Spartacus

Adapted by Dalton Trumbo from Howard Fast’s novel, today Spartacus is remembered as one of the best historical epics of all-time and a film that contributed to the end of the Hollywood blacklist.

Alongside Kirk Douglas’ leader of a slave revolt, Jean Simmons plays Varinia, a slave who becomes the mother of his child. Brought onto the project at the last minute following the removal of Sabine Bethmann, Simmons’ subtle performance manages to offer intimacy on the largest of canvases.