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A documentary that reveals the complete behind-the-scenes story of Alexander Korda's ill-fated 1937 screen version of I, Claudius.
This account chronicles the rehearsals, the set construction and the financial excesses of this legendary, doomed production.
Interviews with surviving cast members and poet-novelist Robert Graves provide a fitting coda to the unforgettable tale of this uncompleted masterpiece.
Narrated by Dirk Bogarde.

Livia, wife of the Emperor Augustus, is determined to see her son from an earlier marriage, Tiberius, succeed Augustus, but she must first remove the emperor’s first choice as heir, his son-in-law, Marcellus.

Nine years have passed, writes Claudius, during which time Agrippa has been poisoned by Livia, and Tiberius has been forced to divorce his beloved wife. But Tiberius is thoroughly miserable, and his brother Drusus oppose the Empire.

Tiberius broods in exile while Livia slowly clears a path to the throne for him.

Livia has almost cleared a path to the throne for TIberius. But she has an unseen foe -- her twitching, stammering grandson Claudius, whose afflictions mask a shrewd mind.

The battle lines are drawn for control of the Empire - Augustus, Germanicus, Postumus and Claudius on one side; Livia and Tiberius on the other. But will Livia descend to the ultimate treachery to win the throne for her son?

Tiberius is Emperor, but the murder of Germanicus forces a confrontation between his supporters and Agrippina.

As Tiberius’s chief advisor, Sejanus rules Rome with an iron hand, moving himself toward the throne. Meanwhile, an aged Livia asks to meet with Claudius.

Livilla's passion for Sejanus brings his Reign of Terror to a horrific climax.

Caligula takes over as Emperor. At first he is hailed as a savior. But eventually the monster is revealed.

Caligula's behavior becomes more and more erratic. Claudius works hard to control him but a conspiracy is growing among the soldiers. How can they rid themselves of their mad Emperor? And who will replace him?

Claudius has been appointed Emperor by the Praetorian Guard. He quickly proves himself capable of handling the role. But danger lurks in his own household.

Messalina’s behaviour becomes ever more outrageous and it seems that Claudius is the only one who is unaware of this.