Teodora, imperatrice di Bisanzio (1954)
Directed by Riccardo Freda

Film Review

Like many grand historical epics, the Franco-Italian production Teodora was an achievement for its time but, several decades on, it appears unimaginably kitsch and dated.  The spectacular set-pieces (including a magnificently choreographed chariot race) and elaborate sets are still impressive, but the dialogue and general quality of acting rob the film of any sense of realism or drama.    This is one of a number of lavish historical films made by the Italian director Riccardo Freda.

Film Synopsis

In the 6th century AD, the Roman Emperor Justinen is making a tour of Byzantium incognito when he encounters a stunning slave girl named Teodora.  Captivated by the girl's savage beauty and indomitable spirit, the emperor makes her a present of a valuable pendant, but she runs off with the gift, fearing the favours her benefactor may ask in return.  Teodora is soon recaptured, but before she can be punished as the Emperor requested, she escapes a second time.  She joins her lover, Arcal, who is about to enter a chariot race as a representative of the ordinary people of Byzantium.

By taking Arcal's place in the competition and winning, Teodora gains not only the Emperor's instant forgiveness but also his deepest admiration.  He takes her as his mistress, and then, impressed by her wisdom and compassion, he makes her his queen.  The latter act soon causes heated ructions within the emperor's entourage.  Justinen's position is further undermined when Teodora begins using her elevated position to try to make life more tolerable for the ordinary people of Byzantium.  Fearing an uprising, her enemies begin to conspire against her and they soon find a way to bring about her downfall...