YEAR: 1953
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
This 1953 film follows the story of Marcellus, the leader of the unit that crucified Jesus. After winning Jesus’ robe in a game of dice, Marcellus is plagued with nightmares. To find relief, he travels to Palestine to learn more about the man he killed and encounters a reality that will change his life.
The first film to be released in widescreen using new CinemaScope anamorphic lenses, The Robe was a breakthrough for the film industry. DeCuir was one of the first to design sets in this new format which was nearly twice as wide as previous films. His work transitioning to the new layout was instrumental in future composition and set design.
SUMMARY
In the Roman province of Judea during the 1st century, Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio is ordered to crucify Jesus of Nazareth but is tormented by his guilty conscience afterward.
DIRECTION
Henry Koster
ART DIRECTOR/ARTIST
Charles D. Hall
Lyle R. Wheeler
George W. Davis
Walter M. Scott
Paul S. Fox
From concept to cinema: The Robe film production design concept art to final film footage (courtesy of 20th Century Fox)
Why was the Robe so important?
Why was this film so important? For the film industry, this transition to widescreen signaled a shift in design and storytelling in general. With a larger format, the possibilities become endless. In the following video, John DeCuir Jr. explains the widespread impact of this change:
Students and educators: download and review more storyboards created by John Decuir, Sr.:
Download and take a look at many more storyboards created by John Decuir, Sr.:
Scenes 1-126 Illustrations/Storyboards zip file 1 (11.5 MB)
Scenes 138-313 Illustrations/Storyboards zip file 2 (11.6 MB)
