I, Claudius to be repeated on BBC4!

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Starts 16th August. Presumably this means it will be on i player for a reasonable time too. If you've never seen it, I strongly recommend it. Made in the late 70s. Everything about it hit the spot. Stars Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, John Hurt and lots of other top actors. Based on the novels by Robert Graves. Set in Ancient Rome, starting at the point when Julius Caesar's great-nephew and adopted son, Octavian, has beaten Mark Antony and become the first Emperor, taking the name Augustus. Historical drama, and you can see how it influenced Game of Thrones and various other subsequent dramas focussing on political power struggles and family feuds.

It will be interesting to see what a modern audience makes of it! It caused quite a stir at the time.

I remember it being on in the '70's but I was a stroppy teenager at the time and didn't appreciate it.
I'm going to watch it again. Thanks for the heads up.

Brilliant series but I'm not sure it's aged well.

Historically though, it teaches us loads.

The book is brilliant too, obviously. I might look for it on audible.

I loved it in the 70s and it introduced me to Suetonius where many of the stories originated from. I also then segued into Robert Graves, Siegfried Sassoon etc. The acting is superb, although the sets are a bit clunky by modern standards. I'll definitely watch it again.

Excellent. I wonder though, how a new/younger audience will find it. It's quite intricate and wordy. Fantastic drama though, and controversial in its day.

I love Robert Graves and highly recommend Goodbye to all that if you haven't read it.

Based on two books. I, Claudius and Claudius the God.

Is it suitable for older kids? (10?)

I'd say no, that's a touch young. There are adult themes and some violence.

Thank you for the heads up. This programme was the talk of our Form 6 classroom. Caligula - omg!

I was just listening to Sir Derek and Brian Blessed reminiscing about it on Radio 4 (Broadcasting House). I am ashamed to say I thought Sir Derek was dead, so am relieved to hear him sounding hale and hearty. Brian Blessed was on top form.

It's good, but the books are far better. They got me into what has bec0me a lifelong love of classical history.

the first couple of programmes are very ropey interms of film quality and sets, but it certainly improved as in later episodes.

The acting is superb - it has an amazing cast. It is absolutely not suitable for children!

Thanks, definitely going to watch. Currently touring Roman ruins of southern France.

Fantastic, thanks for the heads up

Is it raining there?

I sounds like it was filmed in a busy warehouse. But it’s bloody good telly.

one of the many examples of fiction informing popular history much more than actual historical fact. But no less entertaining for all that.

Thank you @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g and @calimali - DC loves history, thanks for responding. Will watch it myself though.

I loved it in the 1970s and loved the book too.
I was learning Latin in school at the time and my teacher was so passionate about Roman history. I still remember how excited she was about the series.

Thanks for the heads up. I was too young for this in the 1970s but remember parents and grandparents watching it and loving it. I'll definitely be watching this time around.

One of the best series ever to be shown on TV. I have it on DVD (yes, I’m very old 😂) and have rewatched it a few times. Definitely not suitable for children though, although much of the worst stuff is inferred rather than re-enacted (except some the scenes with Caligula and his sister Agrippina), but the sexual content is also not for children.
it will be interesting to see how it is reviewed now.

"if you've been affected by any of the topics in this programme, you can call the BBC action line on 0300..."

Yes I heard that Broadcasting House thing with Jakobi Blessed bantz.

They rather sadly noted most people were now too young to have seen it and grasped the impact it had.

I'm guessing most GenZ won't be bothered by the sex and violence but probably will be about Clavdivs persecution for his stutter.

WILL THEY KEEP THE FOETUS CHOMPING THO

Great news. I think it was repeated in about '86 which is when I first saw it.

I watched this on DVD earlier this year. I found the earlier episodes very confusing in terms of plot & character - so much so I almost gave up. But it got more gripping as it went on.

The acting is so spectacularly good that it glows on the screen. What a fabulous cast - so many first raters.

I watched it as a gap year teen on a late night repeat. John Hurt is amazing, but that bit is quite brutal. Sian Philips, Derek Jacobi and George Baker also utterly brilliant. I read the books, enjoyed the second one - Claudius the God - most. Robert Graves’s writing is quite hard work but literary