Best known as the first film to be released in CinemaScope, The Robe is a plodding, pious epic, with Richard Burton as the Roman officer who wins Christ's robe in a game of dice during the Crucifixion. The torn and bloody garment works its magic and, before long, Burton and Jean Simmons are hauled before the crazed Roman emperor Caligula. Based on a doorstop bestseller by Lloyd C Douglas, it's awkwardly directed by Henry Koster and scripted as if by a committee anxious not to offend any race or creed. On the plus side, Burton is incredibly handsome in Roman garb and Jay Robinson makes an unforgettably melodramatic Caligula. Victor Mature took it seriously enough to be called on for the sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators.

Drunk and disillusioned Roman, Marcellus Gallio, wins Jesus' robe in a dice game after the crucifixion. Marcellus has never been a man of faith like his slave, Demetrius, but when Demetrius escapes with the robe, Marcellus experiences disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions. Convinced that destroying the robe will cure him, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius — and discovers his Christian faith along the way.