Messalina (1960)

In the wake of Emperor Caligula's brutal assassination at the hands of his loyal Praetorian Guards, the heart of Rome throbs with anticipation for the ascension of a new ruler. The city's Senators and Praetorian Guards find themselves tangled in a web of power plays as they deliberate on the successor. Finally, their choice falls on Claudius, Caligula's elderly cousin, an unlikely figure to shoulder the mantle of Rome. With a new Emperor in place, the search begins for an Empress, a woman to share the throne and power. Simultaneously, Valeria, a fiery enchantress and Claudius' cousin, stands at the precipice of her destiny, due to be inducted as a priestess in the revered Temple of Vesta. However, Valeria is no innocent maiden. With a trail of numerous lovers in her wake, she sets her sights not on the ageing Claudius, but on the intoxicating allure of absolute power. In a dramatic twist of fate, she marries Claudius, transforming from a mere mortal to Valeria Messalina, the Empress of Rome. Now, she stands as the most potent woman in the world, her name echoing through the corridors of power, commanding fear, respect, and awe. The stage is set for an epic tale of ambition, seduction, and power in the relentless world of Roman politics.

Messalina is a drama movie featuring Belinda Lee and directed by Vittorio Cottafavi.

Messalina is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy Messalina on Amazon Video.