Centurians of Rome a review by Onan the Vulgarian Best of Phoenix Alternative Video Reviewer

	Cast: George Payne, Scorpio, Eric Ryan, Roy Garrett, Jonnie Cannui, Jeffery Scott, Adam De Haven, Jerome C. Fox, Michael Flent, Ed Wiley, David Hadley, Ryder Jones, Giuseppe Welch, David O'Chela, John Cannon, Greg Monroe, Tom Trent, John Kovacs, Mitchell Flynn, others. Directed by John Christopher for Uranus Films.
	Bijou Video, 1349 N. Wells, Chicago, IL 60610. Toll-free orders, 800-932-7111. Internet www.BijouWorld.com.
	Click here to purchase.

Until recently, Centurians of Rome held the distinction of being the most expensive, and one of the most notorious, gay porn films ever made (not to mention a misspelled title). It was financed with loot from a $2,000,000 Brinks robbery. Lloyd's of London, an insurer of Brinks, ultimately became a part-owner of the film.
    This 1981 classic is the story of two friends, Octavius and Demetrius, played by Scorpio and George Payne, respectively. Octavius secretly lusts after his friend, and Scorpio's erotic dream of himself and George becomes the first sex scene. (Director Jerry Douglas wanted to cast Scorpio in the role of Kurt Young' father for his 1997 film, Family Values. Scorpio needed dentures, and there was no money for that in Douglas' budget, so the role went to Derrick Stanton.)
    Octavius and Demetrius live near Rome during the reign of the emperor Caligula, the most debauched and depraved ruler of all time. When Octavius cannot pay his family's tax to Rome, he is stripped and dragged off by head centurion Eric Ryan, who lusts after him. Resisting Ryan's advances serves only to get Octavius raped by Ryan and a couple of cute soldiers. The scene takes place in front of a fire at night and the lighting is poor.
    That night, while the soldiers are asleep, Demetrius rescues Octavius; Octavius escapes but Demetrius is taken prisoner. He is sold as a slave to Caligula himself and spends his first night learning what male slaves in the palace are required to do. The slave-master tells him, "We will teach you to serve the needs of a man. We will gradually harden you for the more difficult tasks you will have to perform." Once again, bad lighting reduces the impact of this raw orgy of flesh.
    The training of Demetrius commences, and when he refuses to participate, his hands are manacled to the wall and he gets "trained" anyway.
    Octavius, meanwhile, offers himself to the head centurion in exchange for Demetrius' freedom, but unexpectedly finds that he returns the commander's feelings. Ryan helps himself to Octavius' body and the other centurions join in for an orgy of ass-eating, cum-eating, cock-eating and fucking that has plenty of lighting, for a change.
    Demetrius, still manacled, is being "bathed" by two slaves who have been ordered to prepare him to meet the emperor. It's probably not a good idea for them to suck the cum out of Demetrius just before he has to perform sexually for their boss, but it makes good watching.
    Demetrius is presented to Caligula in a leather vest and collar, with his cock and balls bound in burlap. Caligula (Michael Flent, in a scenery-chewing performance) exults in his power over Demetrius, ordering him at first to "caress your sex," then to "take me," and ultimately to "take me with your hand! Ha ha ha!" Poor Demetrius looks confused when Caligula hands him a silver bowl heaped with suet.
    Will Demetrius escape the emperor's clutches? Will Octavius stay with the commander or return to his first love? Will watching this movie make you want to rush to Caesar's Palace and cruise sexy lads wearing sandals and tunics?
    Everything in Centurians of Rome is over-the-top — the dialog, the performances and especially Caligula's squirming, giggling, shrieking fisting scene. The sex runs the gamut of rough, crazed, tender and romantic; the score is of Oscar caliber; and the bizarro downbeat ending is a scream, literally. Bijou's newly released DVD has scene selection.

Top