Escape's "The Gladiator" was written by screenwriter Millard Kaufman, and while it isn't bad, it isn't particularly good either. It is a generic Escape episode that is easy to follow, but a let-down because there aren't any battles. There is only one gladiator in this episode and he gets knocked out in one blow.
The story opens in London, where Joe Scoletti has just finished his last fight as a professional boxer. Afterward, in Joe's dressing room, two strangers enter to offer their congratulations, Julius Verinias and his niece, Lucretia. Joe and his manager are about to catch a plane for Rome, but Julius offers them passage on his ship. Joe accepts the offer because he is smitten with Lucretia.
Once onboard, Joe and his manager realize that the ship is not on its way to Rome but to North Africa. When they question Julius about the change in course, he tells them that he has other plans. They will be traveling to his ancestral Roman estate where Joe will prove himself in a fight to the death...
"The Gladiator" was written by Millard Kaufman and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. William Conrad starred. Also appearing were Lillian Buyeff, Lou Krugman, Ted Osborne, Byron Kane. Paul Frees played Kriksus the gladiator. This episode aired on August 1, 1951.
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