A more exciting and interesting episode. Full of political intrigue and commentary on the judicial system of the period. Our protagonist survives the ordeal by beast and with the help of his blind servant girl is freed with the real murderer having been identified. As Mount Vesuvius erupts and ash is flung into the air, the blind servant girl has a distinct advantage in terms of mobility and leads the protagonist through the streets of Pompeii to find the girl of his dreams. The episode ends with the three of them pledging to stay together and survive, or die together.

The Last Days of Pompeii 4 of 5: Danger, Love and Death. love it.

I rate this episode ★★★★★ stars for EXCELLENT. Or should I say, EPIC! The title of this speaks for itself. "Danger" in ACT-1 when Marcus Rufus had to deal with the Lion. "Love" in ACT-2 where Oriana and Lydia had deep feelings for Marcus Rufus. And finally, "Death" in ACT-3 where Mount Vesuvius erupted and began destroying Pompeii. Bravo to Gerald Keane for writing this adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1834 novel. The music also had tunes to express the themes of Danger, Love and Death. Sound effects the angry crowd chattering, Lion roaring and growling, footsteps in the arcade, the Lion breaking out of its cage, howling wind, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius at the 26:52 mark, earthquakes, stacks of gold coins dropped, horse neighing along with the empty chariot, house bell ringing, and the roof tiles falling were most superb. In our Host's Prologue, E.G. Marshall brings us back to the story where it's now 1 day before Pompeii's destroyed. In ACT-1, he points out that in those days when the convicted were thrown into the arena, they had to say, "Ave, Imperator, morituri the salutant" ("Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you"). And to quote Cicero: "It is the nature of a scoundrel to deceive by lying." In ACT-2, the characters are focused on love, greed, jealousy, and murder. Plus, the novelist's details of the volcanic eruption. In ACT-3, the details of the event where it was fire against flesh. In his Epilogue, he gives the fans of CBSRMT a bit of hope to know that this story does not end unhappily. Now, onto our talented cast: Russell Horton (as Marcus Rufus and Diomed), Patricia Elliot (as Oriana), Earl Hammond (as Arbaces, Senator Publius Cornelius, and Senator Cicero), Evie Juster (as Lydia), and Ian Martin (as Calvus and the Centurion). It's a mystery as to why CBSRMT changed the actors and actresses to play different parts. It worked well, or course, but I'm curious to know why Patricia Elliot was brought into this saga in Part 4 rather than hire her at the very beginning. One of the best lines in this story was at the 36:19 mark where the main character says, 'When a man has gold fever, there is no cure." Interesting choice of words. I hope every fan of CBSRMT is looking forward to the 5th and final chapter of this saga. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =^D

I have the whole collection on disc. but listen to them on here also. Love the CBSRMT Thanks for sharing them...