On 6th October 1960  “Spartacus“, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier, premiered in New York City.

Spartacus is an epic film based on a slave led rebellion against Rome. Kirk Douglas stars as ex-gladiator Spartacus leading the rebels. The film was adapted from the novel of the same name written by Howard Fast.

The film is filled with the top starring actors of the day. Notably the film itself was part of resistance against the blacklisting of many in the film industry which was taking place in America.

Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo was blacklisted at the time as one of the Hollywood Ten. Douglas publicly announced that Trumbo was the screenwriter of Spartacus, and President John F. Kennedy crossed American Legion picket lines to view the film, helping to end blacklisting; Howard Fast’s book had also been blacklisted and he had to self-publish the original edition.

The film won four Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Peter Ustinov, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design) from six nominations. It also received six nominations at the Golden Globes, including Woody Strode‘s only career Golden Globe nomination (for Best Supporting Actor), ultimately winning one (Best Motion Picture – Drama). At the time of the film’s release, it was the biggest moneymaker in Universal Studios‘ history, which it remained until it was surpassed by Airport (1970).