• Plot Description
• Soundtrack
• Wallpapers
• Popularity
Running Time
1 hour, 55 minutes
Country USA
Studio Paramount
More info on IMDb.com
Other Titles
• The Sign of the Cross
• Im Zeichen des Kreuzes (1933)
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Genre: Drama, Epic, Religion, Tear Jerker, Gay/Lesbian
Tagline: A picture which will proudly lead all the entertainments the world has ever seen
Plot: The persecution of Christians in the ancient city of Rome is given the full DeMille treatment in this biblical saga. Rome is ablaze with political intrigue, jealousy, and the fires set by the depraved Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton). The half-mad emperor delights in burning the city and blaming the fire on the Christians so he can slaughter them. Rome's prefect Marcus (Fredric March) is in charge of hunting the underground band of Christians who live in constant fear of death and torture because of their beliefs. While rounding up two philosophers accused of practicing Christianity, he meets a virtuous and lovely Christian maiden (Elissa Landi) whom he instantly falls in love with. All the while the decadent Empress Poppaea (Claudette Colbert) fights for Marcus's undivided attention as she jealousy plots the death of his newfound charge. Ultimately, Marcus must betray Nero and his power-hungry wife if he wishes to keep his young love alive. The outlandish orgies of the gluttonous emperor and his court are terrific fodder for DeMille's love of spectacle and titillation. The finale, suitably Roman in a blood-soaked arena, is a decadently morbid and erotic playground for the legendary director's lavish sensibilities. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS comes complete with deadly elephants,
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| Directed by |
Cecil B. DeMille
The Ten Commandments, The Greatest Show on Earth, Samson and Delilah |
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| Written by |
| Sidney Buchman
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Cleopatra, Here Comes Mr. Jordan |
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| Cast |
Claudette Colbert
It Happened One Night, The Palm Beach Story, Drums Along the Mohawk |
 | Fredric March
The Best Years of Our Lives, Inherit the Wind, Seven Days in May | | | Ian Keith
Queen Christina, The Three Musketeers, All This, and Heaven Too | | Arthur Hohl
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Yearling, Footlight Parade | |
[more] |
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| Music By |
| Victor Young
The Quiet Man, Shane, Around the World in Eighty Days |
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