lol 2:04 you would never guess that guard right behind him would one day be playing the role of king theodin in lord of the rings. Or the captain in titanic
This show is absolute proof that basic sets, small casts and low budgets can easily be overcome by quality acting and screen writing.
Can anyone get this message through to the so-called film makers of today, with their all looks, no talent teen actors and CG laden, brainless pap they churn out?
"I, Claudius" was the highest achievement of TV, followed closely by "Brideshead Revisited". What a pity TV went downhill so quickly afterwards, until it reached the depths that it is today.
But thankfully "I, Claudius" will never date, thanks to its authentic Roman costumes and hairstyles. It looks as new today as it did back in 1976 when I was first mesmerized by it as a teenager.
I love this scene this shows that Claudius was not as much of a mentally challenged man, or a physically ill man as people thought he was. he was just using his perceived disability to his advantage so he would not be seen as a threat. he would end up becoming a respected emperor, and one of the best in history, though of course his grandfather Augustus is thought of as the greatest to many people. he and his grandfather were the two emperors within his family that were respected.
One of the factors that makes this series so grand is the fact that there is no background music, interfering with the audiences' concentration on the acting. So often these days, background music is everywhere 'setting the mood' when instead it should be the craft of the actor doing so. Background mood music is like sugar in our food - everywhere, to our ultimate detriment.
@saturncancer You're right. There are not many who trust the actors that much any more, perhaps -- and so the ability starts to dwindle with the lowered expectations; and of course the ability of the audience to sort out what is going on at surface and deeper levels at once, without the blatant musical cues, is also diminished.
You have to admit, even though Claudius has the bloodiest inauguration (what with the executions and all), the fact that he condemns one not for the murder of his mad nephew, but for the innocents who were butchered only for their association speaks volumes of his true character.
Jacobi's performance was stunning in this series. As was everyone else's too. It's made me a fan of his, Hurt's and Blessed for years now.
@ArthasvsLeon Makes good PR when being inaugurated as Emperor. Claudius came to power after Caligula's death (some speculate he took the title instead of being found cowering behind curtains by guards looking for a legitimate emperor to employ them) and wanted to assure his control. He certainly couldn't leave Cassius alive but he gained from his nephew's sudden death, so he condemned the commander for killing the wife and infant daughter.
@ArthasvsLeon in fact the killing of an emperor's or king's family was common practice in order to make sure nobidy from the family would claim the throne.
One of my favorite moments in what is still my all-time favorite mini-series. I remember when I first saw it back in the 70's on 'Masterpiece Theater" and I was stunned by how incredibly powerful, well-written, well-acted and (on occasion) downright witty it was! It made me a fan of Jacobi, Phillips, Hurt & others and still counts as a gold standard of "sand and sandal" epics. Thanks for posting this!
The man standing at the side of Claudius is Herod Agrippa, the king of Judea: educated with Claudius from childhood, and one of the few people aware of who he really was, what he knew, or how observant he was.
Claudius survives to middle age, joins the kiss my ass club, and tells the Senate off for not doing their jobs and for looking the other way while a palace coup that kills his insane nephew and puts him in charge, whether he wants it or not. Reputed idiot makes it clear he is sharp as a tack.
That was by far my FAVORITE scene in what was an EXCELLENT series! I've sat through the entire series on multiple occasions and love it every single time.
An interesting note on Claudius was that he was a historian. The beauty of being a historian is that rather then learning from your mistakes you can learn from someone else's, which is probably why he was able to take over Britain which probably made him one of Rome's most important emperors and one to change the course of history itself.
one of the best moments of I claudius, i think claudius was at least an average, and competent emperor, also julius caesar was a bit of a tyrant, but he did not deserve to die, neither did claudius.
In my opinion Claudius was a good emperor, who saved the empire after the reign of Tiberius and Caligula. "He" conquered Britain, thus expanding it and making it richer, and he built important buildings too, such as the port in Rome, which would secure that the Empire would be richer after his death, unfortunatly, Nero probably spent this accumulated wealth in his... Shenanigans after losing his mind.
I agree he was a good emperor, though he had some senators killed, and also loved gladiatorial fights, which in our modern persepctive we feel is wrong. He was certainly a better emperor then Caligula, and Nero, and even better then Tiberius, but obviously Augustus was one of the best emperors. in the julio claudian dynasty only Augustus was a better emperor then Claudius. Claudius was also the only heterosexual emperor in that first dynasty, and one of the few to be straight.
