Episode 24 – Cabiria (1914)

It's 1914. Out of Italy comes what many classify as the first film epic. In this silent film, the girl Cabiria survives an eruption from Etna, is kidnapped by pirates, nearly offered to the god Moloch, and spends years as a servant. Meanwhile, Roman soldier Fulvius Axilla and his Samson-like servant Maciste cross paths with Cabiria and their destinies are entwined as Rome wars against Carthage and years pass. What Cabiria offers casual movie fans who have always meant to watch classic movies: an epic story set against major moments in Italian history, the iconic and unsettling "Temple of Moloch" scene, engaging characters (mostly) in wide-ranging plot, and the one-and-only strongman Maciste. Show Notes