Very simply - a credible adaptation. Filmed at MGM Studios in Borhamwood , Pinewood and Madrid in July 1969 and released in 1970 - the early-'70s were pioneering years. Imperious US star, Charlton Heston - he of the hawk-like profile and lofty height is committed as Marc Antony while Sir John Gielgud is very good as Caesar: his English is superb, although Jason Robards is a very flat Brutus. The script and screenplay deploy the beautiful phrases from Shakespeare to good effect. The studio settings and props are well-varnished while the Spanish setting featuring Brutus's death scene and eulogy after the Battle of Phillipi features a spectacular sky at twilight - a mauve/mother-of-pearl colour which looks slightly surreal. Heston would return as Marc Antony in Antony & Cleopatra (1972) which was filmed in Almeria and Madrid between June and August 1971. Fraser Heston said that his father admired the 'mystique' of Spain.
Review of Julius Caesar
