ATLAS VISUALS- swashbucklers, costume adventures, etc. [A-L]

SWASHBUCKLERS, COSTUME ADVENTURES, ETC. [A-L]

ADVENTURES OF GERARD, THE (1970) Also known as: "Le Avventure di Gerard." Rare Swiss-Italian costume adventure starring Claudia Cardinale, Eli Wallach, Peter McEnery, Jack Hawkins, Paolo Stoppa, and others. Directed by Jerzy Skolimowsky. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

ADVENTURES OF HAJJI BABA, THE (1954) Costume adventure which casts John Derek as a Persian adventurer who leaves his father's shop to seek a greater fortune. When he rescues the king's daughter, she decides she wants him. But the king has plans that she marry a rival prince. Also starring Elaine Stewart, Thomas Gomez, Amanda Blake, and others. Directed by Don Weis. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

ADVENTURES OF MANDARIN, THE (1951) Original title: "Le Avventure di Mandrin." Rare costume adventure starring Raf Vallone, Kacques Castelot, Silvana Pampanini, Gualtiero Tumiati, and others. Directed by Mario Soldati. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

ALADDIN AND HIS LAMP (1952) Also known as: "La Lampada di Aladino." A poor young man finds a lamp with a genie trapped inside. The genie promises to grant the man three wishes if he frees him from the lamp. Good Lew Landers escapade starring Johnny Sands, Patricia Medina, Suzan Ball, Richard Erdman, and others. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

ARCIERE DI FUOCO, L' (1971) One of the better Italian renditions of the Robin Hood theme, this lively adventure casts Giuliano Gemma as a hero who returns to England from the Crusades, only to find that a petty tyrant has taken over the land. He joins with a band of robbers, and begins exacting revenge on the usurpers. Also stars Mark Damon, Silvia Dionisio, Mario Adorf, Luis Davila, Nello Pazzafini, Nazzareno Zamperla, and others. Directed by Giorgio Ferroni. Letterboxed at 1.85:1. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B). ***Also available in English, as "The Scalawag Bunch." Please specify when ordering.***

ATTACK OF THE MOORS (1959) Original title: "I Reali di Francia." Excellent quality print of this very elusive costume adventure from director Mario Costa. While on a mission from Charlemagne, Rik Battaglia becomes caught in a web of intrigue by traitors at the Spanish court. Also starring Chelo Alonso, Luisella Boni, Franco Fantasia, Gerard Landry, and others. Letterboxed. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-). *Also available in English.

AT SWORD'S POINT (1952) Also known as: "Sons of the Musketeers." In 1648 France, it's the sons (and daughter) of the Three Musketeers to the rescue! Costume adventure starring Cornel Wilde, Maureen O'Hara, Robert Douglas, and others. Directed by Lewis Allen. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

BALBOA, CONQUISTADOR OF THE PACIFIC (1963) Frank Latimore is cast as Balboa, the heroic Spanish explorer who discovers the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, he must pacify the wrath of his enemies and battle his way through a forest inhabited by savage natives. Carlos Casaravilla, Pilar Cansino, and Rafaela Aparicio, also star in this colorful Spanish-Italian production. Directed by Jose Maria Elorrieta. This print is much longer and clearer than any version previously offered. Dubbed in English, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

BEATRICE CENCI (1941) Totally obscure and even earlier version of the classic tale. In Mediaeval Italy, a vicious nobleman torments his family. So they take revenge in plotting his death. Starring Carola Hohn, Osvaldo Valenti, Giulio Donadio, Elli Parvo, Tina Lattanzi, and others. Directed by Guido Brignone. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

BEATRICE CENCI (1956) At long last! We're pleased to announce that we now have an upgraded version of this impossible-to-find costume adventure/drama from director Riccardo Freda. Previous versions were rubbish, but this is in great quality. Now you can enjoy this film the way it was meant to be enjoyed. In Renaissance Italy, a girl plots to kill her tyrannical father, and is subsequently condemned to death. Starring Gino Cervi, Micheline Presle, Fausto Tozzi, Anthony Steffen, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. Upgrade!! (A/A-).

