I, Claudius (DVD) (BBC TV mini-series 9-20-76 thur 12-6-76)

This mini-series follows the history of the Roman Empire, from approximately the death of Marcellus (24/23 B.C.) to Claudius’ own death in 54 A.D. As Claudius narrates his life, we witness Augustus’ attempts to find an heir, often foiled by his wife Livia who wants her son Tiberius to become emperor. We also see the conspiracy of Sejanus, the infamous reign of Caligula, and Claudius’ own troubled period of rule.

E1a - A Touch of Murder: Claudius, while writing his biography, he recalls the history of his family. In Rome 24 AD Augustus celebrates the anniversary of the defeat of Agrippa and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium and seems to be preparing to make his nephew his heir.

E1b - Family Affairs: Livia poisons Agrippa, and Tiberius has to divorce his wife to marry Julia. No one is satisfied with this arrangement, which is further complicated when Julia confesses to Antonia that she suspects Livia of the murder of Agrippa.

E2 - Waiting in the Wings: The Roman emperor Augustus must confront the scandalous behaviour of his daughter, Julia. When young Claudius catches a wolf-cub dropped from the sky by an eagle, a prophecy is made.

E3 - What Shall We Do About Claudius?: Livia plots to destroy the reputation of Postumus. Young Claudius is given some good advice by Pollio, before being drawn into an arranged marriage.

E4 - Poison is Queen: Claudius makes a final attempt to clear the name of Postumus, but Livia is determined that Tiberius will become emperor. Don’t eat the figs, Augustus.

E5 - Some Justice: Ancient Rome, 19AD, and Germanicus, the brother of Claudius, has been murdered. Piso and Plancina are to be put to trial for the killing, but feel sure that Tiberius and Livia won’t allow them to be found guilty. Antonia worries that young Caligula may have some developmental problems

E6 - Queen of Heaven: The end draws near for the evil Livia as the power of Tiberius and Sejanus increases. Sejanus has plans for Claudius to marry his sister, Aelia.

E7 - Reign of Terror: Sejanus wants to marry Livilla following his divorce but Tiberius refuses permission and suggests Helen. This enrages Livilla who poisons Helen.

E8 - Zeus, by Jove!: When Tiberius dies, the insane Caligula becomes emperor, and, as if we haven’t seen enough blood, the trouble really starts! Caligula announces that he and his sister have become gods, and demands that Lentulus makes good his offer of sacrifice.

E9 - Hail Who?: The increasingly insane emperor Caligula has appointed his horse as a senator and is terrorising his people. Unsurprisingly, Cassius and his conspirators plot to kill Caligula, but who will be emperor after him?

E10 - Fool’s Luck: Claudius accepts the crown but does not spare Cassius for killing Caligula family. Messalina persuades Claudius to let her rule along side him.

E11 - A God in Colchester: Claudius (Derek Jacobi) and Herod (James Faulkener) are foes; Claudius is blind to Messalina’s (Sheila White) infidelity.

E12 - Old King Log: Claudius’ fourth wife is his niece and Nero’s mother. His plan to restore the republic involves the loathsome Nero rather than Claudius’ own son.

Complete

1976

PG-13

054961875092

Historical

35th Anniversary Edition

TV

I, Claudius

100

8.8

2018-02-07 18:27:20

1.33:1 - Full Frame

668

United States

1976-09-20

MPEG-2 (H.262)

480i

1.33:1 - Full Frame

5

A

Slip Sleeve

~$59.99

2026-02-20

2018-02-07 18:27:20