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Mark Antony promises vengeance, then plots with Octavius Caesar (Richard Chamberlain) to gain control of the city by force. Civil War ensues. Meanwhile, Brutus and Cassius quarrel, and in a final battle at Philippi, Cassius kills himself with the same dagger he used to kill Julius Caesar. Faced with Octavius's army, Brutus is defeated and takes his own life, rather than be taken captive. Upon discovering the body of his friend, Mark Antony laments the tragic fall of Brutus, calling him the noblest Roman of them all, "This was a man!"
Richard Chamberlain was a gorgeous and magnificent Octavius Caesar, delivering his too few lines with feeling and power. My favorite scene was Octavius and Mark Antony, planning their war strategies, while enjoying a relaxing massage. The happiest actor in the entire movie, seemed to be Octavius's masseuse. When the regal Richard Chamberlain rides onto the battlefield, in his beautiful yellow cape, he brings majestic beauty and color, to an otherwise dull film. Overall, there were some wonderful moments, in this acceptable adaptation of Shakespeare's account, of the betrayal of Rome's most controversial Emporer, JULIUS CAESAR. By Judy Crocker
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This film is set in Rome 44 BC. The city is rich with the privileges of its empire, largely due to Julius Caesar, appointing himself Supreme Dictator. The triumphal entry of Caesar (John Gielgud) who believes he is somehow invincible, is a masterpiece of imagery and impact. Loyal to Caesar, is Mark Antony (Charlton Heston) a brave, bright and cunning man. Brutus (Jason Robards) is torn between his love for the emperor, and hatred for the idea of monarchy, which eliminated peace, liberty, and freedom, for the citizens of Rome. On this festival day, inside the stadium, the conspirators, knife Julius Caesar to death. Casca strikes the first blow; the last thrust comes from the hand of Brutus. The arrogant Brutus explains his actions, citing his deep love for Rome, "I killed him, but I loved him!" 
JULIUS CAESAR is a well-paced political thriller, showing the machination of scheming politicians, their egos, jealousies, fears, and ambitions. If you love the Bard, Rome at its full glory, political treachery and intrigue, you will relish this film. Except for Jason Robards, the all-star cast was superb! Charlton Heston's funeral oration was brilliant, powerful, and the dramatic high point of the movie. It was said that Jason Robards predicted the failure of this film, but I believe he was the failure in this film. He delivered a stiff performance, sleep-walking through the role of Brutus, with little life or emotion.