Corcoran: The Barbarian hordes are once again overrunning Rome. Drawn in ever increasing numbers to that Superbowl of antiquity - the Colosseum -- thanks in part to the star power of Russell Crowe and the Hollywood blockbuster, Gladiator.
Gladiator actor.
Of course a togged-up Russell is nowhere to be seen. Stepping into his sandals, a growing band of motley gladiators, centurions and emperors -- mainly unemployed Romans and Albanian migrants.
All intent on making a killing of a very different kind
Emperor actor Emperor: AveReporter: AveEmperor: Good morning. Good bye. Good night Reporter: How much?Emperor: Five. Sit down.
Corcoran: But when the money stops so too do the smiles. Its a case of render unto Caesar whats is Caesars namely the contents of your wallet.
Caesar actor CAESAR: Excuse me, this is personal no photos - "What'll I do? -- thump him or give him two slaps in the face?
Corcoran: Rome City Council fears these hustlers in fancy dress will kill off the Gladiator-led tourism surge that has helped drive up the citys tourist numbers by a colossal three million a year.
In a triumph of the bureaucratic pen over the plastic sword the Colosseum crew has been ordered to clean up its act by this European summer.That means official accreditation with fixed prices and a more historically accurate dress code.
Music
Carmelo walks down steps Corcoran: However all is not lost. Striding the streets of Rome is a modern Maximus a travelling salesman who could teach the Colosseum crowd a thing or two.
Carmelo shows ties Carmelo: If theyre too arrogant towards the tourists its not good for Rome.
Corcoran: By day, Carmelo Catanzaro flogs ties.
Carmelo dons costume Music
Corcoran: But by night, he is transformed by the ancient code of Strength and Honour. Determined that the memory of Imperial Rome shall endure. His name is Gladiator.
Gladiator School Carmelo is Chief Instructor of the Roman Historical Groups Gladiator School.
Students raise swords STUDENTS IN Italian: Hail teacher, we who are about to die, salute you
Corcoran: He leads a mix of fee-paying students and history buffs who love to live by the sword safe in the knowledge that they dont have to die by it.
Carmelo Carmelo: Its a passion. Say today I was taken in a time machine back 2000 years and put in an arena I dont think I would survive. At the that time, the Romans were much rougher much tougher life led them to be cruel.
Gladiator movie plays Corcoran: After soldiering on for years in obscurity the movie has brought the gladiator school a degree of fame and respect.
Gladiator excerpt Russell Crowe: I am Maximus, commander of the Army of the North.
Gladiator school students eat Corcoran: And as they tuck into the post match beer and pasta, the boys pick up a few tips from Russell.
CARMELO: Look at that! He leans all the way to the left and then all the way to the right.
Students: Russell! Russell!..
Gladiator School perform Corcoran: So impressed are the city fathers - with the Gladiator Schools attention to historical detail, that Carmelo and his friends are encouraged to perform in public.For this band of enthusiasts such appearances are bigger than Ben Hur.
CARMELO: Yes certainly, you might say that Ive always had this thing about ancient Rome. I mean it gives me a bit a shiver. I like it.
Music
Carmelo performs Corcoran: Hollywood is reportedly planning a sequel to Gladiator, but Russell Crowe and many of the original cast are said to be unavailable. So for the next swords-and- sandals epic it may be left to Carmelo and his comrades to slay them in the aisles.
GLADIATORSReporter: Mark CorcoranCamera: Geoff LyeEditor: Stuart MillerProducer: Jonathan Harley
Gladiator actor.
Of course a togged-up Russell is nowhere to be seen. Stepping into his sandals, a growing band of motley gladiators, centurions and emperors -- mainly unemployed Romans and Albanian migrants.
All intent on making a killing of a very different kind
Emperor actor Emperor: AveReporter: AveEmperor: Good morning. Good bye. Good night Reporter: How much?Emperor: Five. Sit down.
Corcoran: But when the money stops so too do the smiles. Its a case of render unto Caesar whats is Caesars namely the contents of your wallet.
Caesar actor CAESAR: Excuse me, this is personal no photos - "What'll I do? -- thump him or give him two slaps in the face?
Corcoran: Rome City Council fears these hustlers in fancy dress will kill off the Gladiator-led tourism surge that has helped drive up the citys tourist numbers by a colossal three million a year.
In a triumph of the bureaucratic pen over the plastic sword the Colosseum crew has been ordered to clean up its act by this European summer.That means official accreditation with fixed prices and a more historically accurate dress code.
Music
Carmelo walks down steps Corcoran: However all is not lost. Striding the streets of Rome is a modern Maximus a travelling salesman who could teach the Colosseum crowd a thing or two.
Carmelo shows ties Carmelo: If theyre too arrogant towards the tourists its not good for Rome.
Corcoran: By day, Carmelo Catanzaro flogs ties.
Carmelo dons costume Music
Corcoran: But by night, he is transformed by the ancient code of Strength and Honour. Determined that the memory of Imperial Rome shall endure. His name is Gladiator.
Gladiator School Carmelo is Chief Instructor of the Roman Historical Groups Gladiator School.
Students raise swords STUDENTS IN Italian: Hail teacher, we who are about to die, salute you
Corcoran: He leads a mix of fee-paying students and history buffs who love to live by the sword safe in the knowledge that they dont have to die by it.
Carmelo Carmelo: Its a passion. Say today I was taken in a time machine back 2000 years and put in an arena I dont think I would survive. At the that time, the Romans were much rougher much tougher life led them to be cruel.
Gladiator movie plays Corcoran: After soldiering on for years in obscurity the movie has brought the gladiator school a degree of fame and respect.
Gladiator excerpt Russell Crowe: I am Maximus, commander of the Army of the North.
Gladiator school students eat Corcoran: And as they tuck into the post match beer and pasta, the boys pick up a few tips from Russell.
CARMELO: Look at that! He leans all the way to the left and then all the way to the right.
Students: Russell! Russell!..
Gladiator School perform Corcoran: So impressed are the city fathers - with the Gladiator Schools attention to historical detail, that Carmelo and his friends are encouraged to perform in public.For this band of enthusiasts such appearances are bigger than Ben Hur.
CARMELO: Yes certainly, you might say that Ive always had this thing about ancient Rome. I mean it gives me a bit a shiver. I like it.
Music
Carmelo performs Corcoran: Hollywood is reportedly planning a sequel to Gladiator, but Russell Crowe and many of the original cast are said to be unavailable. So for the next swords-and- sandals epic it may be left to Carmelo and his comrades to slay them in the aisles.
GLADIATORSReporter: Mark CorcoranCamera: Geoff LyeEditor: Stuart MillerProducer: Jonathan Harley