BEATRICE CENCI (1969) Considered by some to be Lucio Fulci's best film, and now available in a very nice quality letterboxed print. Set in 17th Century Italy, Beatrice Cenci is the teenage daughter of the crazed landowner and nobleman Francesco Cenci, who keeps her locked up in the dungeon of his castle and abuses her as well. Beatrice, with the aid of a young bandit, soon forms a plot to murder Francesco. Starring Adrienne Larussa, Tomas Milian, Georges Wilson, and others. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

BEHIND THE MASK OF ZORRO (1965) Original title: "El Zorro Cabalga Otra Vez." Tony Russel puts on the black mask in this entertaining Spanish-Italian swashbuckler/spaghetti western. Zorro must defeat an evil governor who wields unjust power over California. Also stars Jesus Puente, Maria Jose Alonso, and Jose Maria. Directed by Ricardo Blasco. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

BLACK ARCHER, THE (1959) Original title: "L'Arciere Nero." Color print of this scarce costume adventure tale. Gerard Landry stars as an avenging hero seeking to find those responsible for the murder of his father, the lawful duke of the region. Also starring Erno Crisa, Ivy Holzer, Livio Lorenzon, and others. Directed by Piero Pierotti. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

BLACK DEVIL, THE (1957) Original title: "Il Diavolo Nero." Gerard Landry plays a masked hero whose forces fight against a vicious tyrant (Andrea Aureli) who has illegally gained the throne of Roccabruna. This good swashbuckling adventure also stars Maurizio Arena, Nadia Gray, Milly Vitale, Leonora Ruffo, Guilio Battiferri, and Gino Scotti.. Directed by Sergio Grieco. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

BLACK KNIGHT, THE (1954) British costume adventure, which takes place during the time of King Arthur. A poor blacksmith battles his way to knighthood in order to defeat a treacherous Moor allied to King Arthur. Starring Alan Ladd, Patricia Medina, Peter Cushing, Andre Morell, and others. Directed by Tay Garnett. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

BLACK LANCERS, THE (1962) Original title: "I Lancieri Neri." Mediaeval adventure epic starring Mel Ferrer, Yvonne Furneaux, Leticia Roman, Arturo Dominici, and others. Also known as: "Charge of the Black Lancers." Directed by Giacomo Gentilomo. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

BLACK MAGIC (1949) Also known as: "Gli Spadaccini della Serenissima." This U.S.-Italy co-production scasts Orson Welles as the hypnotist Cagliostro, who uses his powers as a means of revenge against King Louis XV's court. Also features Frank Latimore, Nancy Guild, Valentina Cortese, and Akim Tamiroff. Directed by Gregory Ratoff. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

BLACK SHIELD OF FALWORTH, THE (1954) Also known as: "Lo Scudo dei Falworth." Young peasant fleeing persecution finds that is the rightful heir of murdered king. Starring Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, David Farrar, Barbara Rush, Craig Hill, Herbert Marshall, and others. Directed by Rudolph Mate'. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

BLACK TULIP, THE (1964) French-Italian costume adventure. In 1789, as the Revolution goes on, a bandit named "The Black Tulip" holds the surroundings of village Roussillon in fear. The people respect him as a Robin Hood, but he declares himself a revolutionary. Based on a story by Alexandre Dumas. Stars Alain Delon, Virna Lisi, Adolfo Marsillach, Akim Tamiroff, and others. Directed by Christian-Jaque. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

BLOOD ON HIS SWORD (1961) Also known as: "La Congiura dei Potenti." French-Italian costume adventure from director Andre Hunebelle. Charles le Temeraire asks in marriage Jeanne de Beauvais, daughter of King Louis XI, wishing to get her valuable lands in dowry. The King is wise to this, and since his daughter doesn't feel inclined to accept, he refuses. Charles sets up a plan to abduct the prince, in such way that the suspicions will fall upon Robert de Neuville, a noble enamored of the princess. Starring Jean Marais, Rosanna Schiaffino, Roger Hanin, and others. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

BUCCANEERS, THE (1956-1957) Rare British TV show starring Robert Shaw as Captain Dan Tempest, an ex-pirate who received a pardon from the king and turns privateer. Also starring Paul Hansard, Brian Rawlinson, Edwin Richfield, and others. Discs contains 4 episodes of 30 minutes each. Quality rated as A-/B.

