How Long Is “Quo Vadis”?

Epic historical drama set in 64AD. After three years at war, General Marcus Vinicius is returning home to Rome to further his career and look for a wife. Unfortunately he falls for Lygia, who is a Christian and - thanks to the rampant persecution of her fellow believers - has absolutely no interest in becoming a Roman general's wife. But Vinicius is determined, and turns to the eccentric Emperor Nero for help. Gradually, things look promising for Vinicius's quest - until a fire burns out of control and the ensuing blaze engulfs Rome. Following the inferno, Nero accuses the Christians of arson and starts throwing them to the lions at an alarming rate, putting the growing romance between the general and Lygia in a tight spot… Mervyn LeRoy's over-the-top epic can be interpreted as both a lavish spectacle designed to counter television's growing threat to cinema in the 50s, and a subtle attack on McCarthy's Communist witch-hunts.