MovieChat Forums > The Robe (1953) Discussion > 'FLAT' version

'FLAT' version

posted 15 years ago by jargonaut73
4 replies | jump to latest

I grew up with the Robe taped off TV. It was my favorite movie. I was horrified when I bought it years later to see that almost every scene was different. I learned (on here) that there were two versions shot...and that the non widescreen version was what was showed on TVs for years. The funny thing is I like the acting in the "flat" version MUCH better. The performances on the widescreen edition are just plain bad at times. Can any one PLEASE let me know if the "flat" version is availible today?

[–] Foxsrus1 14 years ago

this was the first Cinemascope picture and great in widescreen. to my knowledge that's the way it was played in all the theaters(I could be wrong). My problem is I love widescreen and when they run it on the cable now it's always full screen.I wonder if they have a dvd version in WS?

[–] Foxsrus1 14 years ago

I can now answer my own question
I got it at our library...and guess what. It's REAL widescreen and I enjoyed it very much. I hadn't seen this widescreen version since it hit the movie theaters in what...1954? check your local library!

[–] jbirtel-1 14 years ago

OP:

I agree!
The Flat Version is far superior, acting wise.
Burton and Robinson's delivery is more natural and less over acted.
"Were You Out There!" in the Flat Version actually rises to Oscar calibre; unlike the wide screen.
In fact, everyone's delivery is improved.
Must've needed that one more take.

The one actor who's performance changed THE LEAST is Victor Mature.
Ironically, his was consistently good in both versions.

I taped it 15 years ago from Fox Movie Channel; commercial free. I also have the widescreen DVD. (& long ago sold the laser disc).

One of my favorite guilty pleasure double feature viewings with Demetrius & the Gladiators.

[–] Lonixcap 13 years ago

The Robe was shot simultaneously in CinemaScope and "flat", just in case widescreen bombed, Fox could release the film flat and recoup it's investment.

I doubt that every single scene was re-shot wide vs. flat. Too time consuming for a big budget film. Scenes were probably shot with both types of cameras rolling at the same time.

I first saw this film on Easter Sunday, 1967, when it premiered on the ABC Sunday Night Movie. I knew it was the first CinemaScope feature, but was surprised that the familiar pan-and scan effect was missing on TV. Much later I learned about the "flat" version, and this is the one ABC aired that evening.

It was in the early 90's when AMC began showing the original letterboxed version that you could finally get the 'scope effect on TV.

Film still gives me goosebumps. I saw it at the MOMA in NYC in CinemaScope some years back. Very impressive to see that Fox logo and Newman's opening title music in the theater. It's a bit of a bore in some parts, but overall, an undeniable milestone of old-Hollywood film making.