The Epic That Never Was

00:00:17 (MUSIC: "ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA" by RICHARD STRAUSS)

00:03:46 to find out what really happened.

00:06:24 I, Claudius seemed the perfect subject. He still had Laughton under contract

00:08:55 It was the afternoon when she had to leave England and Alex Korda came instead

00:11:56 And the Alex decided that he would get von Sternberg to direct me

00:14:17 Flora Robson who in her younger days seemed condemned to play older parts

00:16:53 In those days, when it was all beautifully furnished

00:20:23 I was introduced to him and he took me aside - he was extremely polite -

00:22:45 he was magnificent in several of the scenes.

00:25:34 get made up and get dressed....

00:28:14 One day he arrived breathless and rather late on the set, very excited

00:30:31 and arranged up a magnificent flight of steps in the temple scene.

00:34:56 I have asked Claudius to be present here and to be my guest at dinner tonight.

00:37:23 (LAUGHTER)

00:39:54 This member of the crew turned to me and said

00:43:18 - What do you want with him? - I'm only here to arrest him.

00:47:09 In the last few years after eating, I have ap-palling pains in my stomach

00:50:21 In the next scene, we find out why Caligula postponed the death sentence on Claudius.

00:53:31 When, eventually, his mad nephew Caligula killed off practically everyone remaining

00:56:06 My Lord Sentius.

00:59:31 cannot condone murder.

01:02:22 He was a child. He was a brilliantly gifted child...

01:05:07 because I thought that Claudius would have made a very fine film.

01:08:00 He doesn't mind books, but he didn't want to be portrayed, even by Charles Laughton.