SPARTACUS

overclass/underclass struggle was never more memorably explored than in , a film adapted from Howard Fast’s fact-based, heavily dramatized book. Directed by young up-and-comer Stanley Kubrick and starring old-school movie idol Kirk Douglas in the title role, it’s the sort is undeniable.) Born into slavery, later sold into the arena to fight and die, Spartacus was pushed too far and came to lead a revolt, first alongside his fellow gladiators and later liberating thousands of slaves of the Roman Republic. Humiliated, Rome dispatched a mighty army not only to defeat these troublemakers but to send a brutal message that would prevent future uprisings. Now 60 years old, the movie is compromised by a few dated foibles, largely sonic. But in the end, the great elements of —its heart, ambition, power, and beauty—continue to enthrall.