Disc # 1 -- "Blackbeard," "The Raiders," "Captain Dan Tempest," "Dan Tempest's War With Spain."

Disc #2 -- "The Wasp," "Whale Gold," "Slave Ship," "Gunpowder Plot."

Disc #3 -- "The Ladies," "Surgeon of Sangre Rojo," "Before The Mast," "Dan Tempest and the Amazons."

Disc #4 -- "Articles of War," "Hand of the Hawk," "Marooned," "Gentleman Jack and His Lady."

Disc #5 -- "Return of Calico Jack," "Ghost Ship," "Conquistador," "Mother Dought's Crew."

Disc #6 -- "Conquest of New Providence," "Hurricane," "Cutlass Wedding," "Aztec Treasure."

Discs #7 -- "Indian Fighters," "Mistress Higgins' Treasure," "To The Rescue," "Decoy."

Disc #8 -- "Instruments of War," "Pirate Honor," "Printer's Devil."

CAPITAINE TEMPETE (1961) Frank Latimore, Howard Vernon, Franco Trompeo, Giulio Montano, Danik Patisson, Patricia Luz, and others, star in this costume adventure. Masked bandit steals from the rich and gives aid to oppressed villagers living in tyranny. Directed by Luigi Latini De Marchi. Dubbed in French, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

CAPITAN FRACASSA (1940) Excellent costume adventure from director Duilio Coletti. During the second half of the 16th century, an impoverished nobleman travels to Paris with a band of wandering comedians, in order to claim assets that the King of France owed his father. Stars Giorgio Costantini, Elsa De Giorgi, Osvaldo Valenti, Nerio Bernardi, Clara Calamai, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

CAPTAIN FALCON (1958) Also known as: "Capitan Fuoco." Another extremely rare costume adventure, starring Lex Barker as a Robin Hood character out to defeat an evil baron. Also starring Livio Lorenzon, Massimo Serato, Rosanna Rory, Paul Muller, Carla Calo', and others. Directed by Carlo Campogalliani. Dubbed in French, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

CAPTAIN PHANTOM (1953) Original title: "Capitan Fantasma." Rare swashbuckler, which stars Frank Latimore as Spanish admiral who goes undercover to avenge his family's honor. His search leads him to the mystery ship "Assuncion," piloted by a sadistic captain, who has plans to rob a cargo of gold. Co-stars Anna Maria Sandri, Maxwell Reed, Juan De Landa, Sergio Fantoni, and Paola Barbara. Directed by Primo Zeglio. In Color. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

CAPITAN TEMPESTA (1942) Upgrade!! In 1570, the Turks lay siege to the Mediterranean city of Famagusta. In order to procure military help and supplies, Marcello Corner (Adriano Rimoldi), a young soldier, is sent on a secret mission to Venice. While he is gone, his fiancée (Carla Candiani) fights a joust with Moulai El Kader, the "Lion of Damascus" (Carlo Ninchi) and wins, sparing his life. When, due to an act of treachery, Corner is taken prisoner by the Turks, she finds that she must appeal to Kader for his freedom. However, the traitor Lachinsky has other plans for them. This costume adventure is based on a novel by Emilio Salgari. Also stars Erminio Spalla, Doris Duranti, and Rafael Rivelles. Directed by Corrado D'Errico. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

CARTOUCHE (1954) Also known as: "Le Avventure di Cartouche." Extremely rare swashbuckler starring Richard Basehart, Patricia Roc, Massimo Serato, Nerio Bernardi, and others. Adventurer hunts down a cache of stolen jewels. Directed by Gianni Vernuccio and Steve Sekely. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

CASTILIAN, THE (1962) Spanish costume drama starring Frankie Avalon, Cesar Romero, Broderick Crawford, Alida Valli, and others. Spanish knight fights to restore the liberty of his kingdom during the 10th century. Directed by Javier Seto. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

CATHERINE OF RUSSIA (1962) Caterina finds out that her husband Peter Tzar of Russia, is plotting to kill her. She sets Count Orlov free from prison, Peter's sworn enemy, becomes empress of Russia and leads the Cossacks army against him. Cool historical fun courtesy of Umberto Lenzi. Hildegard Knef, Raoul Grassilli, Sergio Fantoni, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart. Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (A-/B).

