MASTERPIECE THEATRE: I, CLAUDIUS {PART 13 OF 13}: OLD KING LOG (TV)
Summary
One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre," hosted by Alistair Cooke. This thirteen-part adaptation of Robert Graves's historical novel "I, Claudius," is set in the early years of the Roman Empire and depicts the life and milieu of the first four Roman Emperors as recalled by the fourth, Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus (10 B.C. - A.D. 54), the lame, stammering grandson of Mark Antony. In the final installment, part thirteen, entitled "Old King Log," the late Claudius's family history is discovered by his scheming wife (and niece) Agrippinilla and his mad successor Nero. Claudius spent his last years married to Agrippinilla, curiously allowing his wife to proffer up her son Nero as his heir apparent rather than his own son Britannicus. Claudius, believing his wise and just rule has allowed monarchy to flourish for too long, secretly believes the horrid reign of the lunatic Nero will eventually allow Brittanicus to usher back the republic. Claudius reveals these and other prophesies of the Sibyl to his chief advisor Narcissus. Meanwhile his other advisor Pallas -- who is also his wife's lover -- plots with Agrippinilla to poison the emperor. Addressing the senate for the final time, Claudius falls into a stupor, as his many ghosts besiege him. Claudius is brought to his chamber where he tries to explain his plans for the restoration of the Roman republic to Brittanicus, who refuses his father's destiny for him, wishing to battle Nero for the empire instead. A dejected but accepting Claudius then purposely allows his wife to poison him. As Agripinilla and Nero burn Claudius's family history (not realizing that Claudius has buried a copy for posterity), the now dead Claudius is once more visited by the Sibyl, who further reveals the future of the empire to him before his soul's final egress from Rome.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: January 29, 1978 Sunday 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:58:49
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T86:1267
- GENRE: Docudrama; Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Docudrama; Drama, historical; Roman emperor; Rome
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1971-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Martin Lisemore … Producer
- Herbert Wise … Director
- Jack Pulman … Writer
- Robert Graves … Based on the novel by
- Wilfred Josephs … Music (Misc. Credits), Title Music
- David Wulstan … Music (Misc. Credits), Incidental Music
- Clerkes of Oxenford, The … Music (Misc. Credits), Incidental Music
- Alistair Cooke … Host
- Derek Jacobi … Cast, Claudius
- Bernard Hepton … Cast, Pallas
- John Cater … Cast, Narcissus
- Barbara Young … Cast, Agrippinilla
- Christopher Biggins … Cast, Nero
- Graham Seed … Cast, Britannicus
- Peter Bowles … Cast, Caractacus
- Geroge Howe … Cast, Senator
- Roger Bizley … Cast, Plautius
- Freda Dowie … Cast, the Sibyl
- Cheryl Johnson … Cast, Octavia
- John Drake … Cast, the Consul
- Sian Phillips … Cast, Livia
- Margaret Tyzack … Cast, Antonia
- Brian Blessed … Cast, Augustus
- George Baker … Cast, Tiberius
- John Hurt … Cast, Caligula