Messalina was of course the Roman noblewoman who inveigled ageing emperor Claudio into marriage. Once ensconced on the throne, Messalina launched a reign of terror that shook the empire to its very foundations. The subject of countless film treatments, Rome's most villified empress is herein played by British actress Belinda Lee. Having previously portrayed Lucrezia Borgia, the curvaceous Ms. Lee was well versed in conveying unbridled bitchery.
Messalina
was but one of many European historical spectacles made by the actress before her untimely death in a 1961 car accident.