CAVALIERE DELLA SPADA NERA, IL (1956) Also known as: "Knight of the Black Sword." Rare swashbuckler starring Steve Barclay, Marina Berti, Otello Toso, and others. Directed by Luigi Capuano and Ladislao Kish. Dubbed in German, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

CAVALIER IN THE DEVIL'S CASTLE (1958) Original title: "Il Cavaliere del Castello Maledetto." Massimo Serato stars as Ugone, an usurping nobleman, in this seldom-seen costume adventure. Out to stop him is a mysterious masked cavalier, who works to restore the rightful duke, whom Ugone has imprisoned. Also starring Irene Tunc, Luisella Boni, Pierre Cressoy, and others. Directed by Mario Costa. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

CAVALIERE MISTERIOSO, IL (1949) Also known as: "The Mysterious Rider." Vittorio Gassman plays adventurer commissioned to hunt down an incriminating letter, which threatens to ruin the Doge's wife and sink the whole of the Republic along with it. His quest takes him all the way across Europe, to the court of Catherine the Great of Russia (Yvonne Sanson). On the way, he tangles with a sinister underground brotherhood, an alluring transvestite lady spy (Gianna Maria Canale) and the notorious Empress herself. Directed by Riccardo Freda. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

CESARE BORGIA (1963) Also known as: "The Black Duke." Cameron Mitchell gives the performance of his career as the relentless despot of the Middle Ages. All the Spectacle and Splendor of a violent, sinful era! Also starring Grazia Maria Spina, Franco Fantasia, and Gloria Milland. Directed by Pino Mercanti. Dubbed in English. (A-/B)

COLD STEEL FOR TORTUGA (1965) Rik Battaglia plays Pedro Valverde, a suave Spanish buccaneer who specializes in marrying women to obtain their dowries. He soon, however, meets Soledad (Ingeborg Schoner), unsuspecting princess of a rich Indian tribe in South America. Pedro falls in love with her and attempts to shield her from the rascalities of Alfonso De Montelimar (Guy Madison), a cunning nobleman who is the sworn foe of Valverde. Also stars Nadia Gray, Mino Doro, Andrea Aureli, Andrea Bosic, and Giulio Battiferri. Directed by Luigi Capuano. Dubbed in English, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

CONQUEROR OF MARACAIBO (1960) Original title: "Il Conquistatore di Maracaibo." Fun swashbuckler from director Eugenio Martin. Starring Hans Von Borsody, Jany Clair, Luisella Boni, Helga Line, Carlo Tamberlani, and others. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

CORSARO NERO (1971) Also known as: "Blackie the Pirate." Now in English!! Rivaling pirates and Spanish gold are the ingredients in this story. Blackie the Pirate is the one who first hears of an immense shipment of gold when he encounters Don Pedro. He devises a plan to capture the ship and its gold. His counter-player is the viceroy of the Spanish colony. Starring Terence Hill, Bud Spencer, George Martin, Silvia Monti, and others. Directed by Lorenzo Gicca Palli. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

CRIMSON PIRATE, THE (1952) Burt Lancaster plays a pirate who involves himself in the goings on of a revolution in the Caribbean in the late 1700s. A light hearted adventure involving prison breaks, an oddball Scientist, sailing ships, naval fights, and tons of swordplay. Also starring Nick Cravat, Eva Bartok, and others. Directed by Robert Siodmak. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

CROSSED SWORDS (1954) Original title: "Il Maestro Di Don Giovanni." Errol Flynn went to Italy to make this low-budget, but incredibly fun, swashbuckler. Pavoncello, an evil nobleman (played by Roldano Lupi), ousts the lawful duke, and sends orders to murder Renzo (Flynn), so that he can get his hands on the duke's daughter. Needless to say, Renzo and his trusty comrade Ranieri dive into numerous perils to put an end to Pavoncello's meddling. Also stars Gina Lollobrigida, Pietro Tordi, Cesare Danova, Nadia Gray, and Paola Mori. Directed by Vittorio Vassarotti. Dubbed in English, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

