MovieChat Forums > Theatre of Blood (1973) Discussion > The ides of March

The ides of March

posted 9 years ago by Aloysius_von_der_Trenck
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British wit: in the opening scene George William Mawwell (Michael Hordern) shortly before being killed is reading The Financial Times of March 15, 1972: the ides of March, the day Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.! The date is also in his tombstone during his burial

As for Edward Kendal Sheridan Lionheart (Vincent Price), in spite of having been warned about it when I suddenly saw him with that effeminate attitude and wearing that afro I almost spat up what I was drinking!!

[–] cookieman108 8 years ago

Uh yes, Maxwell's demise was purposely tied to a Shakespearean play, as was the case with all the rest of the critics in the film.

In Maxwell's case it was the play Julius Caesar, hence method in which he was dispatched, including the date.

[–] Aloysius_von_der_Trenck 8 years ago

Yes, but they missed the "Beware the ides of March".

The whole thing, Act 1, Scene 2:

Soothsayer. Caesar!

Caesar. Ha! who calls?

Casca. Bid every noise be still: peace yet again!

Caesar. Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry 'Caesar!' Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear.

Soothsayer. Beware the ides of March.

Caesar. What man is that?

Brutus. A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

Caesar. Set him before me; let me see his face.

Cassius. Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

Caesar. What say'st thou to me now? speak once again.

Soothsayer. Beware the ides of March.

Caesar. He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.

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