In the century before the birth of Christ, Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a Thracian slave, is sold to Peter Ustinov, who trains gladiators. En route to Rome, Roman noble Laurence Olivier orders two gladiators to fight to the death to entertain the women at his party. Douglas is spared by his slave opponent, who is then mercilessly killerd by the Roman. Bitterness over this death and his growing love for a slave girl (Jean Simmons) causes Spartacus to influence the other gladiators to revolt.

   For the sheer magnificence, power and realism of its tremendously populated battle sequences and the outstanding portrayals by its multi-starred cast, this Roman historical spectacle has rarely, if ever, been equaled. Stanley Kubrick brings an imaginative approach to his handling of battle scenes, which surpass even those of the memorable "Henry V" for authenticity, horrendous slaughter and gore. Filmed in Super Technirama-70, the pictorial vistas are breathtaking in their scenic splendor. One of the most widely publicized films of recent years, the $12 million Bryna production has terrific marquee power for class patrons, action fans and teenagers alike, thus insuring boxoffice returns of blockbuster proportions.

EXPLOITIPS:
   The seven-star cast and the theme are the chief selling angle--Douglas and Simmons for the romantic angle to attract the women, Olivier and Laughton to interest class patrons and Tony Curtis and John Gavin, teenage idols.

CATCHLINES:
   Thundering Across the Screen--The Revolt of the Gladiators Against the Roman Legions...Seven Great Stars in the Story of a Slave Who Defied the Roman Empire.