O’Toole impresses in ‘Masada’

From the heyday of TV mini-series comes ‘Masada’ (Universal Playback, €27.99).

It’s 70AD and Jewish Zealot leader Eleazer ben Yair (Peter Strauss) defies Roman commander Flavious Silva (the majestic Peter O’Toole) whose 10th Legion has taken Jerusalem. When a truce between the two is broken, Eleazer retreats to the mountaintop fortress of Masada.

An enthralling battle of wits between the two sides ensues, with O’Toole and Strauss both giving stirring performances. Excellent fight scenes and strong Anthony Quayle and David Warner performances.

TV drama

Star rating: 4/5