Episode 156 - Caligula / Caligula the Ultimate Cut (1980; 2004)

Mary Versus the Movies

We take on the notorious Caligula, the story of the third Roman emperor who murdered his way to the throne and married his sister, in two forms--the original Bob Guccione cut with its hardore sex scenes, and the restored Gore Vidal/Tinto Brass version with its more measured editing, and find in the restoration a surprisingly decent film--the original theatrical version, however, lives up to its reputation.

Starring Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mrren, Teresa Ann Savoy, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud, John Steiner, and Guido Manarri. Written by Gore Vidal. Directed by Tinto Brass.