Broadcast: Nov. 6, 1977-Jan. 29, 1978. The action covers the reign of four emperors (of the Claudian family) who followed Caesar and preceded Nero. The story of a man who all Rome thought was a fool, the laughing-stock of its ruling family. Claudius stuttered so badly that his grandmother, Livia, casually suggested severing his head from his body as the only sure cure. He was also afflicted with a limp and incessant twitch. Livia was guilty of a trail of murders and deceptions. Claudius, placed on the throne after the assassination of Caligula, managed to restore some measure of nobility to the world's most powerful nation. Claudius began a just and sensible rule, his efforts directed toward the dream of restoring the cherished Republic but the power-mad around him thwarted his intentions. See November 1977 Prime Time Program Guide for cover story.