COUNT UGOLINO (1949) Carlo Ninchi plays Count Ugolino of Ghirardesca, a wealthy and influential Italian nobleman. While he believes himself friend of Archbishop Ruggieri (Peter Trent), the latter devises a scheme by which the Count will be ruined. By dispatching a false message, Ruggieri succeeds in getting Ugolino accused of treachery by the Republic. Unable to clear himself of the charges, he and his sons are condemned to die of hunger. Carla Calo, Gianna Maria Canale, Luigi Pavese, and Ugo Sasso, also star in this early costume adventure from director Riccardo Freda. Upgrade!! Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

DANGEROUS EXILE (1957) Also known as: "All'Ombra della Ghigliottina." British adventure which takes place in 18th century France. Starring Louis Jourdan, Belinda Lee, Keith Mitchell, Richard O'Sullivan, Martita Hunt, and others. Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

DESERT WARRIOR (1956) Original title: "Gli Amanti Del Deserto." Following his father's death, a deposed sheik's son (played by Ricardo Montalban) attempts to win back the throne. Meanwhile, a tyrant (Gino Cervi) holds a reign of terror and bloodshed over the people. This lush desert actioner also stars Carmen Sevilla, Franca Bettoia, and Jose Guardiola. Directed by Fernando Cerchio, with uncredited assistance from Gianni Vernuccio, Goffredo Alessandrini, and Leon Klimovsky. Dubbed in English, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

DEVIL'S CAVALIERS, THE (1959) Upgrade!! Original title: "I Cavalieri Del Diavolo." Trouble arises in the French kingdom when a bloodthirsty duke (played by Andrea Aureli) stirs up trouble. It's up to a small group of soldiers (led by Frank Latimore) to crush his forces. A good costume swashbuckler which also stars Gianna Maria Canale, Franco Fantasia, and Antonio De Teffe. Directed by Siro Marcellini. Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles. (A/A-).

DICK TURPIN (1974) Spanish swashbuckler based on adventures of English outlaw. Starring Cihangir Gaffari, Manuel Zarzo, Helga Line, Sancho Gracia, Ines Morales, Cris Huerta, Antonio Mayans, and others. Directed by Fernando Merino. Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles. (A/A-).

DON CESARE DI BAZAN (1942) Upgraded print of this super-rare swashbuckler from director Riccardo Freda. Gino Cervi plays a Spanish swordsman betrayed by French nobleman (Enrico Glori). After faking his own death, he sets out to destroy his foe. Atmospheric black-and-white photography, dark castles, and more. Also stars Giovanni Grasso, Paola Stoppa, Anneliese Uhlig, Enzo Biliotti, and others. Upgrade!! Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

DUEL IN THE FOREST (1958) Original title: "Der Schinderhannes." German costume adventure starring Curd Jurgens, Maria Schell, Christian Wolff, Fritz Tillmann, and others. Directed by Helmut Kautner. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

EL GRECO (1966) Mel Ferrer plays Spanish painter in this good costume/ historical epic from director Luciano Salce. Also starring Rossana Schiaffino, Adolfo Celi, Mario Feliciani, and others. Dubbed in English, with Spanish subtitles. (B/B-).

EXECUTIONER OF THE SEVEN SEAS (1961) Also known as: Avenger of the Seven Seas." An Englishman (Richard Harrison) is captured by pirates after the merciless sacking of his village. However, he vows revenge against the Spaniards responsible for the atrocity. Michele Mercier, Roldano Lupi, Walter Barnes, and Paul Muller, also star. Directed by Domenico Paolella. Upgrade!! Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (A-/B).

EXECUTIONER OF VENICE (1963) This classic costume adventure has been properly hailed as one of the best-made entries in the genre. Lex Barker plays Sandrigo Bembo, son of the Doge of Venice, who comes to fall by a conspiracy planted by the Grand Inquisitor (played by Guy Madison), so he can steal Bembo's fiancée (Alessandra Panaro). However, Bembo manages to escape the prison, and the whetted steel clashes continuously, as he faces innumerable perils - all in 16th century Venice. Mario Petri, Alberto Farnese, Franco Fantasia, John Bartha, and Erminio Spalla, also star in this 70mm romance from director Luigi Capuano. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

FALCON OF THE DESERT (1965) Original title: "El Halcon del Desierto." Seldom-seen desert adventure, which involves a young nomad (Kirk Morris) who is roped into working in the service of a great Sultan (Franco Fantasia), who subsists by plundering the surrounding villages. Also stars Erika Jones, Aldo Sambrell, and Juan Cortes. Produced and written by Osvaldo Civirani. Directed by Miguel Lluch. Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles. (A-/B).

