The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross

124 mins | Drama, History | Nov. 30, 1932

After burning Rome, Emperor Nero decides to blame the Christians, and issues the edict that they are all to be caught and sent to the arena. Two old Christians are caught, and about to be hauled off, when Marcus, the highest military official in Rome, comes upon them. When he sees their stepdaughter Mercia, he instantly falls in love with her and frees them. Marcus pursues Mercia, which gets him into trouble with Emperor (for being easy on Christians) and with the Empress, who loves him and is jealous.

The Sign of the Cross

124 mins | Drama, History | Nov. 30, 1932

The Sign of the Cross
After burning Rome, Emperor Nero decides to blame the Christians, and issues the edict that they are all to be caught and sent to the arena. Two old Christians are caught, and about to be hauled off, when Marcus, the highest military official in Rome, comes upon them. When he sees their stepdaughter Mercia, he instantly falls in love with her and frees them. Marcus pursues Mercia, which gets him into trouble with Emperor (for being easy on Christians) and with the Empress, who loves him and is jealous.
IMDb rating 6.8
Producers Paramount
Original title The Sign of the Cross
Directors Edward Salven, Mitchell Leisen, Cecil B. DeMille
Writers Wilson Barrett, Sidney Buchman, Waldemar Young

Cast

Fredric March

as Marcus Superbus - Prefect of Rome

Elissa Landi

as Mercia

Claudette Colbert

as Empress Poppaea

Charles Laughton

as Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar

Ian Keith

as Tigellinus

Arthur Hohl

as Titus

Harry Beresford

as Favius Fontelas

Tommy Conlon

as Stephan

Vivian Tobin

as Dacia

William V. Mong

as Licinius

Joyzelle Joyner

as Ancaria

Richard Alexander

as Viturius

Nat Pendleton

as Strabo

Clarence Burton

as Servillius

Harold Healy

as Tybul

Robert Seiter

as Philodemus

Henry Brandon

as Colosseum Spectator (uncredited)

John Carradine

as Christian Martyr / Gladiator Leader / Voice in Coliseum Mob (uncredited)

Dave O'Brien

as Christian on Stairway (uncredited)

Sally Rand

as Crocodiles' Victim (uncredited)

Arthur Shields

as Chaplain Costello (1944 Re-Release Prologue) (uncredited)

Tom Tully

as Hoboken (1944 Re-Release Prologue) (uncredited)

Lionel Belmore

as Bettor of 300 Silver