This movie portrays an environment where individuals are essentially trained to kill each other like animals! Demetrius and the Gladiators serves as a sequel to The Robe. Delmer Daves directed, and Victor Mature takes on the role of Demetrius, a Christian slave forced into gladiatorial combat in the Roman arena (and subsequently involved in a larger struggle concerning faith). Susan Hayward portrays Messalina. Ernest Borgnine, William Marshall, Michael Rennie, and Jay Robinson as the deranged emperor Caligula contribute to the supporting cast. The screenplay is written by Philip Dunne (known for How Green Was My Valley and The Agony and the Ecstasy), with Milton R. Krasner handling the cinematography—an Academy Award winner for Best Color Cinematography in Three Coins in the Fountain from 1955. Picking up directly after The Robe, Demetrius and the Gladiators provides a pleasant and agreeable Biblical film that doesn't overstay its welcome. With a runtime of just over one hundred minutes, it’s not an epic production. Nevertheless, without feeling rushed, it incorporates all the essential elements for a satisfying sword-and-sandals experience. Shot in CinemaScope, it includes a persecuted protagonist, an eccentric antagonist, a seductive female character, expansive sets, vibrant costumes, and numerous fight sequences. Fortunately, the serious conversations are generally kept concise because there are few things worse in this type of movie than lengthy discussions about religious convictions and political maneuvering. Just present what's happening and move on to the next part of the story. Daves’ film excels at this, demonstrating a desire to entertain with moments of energy and sexual confidence. The performances vary; Mature is dependable but doesn't entirely embody the heroic image of Demetrius, Hayward and Robinson deliver intentionally exaggerated portrayals that are entertaining, while Borgnine and Rennie justify their salaries. Similar to another Philip Dunne screenplay in this genre, David And Bathsheba, this one often gets ignored or forgotten when discussing sword & sandals films. It’s understood that neither film reaches the level of Ben-Hur or Spartacus, but both offer something worthwhile for those who appreciate movies. Therefore, it's a good choice for Sunday afternoon viewing with some red wine and a roast beef dinner. 7/10

Source on TMDB