Rome’s most infamous lovers unleash power plays and debauchery in this lust-soaked peplum spectacle.
CALIGULA AND MESSALINA
The seductive Messalina (Betty Roland) will stop at nothing to become the most powerful woman in Rome. Gaining the attention of the Emperor Caligula (Gino Turini), she soon finds herself at loggerheads with Agrippina (Francoise Blanchard) who has successfully plotted Caligula's downfall and is maneuvering her son Nero to become next Emperor of Rome. However Messalina is one step ahead and jumps into bed with Claudius (Vladimir Brajovic). But when Messalina becomes pregnant and it's clear that Claudius isn't the father, Agrippina seizes this as her opportunity to finally see Messalina treated as a mere slut of Rome.
Quick Answer
Caligula and Messalina is a 1981 Italian-French historical romance film directed by Bruno Mattei, Antonio Passalia, and Jean-Jacques Renon about Messalina’s ruthless quest to become Empress of Rome through seduction and intrigue.
Programmer's Pick
If you like your toga epics with a heavy pour of erotic chaos, this is the Roman orgy for you. Between gladiator showdowns and bedroom intrigue, no one in this palace seems to keep their ambitions—or their robes—on for long.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
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Why Cult
Messalina’s road to power begins in the arena, where her prowess catches Caligula’s eye and sets the stage for her rise.
From public orgies to taboo rendezvous, the film doesn’t shy away from explicit sexual exploits and decadent Roman pleasures.
Scheming empresses, plotting mothers, and a rotating cast of emperors deliver a full menu of courtly betrayals and alliances.
Gino Turini’s Caligula and Betty Roland’s Messalina bring history’s most infamous hedonists to sweaty, scheming life.
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Questions from the Vault
When was Caligula and Messalina released? +
Caligula and Messalina was released in 1981.
Who directed Caligula and Messalina? +
Caligula and Messalina was directed by Bruno Mattei, Antonio Passalia, and Jean-Jacques Renon.
How long is Caligula and Messalina? +
Caligula and Messalina runs for 111 minutes.
What genre is Caligula and Messalina? +
Caligula and Messalina is a history and romance film.
How does Messalina gain the attention of Caligula and ascend to Empress? +
Messalina battles in the gladiator arena to capture Caligula’s attention, setting in motion her ascent to Empress.
What role does Agrippina play in the struggle for power? +
Agrippina plots the downfall of Caligula and maneuvers for her son Nero to become Emperor, clashing with Messalina’s ambitions.
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