......the actor HIMSELF was a meek and mild human being in reality......a GREAT acting job for SURE !!!!
Well, until his success as Caligula, he might have been. The successes of The Robe and Demetrius and the Gladiators apparently inflated his ego and he became known as being difficult to work with. And then, there was the drug addiction.
I just saw a Jay Robinson interview --- and NO BRITISH ACCENT ---- Wikipedia says he was American born in New York. He creeped me out in the 1960s as Caligula. Good Work Jay --- R.I.P. 2013
Gran interpretacion Jay Robinson bravo !!!
I have a sore throat just listening to him.
Excellent montage of megalomania! But when can we have Part 2 (Demetrius footage) please?
Brilliant!!
Incredible he didn't recieve and Oscar nomination for best supporting actor..
SO HANDSOME .
What she said about Caligula was true, facts!!!!!
Caligula was one of the worst monsters ever to live. At one of his officers weddings he not only violated the bride but the groom.
An Equal-Opportunity Defiler!
He was cruel in this part but he was in Barney Miller he was funny as hell sign of a good actor
He sounded more British than Burton.
He played the role quite convincingly just like a true sadistic madman'/!!!
3:10-3:55 is hysterical! LMAO...LOLLOLOLOLOLOLOL
You are aware, I take it, that Caligula was a dangerously erratic psychotic, correct? Just asking. I think Jay is well inside the parameters of the role, and yet magnificent....
@@caribman10 oh, I agree with you completely but to this day I still can't help but laugh nervously every time he appeared in a scene. He dominated every scene he was in and gave one of his most magnificent portrayals of a mad emperor! In the sequel, he was even more depraved and you can see he really pushed the role of Caligula into the stratosphere!
Calígula perfect!!!!!!
6:24 ❤❤❤❤ She speaks out against Caligula
🫶🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✌🏼
Awesome display of villainy.
Jay at his BEST!
Have you deepened Jay's voice? It sounds more high pitched in the version I'm watching now on TV.
He acts like a throwback from silent movies. No oscars for this role.
“They’re going to their God!” Man he was such a great actor
I found out the real Caligula was a good emperor, at first,
during about 2 months, but he had epilepsy that changed him
in some way ...
But I don't like it, in the movie are they showing Tiberius as a
GOOD emperor? Not a chance! In the novel, it said The Robe was near Tiberius, he was reaching out to touch it, then he suddenly cringed and took his hand away from it! I only
glanced through the book "Twelve Caesars ", but I kinda believe that Tiberius was the worst of them all.
The greatest villain performance in Hollywood history.
Good performance!