This retelling of the story of Augustus Caesar stars Peter O'Toole (TROY, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA) as the title character, tracing his rise to power and the commencement of Rome's Golden Age. Beginning with the early military triumphs, when Augustus aided Julius Caesar in the defeat of his... [More]

This retelling of the story of Augustus Caesar stars Peter O'Toole (TROY, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA) as the title character, tracing his rise to power and the commencement of Rome's Golden Age. Beginning with the early military triumphs, when Augustus aided Julius Caesar in the defeat of his enemies, the story follows Julius Caesar's adoption of Augustus, and subsequent assassination at the hands of Brutus and Cassius. Augustus pursues the emperor's assassins, and with the help of his ally Marc Anthony, he eventually purges the Roman government of its subversive elements. Augustus assumed power, marrying his youthful love Livia Drusilla (Charlotte Rampling (SWIMMING POOL, SPY GAME), but must go to war once again, this time against Marc Anthony, with whom he is unable to share power. As Rome embarks upon a period of peace, prosperity, and cultural advancement, Livia becomes Augustus' chief political advisor, eventually uncovering another conspiracy to murder the emperor, a plot which again originates in inner political and familial circles. [Less]