The Last Days of Pompeii (1984)

Overview

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 A.D., this seven-hour adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's epic, originally penned in 1834, offers a lavish retelling of a well-trodden tale. Despite a hefty budget of $19 million and a star-studded cast featuring Laurence Olivier, Siobhan McKenna, and Anthony Quayle, critics lambasted it as one of the most over-the-top sword and sandal productions in recent memory. The story revolves around noble Athenian Glaucus (Nicholas Clay), his beloved Ione (Olivia Hussey), the seducer Arbaces (Franco Nero), gladiator Lydon (Duncan