Unlike the horrifically antisemitic 1940 Nazi propaganda film, Lothar Mendes’ adaptation of Lion Feuchtwanger’s book offers a fairly sympathetic depiction of a Jewish man (Conrad Veidt) who seeks political power in order to improve the plight of Germany’s Jewry. Despite some unpleasant stereotypes - Suss is scheming and ruthless - the film is ultimately on his side, and the ending is deeply moving.
Enslaved by the invading Roman army, Hengist Pod and Horsa are sent to Ancient Rome to be auctioned off ñ that is until they hatch a plan to escape. In their bid to free themselves from captivity Hengist finds himself confused for a gladiator and becomes drafted into Cleopatraís private guard. Me...