FIGLIA DEL CORSARO VERDE, LA (1940) Translation: "Daughter of the Green Pirate." Rare swashbuckler based on a tale by Emilio Salgari. Nobleman's son goes undercover to infiltrate a band of pirates terrorizing a Spanish outpost in the Caribbean. Stars Fosco Giachetti, Doris Duranti, Camillo Pilotto, Mariella Lotti, Enrico Glori,and others. Directed by Enrico Guazzoni. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

FIGLIA DEL DIAVOLO, LA (1953) Also known as: "The Devil's Daughter." More costume adventure courtesy of director Primo Zeglio. During the liberation of Sicily in the 1860's, a false baron arrives as a spy. The daughter of the Count Sereni attempts to uncover his schemes. Stars Paola Barbara, Massimo Serato, Roberto Risso, Carlo Tamberlani, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

FIGLIA DEL MENDICANTE, LA (1950) Rare costume drama from director Carlo Campogalliani. A poor mendicant is falsely convicted of murder. His daughter goes for help to the judge's son, who also leads a secret band of patriots. Starring Francesca Serni, Steve Barclay, Paola Barbara, Renato Valente, Ave Ninchi, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

FIGLIO DI AQUILA NERA, IL (1967) After Czar Alexander II names the vicious General Volkonsky as governor of the Caucasus, the Cossacks decide to plan a revolt. Alessio Andrejevic (played by Mimmo Palmara), a young nobleman, adopts his father's alias, The Black Eagle, and begins to free villagers from the terror and tyranny of Imperial Russia. Also stars Edwige Fenech, Franco Ressel, Andrea Aureli, Ivy Holzer, and Loris Gizzi. Directed by Guido Malatesta. Letterboxed at 1.78:1. Dubbed in German, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

FLAG OF DEATH (1963) Also known as: "The Saracens." Awesome swashbuckler from director Roberto Mauri. A bloodthirsty Moorish pirate named Rabaneck sacks and pillages an Italian city. Marco and his men exact vengeance. Starring Richard Harrison, Demeter Bitenc, Annamaria Ubaldi, Luigi Batzella (as Paolo Solvay), Walter Brandi, and others. Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles. (A/A-).

FORNARETTO DI VENEZIA, IL (1939) Excellent costume tale of romance, power and lust, set in 16th century Venice. Remade in 1963 by director Duccio Tessari, this is the earlier version. Starring Roberto Villa, Clara Calamai, Elsa De Giorgi, Osvaldo Valenti, Enrico Glori, and others. Directed by Duilio Coletti. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

FRA DIAVOLO (1942) Also known as: "The Devil In His Heart." Ultra-rare costume adventure from director Luigi Zampa. Michele Pezza, half soldier and half brigand, fights the French forces of Napoleon when they invade the kingdom of Naples. Excellent outdoor photography and adventurous sequences highlight this all-but-forgotten film. Stars Enzo Fiermonte, Elsa De Giorgi, Laura Nucci, Carlo Romano, Loris Gizzi, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A).

FRA DIAVOLO (1962) Francisco Rabal plays the masked hero in this adventure comedy from directors Giorgio Simonelli and Miguel Lluch. Also starring Ugo Tognazzi, Raimondo Vianello, Moira Orfei, German Cobos, Fernando Sancho, and Jackie Lane. Dubbed in Spanish, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

GALLANT BLADE, THE (1948) Also known as: "La Favorita del Maresciallo." 17th-century France sets the scene for this fast-paced swashbuckler starring Larry Parks, Marguerite Chapman, Victor Jory, George Macready, Onslow Stevens, Michael Duane, and others. Directed by Henry Levin. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