Okay seriously...Caligula HAD to be killed, I agree on that...but then some people say that Julius Caesar had to die aswell for being a tyrant,..but if he was a tyrant, then what was Caligula, Nero and Commodus?
Of course they were tyrants. But better to be ruled by tyrants rather than aristocrats.
The tyrants at least opened citizenship up to all members of the Roman empire, allowing even foreigners to participate in politics and invest in the city. The senate, had it stayed in full power, would have kept citizenship and politics strictly within the city walls.
Rome would not have survived long without its Caesars. It would have just crashed under the weight of mismanagement and civil wars.
@IvanBeSerious Depending on which historians you refer to. The ones who we have as sources are the ones whose works survived. However, there's no doubt that the intrigue which likely existed in Rome would have affected them.
And the worm turns!...I first saw this show in 1977 when it was first broadcast in the States, and it changed my life! I can quote every damn line in all 13 episodes, including th-th-the stammering! Jacobi rules.
Derek Jacobi is one of the great actors and was definately worthy of this role, I can't imagine anyone else playing the great emperor Claudius (I'm looking at you Leonardo DiCaprio) I'm totally dreading the remake, it's gonna be awful
Something I have always thought would be a great thing to try, is to have one of these scenes from the series re-dubbed with voices speaking original Imperial Latin (a` la` "Sesbatiane"). While I appreciate this great series and the acting in it, it must be remembered that the ancient Romans did NOT speak with a polished BBC accent like in this series, or with Russell Crowe's Australian as in "Gladiator".
True, but the language they spoke would have seemed natural and familiar to THEM. The ruling classes would have had the most polished version of Latin of the time, and the soldiers a more earthy tougher version of it. Basically, they probably had a range of accents and dialects within Latin just as we do today within English. It's just pretentious to try to film in Latin. Just make the film in English, then we are 'there' with them, use your imagination to make believe we are all Latin.
He condemned Chaera for the murder of Caesonia and a baby...a woman and a child...and let the others go.
Claudius used the rule of law to make his point..and history showed he ruled wisely and well. Claudius was also the one who brought back the final missing Eagle, lost by Varus.
He made mistakes, as another did...but neither of them was a fool.
@Sonnabend00 Most sources say that Cassius Chaera was allowed to die by the sword which he used in the murder of the Caesonia and Julia. If so, then it was generous on Claudius' part to allow that. I might have had Cassius crucified for the crimes of murder and treason.
@Sonnabend00 You are partially correct, only those condemned of being a Christian during the Rome's paganism were crucified, if my memory serves correct.
This just goes to show that you shouldn't judge someone too quickly based solely on physical handicaps. What many might consider to be a limitation may serve to enhance one's skills. The hard of hearing learn to listen more intently, those with poor sight learn to observe more closely.
Just another example of the heart and soul overcoming the body's limitation.
Claudius was truly an interesting and effective Roman Caesar.
Notice Bernard Hill in the background? He became best known internationally for Theoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also Yosser in Boys From The Blackstuff.
Only gripe about this scene is that Cassius Chaerea was a national hero, and in the book Claudius reminds him of this before condemning him, and Cassius salutes Claudius without saying a word.
This remains however the greatest TV drama series of all time.
This is easily my fav moment form the show ( the Messalina beheading coming in a close second). Now we get to see claudius show everyone that he has the brains Rome has needed for so long and the heart to use it to the best that he can. HAIL THE EMPEROR!
Notice how the soldiers file in after Claudius, and that Claudius says that if the Senate has a problem with him being Emperor they need to talk to the soldiers. Unfortunately, this turn of events (the army making an emperor) had ominous implications and led to disaster for Rome in the third century. With an out-of-control army making and killing emperors at will. Within a 50 year period, there were 25 emperors and any number of wannabies.
One of the most potent scenes in the great series "I, Claudius". This is the moment when Claudius emerges from behind the curtains of public life and into the arena of real authority as emperor...a position he did not covet. Jakobi plays the scene masterfully, with such controlled firmness, humanity...and a sense of justice. That's the key. This is Claudius's first exposure to the Senate and to his soldiers...the moment when he assumes command...and command is exactly what he does! Brilliant!
