The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross

67 mins | Dec. 21, 1914

In 64 A.D., Marcus Superbus is Prefect of Rome. When the Emperor Nero decides to renew persecution of the Christians, Marcus opposes him, fearing for the safety of Mercia, the Christian woman whom he loves. Through the machinations of the Empress Poppaea and other women at court, Tigellinus, Nero's agent in the war against the Christians, convinces Nero to have Mercia arrested. Marcus appeals to the emperor for mercy, but is told that she can be saved only by renouncing Christianity. Waiting to enter the arena to be killed, Mercia steadfastly refuses to reject her religion, despite Marcus' pleas. Finally, Marcus is converted by her and they enter the arena to face death together.

The Sign of the Cross

67 mins | Dec. 21, 1914

The Sign of the Cross
In 64 A.D., Marcus Superbus is Prefect of Rome. When the Emperor Nero decides to renew persecution of the Christians, Marcus opposes him, fearing for the safety of Mercia, the Christian woman whom he loves. Through the machinations of the Empress Poppaea and other women at court, Tigellinus, Nero's agent in the war against the Christians, convinces Nero to have Mercia arrested. Marcus appeals to the emperor for mercy, but is told that she can be saved only by renouncing Christianity. Waiting to enter the arena to be killed, Mercia steadfastly refuses to reject her religion, despite Marcus' pleas. Finally, Marcus is converted by her and they enter the arena to face death together.
Producers
Original title The Sign of the Cross
Directors Frederick A. Thomson
Writers Wilson Barrett

Cast

William Farnum

as Marcus Superbus

Rosina Henley

as Mercia, a Christian maid

Sheridan Block

as Nero

Morgan Thorpe

as Favius

Ethel Grey Terry

as Berenice

Lila Barclay

as Poppaea

George Majeroni

as Tigellinus

Ogden Childe

as Stephanus

Ethel Phillips

as Dacia

Charles E. Vernon

as Glabrio

Rienzi De Cordova

as Philodemus