The Last Days of Pompeii (1959) on Netflix
Approved19591h 43mActionAdventureHistory
Centurion Glaucus returns to Pompeii and saves Ione, the Consul's daughter, when her chariot runs wild. He finds his father murdered by hooded thieves who leave a cross as their calling card.
- Netflix2.8/5
- IMDb5.6/101,453 votes
- Rotten TomatoesNot available
Trailer
Plot summary
Glaucus, a centurion coming home to Pompeii after a spell in Roman Palestine, saves Ione, whose father is the city's Consul, when her chariot runs wild. On the road he also steps in when the thief Antonius is brutally punished on Gallinus's orders. Back in Pompeii he finds his father's house plundered and his father dead, and learns that a gang of hooded raiders has been killing families across the city, painting a cross on a wall each time. Glaucus swears revenge on the killers. Ascanius, the Consul, calls a citywide festival to persuade the Emperor that the killings are not a sign of unrest, while Mount Vesuvius threatens to erupt above the city.
Cast
- Vicky Lagosas Woman in Red
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about The Last Days of Pompeii (1959)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Steve Reeves injured his shoulder while filming the scene where Glaucus saves Ione from driving her chariot into a wall, and the wound got worse during the underwater fight with the crocodile. The injury ended his bodybuilding career and forced his retirement from films after A Long Ride from Hell.
- Director Mario Bonnard fell ill during production, so most of The Last Days of Pompeii was shot by Sergio Leone, who was not credited in the film's prints.
- Steve Reeves was cast as the Roman centurion Glaucus only two weeks before shooting started, his first film since playing Hercules. The script was then changed to exploit his physique, adding an underwater crocodile fight and a confrontation with lions.