I have seen this series 3 times. Wonderful! My favorite character is Livia. I love the scene where she murders her husband, Caesar Augustus, by putting poison on every fig on the fig tree and then drolled on about how hard work it was for her, that it took her "all night". Wickedly funny! The series is historically accurate too...
For anyone seeing this for the first time and who have not seen "I Claudius" do yourselves a favor: see it. I agree with those who have said what a marvelous series this is. The books by Robert Graves (from which this great show is based on) are also excellent and merit reading. It's amazing how Claudius - who was taunted by others as a fool and an embarrassment - outlived all of them and eventually became emperor!
In spite of multiple physical handicaps, this guy was actually sharp as a tack, and a progressive, liberal Emperor. Derek Jacobi and the rest of this cast were superb.
I love this stuff. I could drink it all day. If you have the prophecy from the second episode it is one of my favorites along with the the episode where Livia asks him to ensure Caliga makes her a god.
Though the last three episodes of the series are strong, this to me is the real climax of entire production. The "idiot" Claudius recieves the throne and proves himself sharper than not just the senate but arguably most of the imperial family.
@billy1587 That's Graves and sensational historians who wrote such things. Claudius likely took the title as soon as Caligula was declared dead and got the Imperial Guard for support. Some even speculate he may have known of a plot to kill Caligula but those who did the deed were condemned quickly afterwards.
"Trust no one" says Herod to Claudius later on in the series, knowing full well he would one day betray Caesar and rebel against the Empire.
Claudius turned out to be an excellent Emperor, even though he desired a return of the Republic. In helping to put Nero in power, who he was sure would abuse his authority much as Caligula had, Claudius hoped to turn public opinion against the Empire, and the Republic would return. But once that line was crossed, there was no going back.
Yes, and the ultimate irony other than Claudius a Republican being made emperor but that the families own power games led to the ascension to the thrown of the one person they all had nothing but scorn for. And he was an excellent emperor, ahead of his time in many respects.
Well said, Clavdivs. Well said.
darthvadersith514 3 days ago
Best scene <3 <3 <3 !
Pathetiquelvb 5 days ago
2:30 Adam Sandler
10Tuxedo 2 weeks ago in playlist Favorite videos
lol 2:04 you would never guess that guard right behind him would one day be playing the role of king theodin in lord of the rings. Or the captain in titanic
skyrimpodcast 2 weeks ago
Great series.
Kkardemumma 3 weeks ago
This was just THE best television series ever made and I never tire of seeing it again,
When it was made people actually ACTED.
Seemorerocks97 1 month ago
This show is absolute proof that basic sets, small casts and low budgets can easily be overcome by quality acting and screen writing.
Can anyone get this message through to the so-called film makers of today, with their all looks, no talent teen actors and CG laden, brainless pap they churn out?
notmemate 4 months ago 6
What a guy says is more important than how *choke choke* he says it.
goosemaster720 4 months ago
this is the first scene i have ever seen from this series and i must admit that it started to draw me in.
movitmovit 4 months ago
@movitmovit Watch it, it won't disappoint! Then read the books they are sublime!
BggProductions 1 month ago
I'm a fan of Jacobi, have heard about this series for a good portion of my life, never sat down to watch it. After seeing this scene, I'm going to.
kamwrites 5 months ago
I got the dvd collection of this, saw it as a child and loved this series ^^
But the dvd collection I have is of crappy quality, THIS is gorgeous, but mine is grany and some lines reminding me of ol' vhs days appear
Irritating, but it does little to take away any enjoyment ^^
SolidMike84 5 months ago
is that bernard hill as one of the guards?
Nelsonhojax15 6 months ago
"I, Claudius" was the highest achievement of TV, followed closely by "Brideshead Revisited". What a pity TV went downhill so quickly afterwards, until it reached the depths that it is today.
But thankfully "I, Claudius" will never date, thanks to its authentic Roman costumes and hairstyles. It looks as new today as it did back in 1976 when I was first mesmerized by it as a teenager.
Hail, Claudius Caesar!
Aussiemarco 6 months ago 5
You gotta love that old school theatre style of acting. So organic and engaging for the watcher.
