The corrupt Roman Empress, Messalina (well-played by Lee), transforms from a Vestal Virgin to a power mad, sex-crazed killer. This film does a pretty good job portraying her depravity. One memorable scene has a young would-be assassin ending up in Messalina's bed. Big mistake, as he ends up having his head wacked off in the morning, which Messalina triumphantly parades around the palace to quash any thoughts of further assassination attempts.