Teodora, imperatrice di Bisanzio (1954) Directed by Riccardo Freda
Drama / Romance / History
aka: Theodora, Slave Empress
Film Review
Like many grand historical epics, the Franco-Italian production Teodora was an achievement
for its time but, several decades on, it appears unimaginably kitsch and dated.
The spectacular set-pieces (including a magnificently choreographed chariot race) and
elaborate sets are still impressive, but the dialogue and general quality of acting rob
the film of any sense of realism or drama. This is one of a number of
lavish historical films made by the Italian director Riccardo Freda.
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Film Synopsis
In the 6th century AD, the Roman Emperor Justinen is making a tour of Byzantium
incognito when he encounters a stunning slave girl named Teodora. Captivated
by the girl's savage beauty and indomitable spirit, the emperor makes her
a present of a valuable pendant, but she runs off with the gift, fearing
the favours her benefactor may ask in return. Teodora is soon recaptured,
but before she can be punished as the Emperor requested, she escapes a second
time. She joins her lover, Arcal, who is about to enter a chariot race
as a representative of the ordinary people of Byzantium.
By taking Arcal's place in the competition and winning, Teodora gains not
only the Emperor's instant forgiveness but also his deepest admiration.
He takes her as his mistress, and then, impressed by her wisdom and compassion,
he makes her his queen. The latter act soon causes heated ructions
within the emperor's entourage. Justinen's position is further undermined
when Teodora begins using her elevated position to try to make life more
tolerable for the ordinary people of Byzantium. Fearing an uprising,
her enemies begin to conspire against her and they soon find a way to bring
about her downfall...
Script: Claude Accursi,
Ranieri Cochetti,
René Wheeler,
André-Paul Antoine (story),
Riccardo Freda
Cinematographer: Rodolfo Lombardi
Music: Renzo Rossellini
Cast: Gianna Maria Canale (Teodora),
Georges Marchal (Justinian), Renato Baldini (Arcal), Henri Guisol (John of Cappodocia), Irene Papas (Faidia), Carlo Sposito (Scarpios), Olga Solbelli (Egina), Alessandro Fersen (Metropolita), Roger Pigaut (Andres), Loris Gizzi (Smirnos),
Umberto Silvestri (The Executioner),
Mario Siletti (Magistrate), Oscar Andriani (Scarpio's Attorney),
Giovanni Fagioli (Court Chancellor),
Nerio Bernardi (Belisario), Michele Riccardini (Carceriere),
Armando Annuale
Country: Italy / France
Language: Italian
Support: Color
Runtime: 124 min
Aka:Theodora, Slave Empress
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