The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross

After burning Rome, Emperor Nero decides to blame the Christians, and issues the edict that they are all to be caught and sent to the arena. Two old Christians are caught, and about to be hauled off, when Marcus, the highest military official in Rome, comes upon them. When he sees their stepdaughter Mercia, he instantly falls in love with her and frees them. Marcus pursues Mercia, which gets him into trouble with Emperor (for being easy on Christians) and with the Empress, who loves him and is jealous.

Cast for The Sign of the Cross...

Fredric March
Marcus Superbus - Prefect of Rome
Claudette Colbert
Empress Poppaea
Charles Laughton
Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar
Ian Keith
Tigellinus
Harry Beresford
Favius Fontelas
Clarence Burton
Servillius
Robert Seiter
Philodemus
Henry Brandon
Colosseum Spectator (uncredited)
John Carradine
Christian Martyr / Gladiator Leader / Voice in Coliseum Mob (uncredited)
Dave O'Brien
Christian on Stairway (uncredited)
Sally Rand
Crocodiles' Victim (uncredited)
Arthur Shields
Chaplain Costello (1944 Re-Release Prologue) (uncredited)
Tom Tully
Hoboken (1944 Re-Release Prologue) (uncredited)
Lionel Belmore
Bettor of 300 Silver