Spartacus

Part 1 of 2. This lavish mini-series re-interpretation of the Howard Fast novel "Spartacus" about a slave who is trained to fight and kill for the arena, but then uses his skills to lead his fellow slaves in a rebellion. The movement grows rapidly as the slaves march toward Southern Italy, where they will take to the sea and return to their homes. In Rome however, the revolt is exploited by the senators, including Agrippa (Alan Bates), who see it as an issue that could further their political aspirations. Undaunted by the statesmen, Spartacus pushes on to achieve his destiny and claim freedom for all.