The Last Days of Pompeii

1984 • Drama

This seven-hour British-Italian adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1834 epic, set against the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and previously filmed in 1935, and in 1960 was a vehicle for muscleman Steve Reeves, was trashed by the critics as the campiest of sword and sandal sagas to emerge in years. This despite its reported $19-million price tag, the nobility of its cast that includes Laurence Olivier, Siobhan McKenna and Anthony Quayle, and its rather unspectacular special effects. The central figures are Nicholas Clay as Glaucus, the noble Athenian; Olivia Hussey as the high-born Ione, his love, who is seduced by the Egyptian, Arbaces (Franco Nero), a religious fanatic; Duncan Regehr as Lydon, the champion gladiator; and Linda Purl as the blind slave Nydia, who is torn between Glaucus and Lydon.

Step back in time to the ancient city of Pompeii with the compelling novel "The Last Days of Pompeii" by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. This literary classic not only brings to life the dramatic events leading to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius but also weaves a rich tapestry of human stories filled with romance, moral dilemmas, and the stark contrasts between different cultures and classes of the time. Whereas the TV series may provide a visual spectacle of these events, the novel delves deeper into the complex characters and their intricate relationships, offering a more immersive and reflective experience. Choosing to read Bulwer-Lytton's novel allows you to experience vivid depictions of ancient traditions, political intrigue, and philosophical debates that cannot be fully captured on screen. The book invites readers to engage their imagination, painting a vivid picture of Pompeii's society through a blend of historical facts and creative storytelling. It is an enriching journey filled with suspense and contemplation that encourages thoughtful reflection on the themes of power, faith, and the human condition. The original narrative offers insights and nuances often omitted from adaptations, captivating the reader with its eloquent prose and timeless exploration of human nature.