Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954)
Susan Hayward: Messalina
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Quotes
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Messalina : Why did you run? I don't think you're a coward. You had no real chance of escaping, you must have known that!
Demetrius : This is a place where men are trained to kill each other like animals!
Messalina : And men aren't animals?
Demetrius : No!
Messalina : We admire a magnificent animal who fights. Why not a man who fights ?
Demetrius : Because God did not put man on earth to destroy his own kind. Nor a woman to enjoy their agonies as they die.
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Messalina : What is your name?
Demetrius : Demetrius.
Messalina : You spoke of a god, Demetrius. Which god?
Demetrius : There is only one God.
Claudius : He's one of "them". This is very interesting. A Christian!
Messalina : Are you a Christian?
Demetrius : Yes.
Messalina : And you won't fight?
Demetrius : No.
Claudius : He can't my dear. It's against his religion to kill.
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Messalina : Don't you find him interesting?
Claudius : He's a remarkable young man. He has something that Rome has lacked since the early days of the republic, something to believe in - faith. Our early conquests weakened it. My family, we Caesars killed and buried it. Strange if the memory of a dead Jew should bring it to life again. Messalina, don't hurt him. Don't destroy what he has.
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Messalina : [arrogantly] You'll never get him back. What can you offer him ? The company of slaves and beggars ? The refuse of Rome ? Poverty and self-denial ? Prayers ? Tears ? Death ? You see, I've studied your teachings, and I, Fisherman, I can give him the world. If he has to choose between us, do you think he'd hesitate for one minute ? Of course not. And that's why you hate me. I can see it in your eyes.
Peter : What you see in my eyes is pity.
[she tosses her goblet of wine in his face]
Messalina : Get out !