SirGunishment 7 months ago
I love this scene this shows that Claudius was not as much of a mentally challenged man, or a physically ill man as people thought he was. he was just using his perceived disability to his advantage so he would not be seen as a threat. he would end up becoming a respected emperor, and one of the best in history, though of course his grandfather Augustus is thought of as the greatest to many people. he and his grandfather were the two emperors within his family that were respected.
imperatorcaesar100 8 months ago
@austrain i disagree.... he has done plentuy of other stuff... try Cadfell... or him playing senior code breaker of WW2
SauronsLeftNut 9 months ago
Great part can watch it over and over.
alexlancer11 9 months ago
One of the factors that makes this series so grand is the fact that there is no background music, interfering with the audiences' concentration on the acting. So often these days, background music is everywhere 'setting the mood' when instead it should be the craft of the actor doing so. Background mood music is like sugar in our food - everywhere, to our ultimate detriment.
saturncancer 9 months ago 2
@saturncancer You're right. There are not many who trust the actors that much any more, perhaps -- and so the ability starts to dwindle with the lowered expectations; and of course the ability of the audience to sort out what is going on at surface and deeper levels at once, without the blatant musical cues, is also diminished.
manthasagittarius1 5 months ago
Wow.
Best TV of my childhood. Utterly transported.
Yowzoe 10 months ago 3
LIKE LIKE LIKE !!!!!!
vasp99 10 months ago
I would buy a tv if ever the content ever reached this standard...
LordBenery 11 months ago 5
@ptevlin He must have been able to help Colin Firth then, because Derek Jacobi was in "The King's Speech".
aquagrl63 1 year ago
Badass.
Yet as in all tragedies, to little to late. Poor damned Claudius.
Dokph 1 year ago
this is what tv drama should aspire to.
whenever i watch derek jacobi, i catch a faint glimmer of the nobility of man.
catveezle 1 year ago 2
this says it all...
dontleademsomuch 1 year ago
Looks like some background soldiers are struggling to keep a straight face...
tenchimuyo69 1 year ago 2
You have to admit, even though Claudius has the bloodiest inauguration (what with the executions and all), the fact that he condemns one not for the murder of his mad nephew, but for the innocents who were butchered only for their association speaks volumes of his true character.
Jacobi's performance was stunning in this series. As was everyone else's too. It's made me a fan of his, Hurt's and Blessed for years now.
ArthasvsLeon 1 year ago 14
@ArthasvsLeon Makes good PR when being inaugurated as Emperor. Claudius came to power after Caligula's death (some speculate he took the title instead of being found cowering behind curtains by guards looking for a legitimate emperor to employ them) and wanted to assure his control. He certainly couldn't leave Cassius alive but he gained from his nephew's sudden death, so he condemned the commander for killing the wife and infant daughter.
3baxcb 1 year ago
@ArthasvsLeon in fact the killing of an emperor's or king's family was common practice in order to make sure nobidy from the family would claim the throne.
naly202 2 months ago
No CGI, no massive battle scenes, gore or gratutious nudity - just good writing and acting.
TankUni 1 year ago 6
Did you see Jacobi on Frasier?
TheVillage6 1 year ago
One of my favorite moments in what is still my all-time favorite mini-series. I remember when I first saw it back in the 70's on 'Masterpiece Theater" and I was stunned by how incredibly powerful, well-written, well-acted and (on occasion) downright witty it was! It made me a fan of Jacobi, Phillips, Hurt & others and still counts as a gold standard of "sand and sandal" epics. Thanks for posting this!
II2None59 1 year ago
You know this is one of the highlights of what had to be one of the most riveting TV series ever made
MrCuddy2977 1 year ago 2
The man standing at the side of Claudius is Herod Agrippa, the king of Judea: educated with Claudius from childhood, and one of the few people aware of who he really was, what he knew, or how observant he was.
bookkeeper57 1 year ago
Claudius survives to middle age, joins the kiss my ass club, and tells the Senate off for not doing their jobs and for looking the other way while a palace coup that kills his insane nephew and puts him in charge, whether he wants it or not. Reputed idiot makes it clear he is sharp as a tack.
bookkeeper57 1 year ago 5
Reminds me of Obama getting sworn in to office.
TheJoeyD27 1 year ago
The acting is so good it hurts....
liamos85 1 year ago
Personally one of the greatest monologues ever!! :-)
obnoxiousoboe 1 year ago
@obnoxiousoboe Amen!!!
chaosfive55 1 year ago
That was by far my FAVORITE scene in what was an EXCELLENT series! I've sat through the entire series on multiple occasions and love it every single time.
digithead01 1 year ago
I love how this scene concludes. Those two scowling cowards sneer at him till their
necks are saved . . . then it's bowing on their way out!
blackiemittens 1 year ago 2
@blackiemittens Who wouldn't? Dodging a sword, strangling or nailing to a cross would make them think twice about a conspiracy.
