Spartacus (1960)

Spartacus is a 1960 American epic historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas in the title role, a slave and gladiator who leads a rebellion against Rome during the events of the Third Servile War. Adapted by Dalton Trumbo from Howard Fast’s 1951 novel of the same title, the film also stars Laurence Olivier as Roman general and politician Marcus Licinius Crassus, Charles Laughton as rival senator Sempronius Gracchus, Peter Ustinov as gladiatorial

Plot:

In the first century BC, the Roman Republic has slid into corruption, its menial work done by slaves. One slave, a Thracian named Spartacus, is so uncooperative in his position in a mining pit that he is sentenced to death by starvation. By chance, he is displayed to Roman lanista (gladiatorial school manager) Lentulus Batiatus, who – impressed by his ferocity – purchases Spartacus for his school in Capua and instructs trainer Marcellus not to overdo his indoctrination, believing the slave “has quality”.

Amid the abuse, Spartacus forms a quiet relationship with Varinia, a serving woman whom he refuses to touch when she is sent to “entertain” him in his cell. The two are forced to endure numerous humiliations for defying the conditions of servitude. Batiatus receives a visit from the fabulously wealthy and powerful Roman senator Marcus Licinius Crassus, who aims to become dictator of Rome.

Box office:

Spartacus was a commercial success upon its release and became the highest-grossing film of 1960. In its first year from 304 dates (including 116 in 25 countries outside the US and Canada), it had grossed $17 million, including nearly $1.5 million from over half a million admission in over a year at the DeMille Theatre. By January 1963, the film had earned theatrical rentals of $14 million in the United States and Canada. The 1967 re-release increased its North American rentals to $14.6 million.