John hurt caligula i claudius

Jacobi explained that another prominent British actor had been cast as the emperor, but proved to be unsuitable.

John hurt caligula i claudius: › title › characters.

When that actor had to be replaced with short notice, Jacobi was offered the role and accepted. Music David Wulstan and the Clerkes of Oxenford ensemble provided the music for most episodes. The title music was composed by the English composer Wilfred Josephs. Reception and accolades When the first two episodes had been aired in the United Kingdom on the same nightthe series received negative reviews from the critics.

The series did however go on to become a huge success with the public, and eventually, quite a few critics also began praising it, and it was awarded with four BAFTA Awards. The Praetorian in question is Cassius Chaerea, whose leadership saved Roman soldiers during the disastrous Battle of Teutoburg Forest against thousands of German tribesmen — earning him a reputation as the bravest soldier in the Roman army.

John hurt caligula i claudius: John Hurt as Caligula

I want the republic! Now, come on, smile, smile. Among those considered for or offered the part before him were American film star Charlton Heston and British actor-comedian Ronnie Barker. Jacobi explained that he secured the role only after another prominent unnamed British actor who had taken the part proved to be unsuitable, and had to be replaced at short notice.

Brian Blessed originally auditioned for the role of Tiberius, but was eventually persuaded to play Augustus instead.

John hurt caligula i claudius: John Hurt and Derek

He recounted some of director Herbert Wise's key pieces of advice on how to play Augustus: Wise told Blessed that he should "be as you are — full of flannel", and that he should always play Augustus as an ordinary person, because the reactions of those around him would make him the Emperor. John Hurt said that he declined the role of Caligula when it was first offered to him.

Claudius pauses for a moment — and you can sense him not only trying to work out what response will best aid his survival, but also wondering whether this could be his one moment to actually tell his nephew the truth: that his nephew is a complete, carat lunatic. It is endlessly fascinating; and both Jacobi and Hurt are absolute magic in this scene.