Julius Caesar

"A production that smites the eye with violence and rings with the clang of metal words." - Bosley Crowther, The New York Times

They are all "honorable men." And they are all conspirators bent on murdering the emperor. To win public support, however, they know they must sway the widely admired Brutus to their cause.

Julius Caesar (nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture and winner for Best B&W Art Direction/Set Decoration) remains one of the best movie adaptations of Shakespeare as directed by Oscar winner Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Atop the stellar cast, John Gielgud plays lead conspirator Cassius (later at the other end of the dagger as Caesar in the 1970 movie version). James Mason (the National Board of Review's Best Actor Award winner) is tormented Brutus. And in a celebrated casting, Marlon Brando abandons his then-trademark T-shirt for a toga to give a compelling portrayal of loyal avenger Antony.