CBSRMT Episode Information Next Episode

Title

The Murder of Caesar

Plot

As plots to bring down his regime abound, the powerful Julius Caesar is cautioned to beware the Ides of March by the beautiful and loyal Portia.

Episode

1121

Air Dates

  • First Run - September 24, 1980
  • Repeat - December 18, 1980

Actors

Writer

Listen

Rating

34
31     3


2 Responses to Episode 1121

Good first person narrative on this famous assassination.

lvneal

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. This is one of the best historical dramas that G. Frederick Lewis has written for CBSRMT. This episode is equivalent to Ian Martin’s adaptation of the Julius Caesar story from Ep. #0471-THE ASSASSINATION. In that episode, it’s based from the writings of William Shakespeare. In this episode, it was modified from the writings of Plutarch, Cicero, and Plutonius. Telling the story from another perspective was thrilling. Same people, different viewpoints. No alternative ending, of course. In our Host’s Prologue, E.G. Marshall questions to see if murder is ever justified? In ACT-1, question how does one kill someone who has been loved? Which leads to one man who was killed: Julius Caesar, who was governed by his intuition. In ACT-2, be concerned as to why he was killed by whom and how. Our Host points out that Julius Caesar would settle for leisure with honor, but it was not meant to be. In ACT-3, superstitions and omens that were used in past and present. In the end, after the demise of Julius Caesar, our Host states that there’s a resemblance between a founder of a Roman Empire and a founder of a land not of this world. In his Epilogue, no Resolution to what happened to other characters. But more importantly, E.G. Marshall concludes that it has been everyone’s privilege to perform this piece for the CBSRMT and suggest a word of warning about tyranny in any kind of form. The sound effects of trumpets blaring at the parade, crowd cheering, elephants, water fountain, birds chirping, small applause, howling wind, crows cawing, men murmuring, wreckage of a statue, door knocking, and footsteps were helpful. Best of all sounds, was the music. A variety of wonderful tunes that delivered the themes of triumphant, resentment, desire, fear, respect, wariness, love, and death. And now onto our superb cast: Paul Hecht (as Brutus), Earl Hammond (as Julius Caesar and Cassius), Joan Shay (as Portia and Calpurnia), and Gordon Gould (as Cicero and the High Priest). The actors from Ep. #0471-THE ASSASSINATION were superb as well. And it was great to hear Joan Shay again to replay her roles as Portia & Calpurnia. A historical drama such as this cannot be missed. SPECIAL BONUS: This has commercials of Maxwell Coffee House, Fantastic Cleaner, Susan Anton for Serta Mattresses, the National Safety Council, Snug Dentures, CBS-TV line up, Henry Fonda of Vista, Sports Illustrated, Duration Nasal Spray, and Century A/C Supply. Until next time…pleasant dreams.

Russell


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