3baxcb 1 year ago
An interesting note on Claudius was that he was a historian. The beauty of being a historian is that rather then learning from your mistakes you can learn from someone else's, which is probably why he was able to take over Britain which probably made him one of Rome's most important emperors and one to change the course of history itself.
schizoidboy 1 year ago
@schizoidboy That there is the difference between Hitler winning and losing WW2.
A historian would have known that invading Russia was an incredibly bad idea.
HugoRune1976 1 year ago
@HugoRune1976 True his generals who knew this fact were ignored and he went ahead. Hitler was no historian.
schizoidboy 1 year ago
@HugoRune1976 Maybe a historian would know that invading Russia is always a bad idea...but Hitler didn't.
3baxcb 1 year ago 2
Whatever their greatness, desires, motivations and deeds - they are probably all equal now.
luxenfux 1 year ago
Epic win
LFDigitalDesign 1 year ago
Great acting from Derek Jacobi.
ebf1957 1 year ago
one of the best parts of I claudius.
imperatorcaesar100 1 year ago
A palace coup makes Claudius emperor.
He tells the Senate why he belongs in the job, in spite of the irregularities.
bookkeeper57 1 year ago
Whilst on the subject of fantastic plays. Can anyone remember a play on TV about Promethius.
Maybe point me to the name of it so that I can find it on the web.
Volgan16666 2 years ago
one of the best moments of I claudius, i think claudius was at least an average, and competent emperor, also julius caesar was a bit of a tyrant, but he did not deserve to die, neither did claudius.
imperatorcaesar100 2 years ago
@imperatorcaesar100 Someone could have told that to Cassius and Brutus.
3baxcb 1 year ago
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glebedigital 2 years ago
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glebedigital 2 years ago
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glebedigital 2 years ago
In my opinion Claudius was a good emperor, who saved the empire after the reign of Tiberius and Caligula. "He" conquered Britain, thus expanding it and making it richer, and he built important buildings too, such as the port in Rome, which would secure that the Empire would be richer after his death, unfortunatly, Nero probably spent this accumulated wealth in his... Shenanigans after losing his mind.
henkez 2 years ago
I agree he was a good emperor, though he had some senators killed, and also loved gladiatorial fights, which in our modern persepctive we feel is wrong. He was certainly a better emperor then Caligula, and Nero, and even better then Tiberius, but obviously Augustus was one of the best emperors. in the julio claudian dynasty only Augustus was a better emperor then Claudius. Claudius was also the only heterosexual emperor in that first dynasty, and one of the few to be straight.
imperatorcaesar100 1 year ago
Okay seriously...Caligula HAD to be killed, I agree on that...but then some people say that Julius Caesar had to die aswell for being a tyrant,..but if he was a tyrant, then what was Caligula, Nero and Commodus?
IvanBeSerious 2 years ago
Also tyrants. People being worse then you doesn't make you a good person.
YourProfessor 2 years ago 2
Of course they were tyrants. But better to be ruled by tyrants rather than aristocrats.
The tyrants at least opened citizenship up to all members of the Roman empire, allowing even foreigners to participate in politics and invest in the city. The senate, had it stayed in full power, would have kept citizenship and politics strictly within the city walls.
Rome would not have survived long without its Caesars. It would have just crashed under the weight of mismanagement and civil wars.
MoltenPlastic 1 year ago
@IvanBeSerious Depending on which historians you refer to. The ones who we have as sources are the ones whose works survived. However, there's no doubt that the intrigue which likely existed in Rome would have affected them.
3baxcb 1 year ago
Probably the best scene from this well written, well acted BBC-TV series.
bookkeeper57 2 years ago 3
Apparently, Clau-Clau is not a fool...
dracognia 2 years ago 6
I love this speech.
starrynightz 2 years ago 4
And the worm turns!...I first saw this show in 1977 when it was first broadcast in the States, and it changed my life! I can quote every damn line in all 13 episodes, including th-th-the stammering! Jacobi rules.
chaosfive55 2 years ago 40
"You're not fit to be emperor"
Is that so Adam Sandler, well you're not fit to be a serious actor.
