Everybody who hasn’t seen I, Claudius, raise your hand. Perhaps it would be easier to ask for those who haven’t seen I, Claudius to raise their hands in disbelief that they have missed one of the best (in my opinion) miniseries EVER. My family ranks this miniseries right up there with Upstairs, Downstairs… Both shows come to us from Great Britain, but have no similarities in the content area. They do, however, have one thing in common………….. They are both phenomenal. Oh, and another thing they have in common…. if you haven’t seen them, you will probably regret it. (I have to admit that the later seasons of Upstairs, Downstairs weren’t on par with the earlier seasons….)
Of course, Derek Jacobi (before he was Sir Derek Jacobi!) is absolutely phenomenal as Claudius. (I know I am not supposed to use the same adjectives over and over, but, is there another word that describes Jacobi’s Claudius more succinctly? Brilliant, Exceptional, Fantastic, …. well, yes, then I could use those words.)
The 13-part miniseries is based on the novel by Robert Graves and the Roman Empire circa 24 BC to 54 AD is the setting. We see the action through Claudius’s narration of events. He is able to outlive many of the members of his family because they think he is a simpleton. (Did I say "many of the members of his family? I mean "ALL"!!!!!) His grandmother Livia (played by Sian Philips) makes Snow White’s stepmother look like everybody’s favorite auntie.
Claudius is forced to watch the debauchery and ambition of his family members while acting the part of a fool who isn’t aware of all the happenings and goings-on. By being able to quietly observe, almost undetected, he has become a master of what is needed to survive in the cesspool in which his family resides.
Don’t expect the special effects and all of the bells and whistles that miniseries from later years provide…. BUT….. do expect a great story with great acting! I have seen the miniseries three times, and plan on watching it again….. and again.
(Oh, and by the way, in case you haven’t already guessed…. this is not a cozy…. nor a mystery.)
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Jill says
I’m in absolute agreement with your endorsement of “I, Claudius”. This is the granddaddy of all miniseries and continues to hold a place above all the rest. Although there are a lot of historical “holes” in its fabric–it’s a GREAT ride. Jacobi, of course, was astounding as Claudius–and became something of a household word as a result of this series. However, the performances of such actors as Brian Blessed (Augustus), Sian Phillips (Livia), George Baker (Tiberius), and John Hurt (Caligula) cannot be underestimated. They were all brilliant. And…let’s not forget Patrick Stewart, as Sejanus, as well as the many other fine actors who walked us through Ancient Rome! When this series first aired–it was before the days of VCRs. Myself and my roommates completely arranged our schedules around the airings of each episode. We wouldn’t have missed it for the world! It is now, of course, in my DVD library.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jill, I am in total agreement with you calling the I, Claudius miniseries the “granddaddy of all miniseries.” It is such a treat to go back and watch it, recognizing a whole lot of actors who made it such an anticipated show. I, too, remember those days without DVDs and VCRs… When you literally scheduled your “real life activities” around the airing of shows. (Sort of like when the entire family would be sitting in the living room, eagerly anticipating The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night…)
Eli says
I, Claudius was absolutely phenomenal! I don’t think I’ve ever before, or since, been so totally sucked into a series (Well, Stargate). I bought the series and watched one tape after the other! It’s a wonderful piece of history. And is riveting.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I agree, Eli, with your assessment of the I, Claudius television series. Phenomenal!
louise campbell says
Eli, absolutely two magnificent series. I, Claudius on tapes and Stargate on discs. Time to take both out and watch again during COVID19 and the 2020 election cycle. Still have a working DVD/VCR.
Joppy says
Brian Blessed (Augustus) once commented that when they started filming, the cast couldn’t seem to get a grip on the characters, until the director told them to think of it along the lines of a mafia movie, then it all dropped into place.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I, Claudius really is one of the very best miniseries, Joppy. I can see where likening it to a mafia movie would help set the mood.
Paul says
I have watched I, Claudius several times and cannot praise it enough. I recently introduced it to my eldest son who also loved it. While I agree that the acting performances were all exceptional and should be applauded I feel the greatest plaudit should go to the screenwriter, the late great Jack Pulman, who adapted Graves brilliant book. He produced a script that was laugh out loud funny and solidly down to earth, allowing the admirable cast to make every character totally believable. It does play a little fast and loose with history but so does Graves book. It started in me a love of Roman history that has abided in me since I first saw the show aged 14 and I will be forever grateful to the BBC for producing such a giant of television entertainment. As I wrote on my eBay listing when I was selling my VHS copy of the series (having bought it on DVD) “I really believed they’d be prying these videos from my cold dead hands” and rightly so.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Paul, I am surprised by how many people haven’t seen this BBC production!
Sharon S says
I have never seen it. I have never been interested in Ancient history. However, recently, I became interested in reading some historical fiction, and found Margaret George’s The Confessions of Young Nero listed on my library’s new books for March 2017. Just reading the summary and an excerpt from Chapter 1, I knew it was my cup of tea. I’m on Chapter XXIV, and really enjoying it. Talk about escapism! As you know, Claudius was Nero’s great-uncle and later his step-father. I will definitely look for I, Claudius on TV or on DVD. I would love to read the book too. Thanks for the great recommendation!
martin fennell says
If Claudius is the great grandaddy, then Elizabeth R must be the great great granma.