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The Sign of the Cross

Play trailer Poster for The Sign of the Cross 1932 1h 58m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
After Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton) blames the Christians for burning Rome, he orders that they be sent to the Colosseum. While rounding them up, military leader Marcus Superbus (Fredric March) meets pretty young Mercia (Elissa Landi), who begs him to free her stepfather, Titus (Arthur Hohl). Marcus does so with the hope of seducing her but is unsuccessful. Empress Poppaea (Claudette Colbert), who has her eye on Marcus, soon learns of Mercia and, out of jealousy, orders her fed to the lions.

Critics Reviews

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Katherine Hill San Francisco Chronicle 2d
The maestro of "spectacle" has outdone himself in the filming of the Wilson Barrett play. Go to Full Review George Campbell Dixon Daily Telegraph (UK) 2d
The Sign of the Cross -- partly, it must be admitted, because of the nature of the subject -- remains the most brutal as well as the most spectacular talkie yet made. Go to Full Review Irene Thirer New York Daily News 2d
3.5/4
Magnificent in background and stupendous in cast, with countless thousands assisting the excellent principals in lurid scenes of court and sordid scenes of sport. And in spite of its spectacular scope and power, the picture moves. Go to Full Review Martin Dickstein Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2d
Truly, The Sign of the Cross is the biggest thing the screen has offered since the coming of the talkies. We would hesitate to report, however, that it is the talkies' greatest achievement. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Thomas V @TomVee Jul 8 There's nothing subtle about this heavy handed, overlong, campy epic pitting Christian virtue against Roman depravity, in a way that, as many have pointed out, seems to be a personal conflict De Mille is working through for himself on screen. Still, it's a spectacle worth seeing once. I wouldn't say it's good or entertaining, but it is an experience I won't soon forget. See more joe s @RT65550607 05/22/2022 A typical Cecil B.DeMille production exhibiting the director's tastelessness, corny dialog, and spectacle. Colbert bathes in mare's milk (real mare's milk which after awhile turned into cheese [true]adding a proper aroma to the film). March plays a Roman with the stupid name of Marcus Superbus . It is only worth it to see Laughton's campy Nero with a new nose and a handsome nude man by his side. See more william d @acsdoug 12/27/2021 Perhaps it was considered an epic spectacle in 1932, but now the dialogue and acting seem stiff and wooden. Skip ahead about 90 minutes and just watch the arena scenes. Those are kind of interesting. See more Thomas M @TMProofreader 07/28/2019 The best epic movie ever made! See more 10/09/2013 this was one of the first pre-code pics i watched and got me totally hooked on them this one did it 4 me couldnt believe what they got away with See more 02/04/2013 High camp for 1932--Martyrdom, DeMille style!! See more Read all reviews
The Sign of the Cross

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Cast & Crew

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Cecil B. DeMille

Director

Fredric March

Marcus Superbus

Claudette Colbert

Poppea

Charles Laughton

Nero

Elissa Landi

Mercia

Ian Keith

Tigellinus

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The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross (1932) The Sign of the Cross (1932) The Sign of the Cross (1932) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton) blames the Christians for burning Rome, he orders that they be sent to the Colosseum. While rounding them up, military leader Marcus Superbus (Fredric March) meets pretty young Mercia (Elissa Landi), who begs him to free her stepfather, Titus (Arthur Hohl). Marcus does so with the hope of seducing her but is unsuccessful. Empress Poppaea (Claudette Colbert), who has her eye on Marcus, soon learns of Mercia and, out of jealousy, orders her fed to the lions.
Director
Cecil B. DeMille
Producer
Cecil B. DeMille
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 30, 1932, Original
Release Date (DVD)
May 10, 2011
Runtime
1h 58m