10Tuxedo 2 years ago 3
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10Tuxedo 2 years ago
Derek Jacobi is one of the great actors and was definately worthy of this role, I can't imagine anyone else playing the great emperor Claudius (I'm looking at you Leonardo DiCaprio) I'm totally dreading the remake, it's gonna be awful
gialla111 2 years ago 5
Great scene and he knows he has to sentence at least one of them to death or he looks weak
melvert33 2 years ago
My dad named me after this series.....
roxynotes 2 years ago 3
lucky as!
PostalTubeAlex 2 years ago
@roxynotes He took out the I in I Claudius right? Don't tell everyone you were named Caligula or Nero?
3baxcb 1 year ago
Something I have always thought would be a great thing to try, is to have one of these scenes from the series re-dubbed with voices speaking original Imperial Latin (a` la` "Sesbatiane"). While I appreciate this great series and the acting in it, it must be remembered that the ancient Romans did NOT speak with a polished BBC accent like in this series, or with Russell Crowe's Australian as in "Gladiator".
zooeyhall 2 years ago
True, but the language they spoke would have seemed natural and familiar to THEM. The ruling classes would have had the most polished version of Latin of the time, and the soldiers a more earthy tougher version of it. Basically, they probably had a range of accents and dialects within Latin just as we do today within English. It's just pretentious to try to film in Latin. Just make the film in English, then we are 'there' with them, use your imagination to make believe we are all Latin.
jegspillerpiano 2 years ago 4
Hail Claudius, emperor and god!
BuzbyWuzby 2 years ago
The acting is of the highest order, stunning really.
Jeet27 2 years ago 42
@Jeet27 I agree.
manweller1 1 year ago
Claudius wasn't such a nice old man...he loved watching people being tortured...well, every body should have a hobby, I suppose...
seoulsimon 2 years ago
He condemned Chaera for the murder of Caesonia and a baby...a woman and a child...and let the others go.
Claudius used the rule of law to make his point..and history showed he ruled wisely and well. Claudius was also the one who brought back the final missing Eagle, lost by Varus.
He made mistakes, as another did...but neither of them was a fool.
Sonnabend00 2 years ago
At least one of the two senators he let go commited suicide to show solidarity to the other conspirators.
007InMiami 2 years ago
Actually, Suetonius notes that he did so because he knew he would be executed.
Sonnabend00 2 years ago
@Sonnabend00 Most sources say that Cassius Chaera was allowed to die by the sword which he used in the murder of the Caesonia and Julia. If so, then it was generous on Claudius' part to allow that. I might have had Cassius crucified for the crimes of murder and treason.
3baxcb 1 year ago
@3baxcb Roman citizens were, I think, never crucified.
Sonnabend00 1 year ago
@Sonnabend00 You are partially correct, only those condemned of being a Christian during the Rome's paganism were crucified, if my memory serves correct.
TehTyg13 9 months ago
This just goes to show that you shouldn't judge someone too quickly based solely on physical handicaps. What many might consider to be a limitation may serve to enhance one's skills. The hard of hearing learn to listen more intently, those with poor sight learn to observe more closely.
Just another example of the heart and soul overcoming the body's limitation.
Claudius was truly an interesting and effective Roman Caesar.
aphexcoil 3 years ago
Notice Bernard Hill in the background? He became best known internationally for Theoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also Yosser in Boys From The Blackstuff.
Only gripe about this scene is that Cassius Chaerea was a national hero, and in the book Claudius reminds him of this before condemning him, and Cassius salutes Claudius without saying a word.
This remains however the greatest TV drama series of all time.
cbak12sg 3 years ago
This is easily my fav moment form the show ( the Messalina beheading coming in a close second). Now we get to see claudius show everyone that he has the brains Rome has needed for so long and the heart to use it to the best that he can. HAIL THE EMPEROR!
cloudcutter81 3 years ago
Notice how the soldiers file in after Claudius, and that Claudius says that if the Senate has a problem with him being Emperor they need to talk to the soldiers. Unfortunately, this turn of events (the army making an emperor) had ominous implications and led to disaster for Rome in the third century. With an out-of-control army making and killing emperors at will. Within a 50 year period, there were 25 emperors and any number of wannabies.
frantic1971 3 years ago
Dead true. Probabus would have made another claudius if he hadn't been murdered by the soldiers who elected after months in office.
didero09 2 years ago
EXQUISITE ORATOR!!!!!!!!!!
