In Whiskerino's only historical film, the Romans come to the small boarder village of Islo Vale and attempt to enslave the locals.  The village elders are unable to find a solution to their plight.  A young centurion falls for Gladys who spurns his attentions by throwing him in the dung pile.  The elders note her athletic prowess and challenge the Roman army to a gladiatorial games contest.  When the invaders accept the fate of the village is in the hands of Gladys and the retired athletics team.

After a day which sees three elders eaten by lions, two collapse from nervous exhaustion and another impaled by a passing javelin, things look bleak.  Gladys wins the discus and the sprint, leaving only the fight to the death to win freedom for the village.  Despite an opponent about twice her size Gladys is able to win through the deft use of her lightning quick dance steps.

The film was panned by the critics who complained that the first hour was essentially padding before the games started.  For the studio it proved more costly as stunt co-ordinator Harry Dexter lost an arm during a sword fight scene.  The ensuing law suit cost the studio thousands and effectively ended plans to make further historical action films.  Despite these difficulties Pauline McBride later said she remembered this as one of the best films she made.

Blodwyn: "I've had enough of these here Romans.  Its time we showed them what we're made of."
Idryss: "We all saw what David was made of when he copped that javelin thing"

Gladys: "If they want a fight to the death then I'm almost ready."

Images from Gladiat-HER Gladys will appear here soon.