SAT9terminus 3 years ago
"What can I say, except I have survived to middle age with half of my wits-- while thousands have died with all of theirs in tact!"
mackeral0 3 years ago 3
lol, Righto!!!
SAT9terminus 3 years ago
@mackeral0 As he said "Quality is more important than quantity."
3baxcb 1 year ago
The quality of acting in this scene, and in this series as a whole, is absolutely peerless.
december2364 3 years ago 2
Superb. One of the most impressive series i've ever watched!
Absolutely seminal!
Jpdt19 3 years ago 2
Your title would be an awesome headline! I <3 Claudius! Even though it's just Suetonius... sighs...
ansketil 3 years ago
One of the most potent scenes in the great series "I, Claudius". This is the moment when Claudius emerges from behind the curtains of public life and into the arena of real authority as emperor...a position he did not covet. Jakobi plays the scene masterfully, with such controlled firmness, humanity...and a sense of justice. That's the key. This is Claudius's first exposure to the Senate and to his soldiers...the moment when he assumes command...and command is exactly what he does! Brilliant!
followthefleet 3 years ago 3
I have seen this series 3 times. Wonderful! My favorite character is Livia. I love the scene where she murders her husband, Caesar Augustus, by putting poison on every fig on the fig tree and then drolled on about how hard work it was for her, that it took her "all night". Wickedly funny! The series is historically accurate too...
elaine31347 3 years ago
The Line afterwards, 'Don't touch the figs', is priceless
Ichcann 3 years ago
For anyone seeing this for the first time and who have not seen "I Claudius" do yourselves a favor: see it. I agree with those who have said what a marvelous series this is. The books by Robert Graves (from which this great show is based on) are also excellent and merit reading. It's amazing how Claudius - who was taunted by others as a fool and an embarrassment - outlived all of them and eventually became emperor!
frtw4428 3 years ago
Really one of the greatest moments of TV.
norcalrobbie2 3 years ago 3
Derek Jakobi is an extraordinary actor!
sarpelealice 3 years ago 3
Just started watching this show on UKTV Hist. I'm loving every second.
Ichcann 3 years ago 2
Derek Jacobi is wonderful as Claudius, the stuttering and stammering is all him, not scripted as it was earlier in the series.
KatanaGeldar 3 years ago
In spite of multiple physical handicaps, this guy was actually sharp as a tack, and a progressive, liberal Emperor. Derek Jacobi and the rest of this cast were superb.
bookkeeper57 3 years ago 3
I love this stuff. I could drink it all day. If you have the prophecy from the second episode it is one of my favorites along with the the episode where Livia asks him to ensure Caliga makes her a god.
christiantaoist 3 years ago
Though the last three episodes of the series are strong, this to me is the real climax of entire production. The "idiot" Claudius recieves the throne and proves himself sharper than not just the senate but arguably most of the imperial family.
MerelyAFan 3 years ago 4
And as another person commented, its ironic Cladius didn't even want the throne. Not only did he get it, it was pretty much given to him.
billy1587 3 years ago 2
@billy1587 That's Graves and sensational historians who wrote such things. Claudius likely took the title as soon as Caligula was declared dead and got the Imperial Guard for support. Some even speculate he may have known of a plot to kill Caligula but those who did the deed were condemned quickly afterwards.
3baxcb 1 year ago
"Trust no one" says Herod to Claudius later on in the series, knowing full well he would one day betray Caesar and rebel against the Empire.
Claudius turned out to be an excellent Emperor, even though he desired a return of the Republic. In helping to put Nero in power, who he was sure would abuse his authority much as Caligula had, Claudius hoped to turn public opinion against the Empire, and the Republic would return. But once that line was crossed, there was no going back.
CupOJoe 3 years ago
Yes, and the ultimate irony other than Claudius a Republican being made emperor but that the families own power games led to the ascension to the thrown of the one person they all had nothing but scorn for. And he was an excellent emperor, ahead of his time in many respects.
captain07234 3 years ago
Finally someone posted it. My favorite scene from the miniseries. Claudius' moment of triumph.
captain07234 3 years ago 3
one of my favorite parts too ^_^ thanks so much for posting!
DheeLocke 3 years ago
Capital! Bravo Sir Derek! Thanks for posting
twolionss 3 years ago