GENTLEMEN OF THE NIGHT (1964) Great Italian swashbuckler. Massimo returns to Renaissance Venice after years of fighting the Turks to learn that Elena, his former sweetheart, is now married to the city's tyrannical Doge. He avoids resuming this romance, despite Elena's apparent interest, because he is now falling in love with the beautiful, blonde Katarina. He also avoids becoming involved in a plot to overthrow the Doge, but after a friend is tortured and killed by the Doge's men, Massimo feels compelled to join the spreading revolt. Starring Guy Madison, Lisa Gastoni, Dina De Santis, and others. Directed by Pino Mercanti. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

GIANT OF EVIL ISLAND (1965) Original title: "Il Mistero Dell'Isola Maledetta." Captain Pedro (played by Peter Lupus a.k.a. Rock Stevens) is the newly appointed leader of a Spanish galleon sent to destroy Evil Island, the hideout of accursed pirate Maloch and his brutal ruffians. His mission is thwarted when Alma, a former slavegirl and wealthy Creole plantation mistress, tips off Maloch as to which ships the Spanish plan to attack. In retaliation, Maloch kidnaps and robs the fine ladies of Puerto Suarez while they're on route to their home port. The pirates intend to sell the kidnapped women, but not before vengeful Alma has each of them branded and humiliated to pay for her enslavement. Top-notch Italian swashbuckler also starring Dina De Santis, Halina Zalewska, Nello Pazzafini, Arturo Dominici, and others. Directed by Piero Pierotti. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

GOLDEN ARROW, THE (1963) Original title: "La Freccia D'Oro." Arabian Nights adventure starring Tab Hunter, Rossana Podesta, Dominique Boschero, and Renato Baldini. A dashing bandit discovers his royal heritage and embarks on a dangerous quest to obtain a magical artifact. Directed by Antonio Margheriti. Letterboxed. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

GOLDEN BLADE, THE (1953) Also known as: "La Spado di Damasco." Harum (Rock Hudson) is a fearless man of the people who comes to Bagdad to avenge the murder of his father. Arabian Nights adventure also starring Piper Laurie, Jean Evans, George Macready, and others. Directed by Nathan Juran. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

GOLDEN FALCON, THE (1955) Original title: "Il Falco D'Oro." After years of scouring the globe for this seemingly inaccessible film, at last a copy (and a good one, at that) has been obtained. Anna-Maria Ferrero plays female swashbuckler who uses her sword to break up an arranged marriage brokered to make peace between two warring families. She wants the groom for herself. Fast-paced costume adventure also starring Massimo Serato, Frank Latimore, Nadia Gray, and others. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

GOLDEN HORDE, THE (1951) The princess of Samarkand and an English knight confront the armies of Ghengis Khan, in this adventure epic starring Ann Blyth, David Farrar, George Macready, Henry Brandon, and others. Directed by George Sherman. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

GORDON, THE BLACK PIRATE (1961) Also known as: "The Black Buccaneer." In his valiant effort to put an end to the abomination of slavery on the Caribbean island of Tortuga, the Black Buccaneer (played by Ricardo Montalban) finds himself in opposition to the evil Romero (Vincent price). Also stars Giuliana Rubini, Liana Orfei, Mario Feliciani, Andrea Fantasia, Gino Marturano, and Edoardo Toniolo. Directed by Mario Costa. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

GUNS OF THE BLACK WITCH (1961) Domenico Paolella directs this fun swashbuckling tale about a young man whose village was sacked by pirates. As he gets older, he vows revenge and becomes a pirate himself so that he can hunt down those responsible for the atrocity. Stars Don Megowan, Silvana Pampanini, Emma Daniel, Livio Lorenzon, Germano Longo, Loris Gizzi, Philippe Hersent, Tullio Altamura, and Anna Lina Alberti. Letterboxed at 1.66:1. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

HAWK OF THE CARIBBEAN (1963) Piero Regnoli directs this costume swashbuckler. A group of escaped slaves, led by the brave Colombian Olivares, take possession of a Spanish ship and soon become famous for their courage, cunning - and piracy! However, when the Spanish colony is threatened by the approaching English Army, the man to whom they are forced to turn for help is their ex-enemy, Olivares. Stars Johnny Desmond, Yvonne Monlaur, Nerio Bernardi, Piero Lulli, Walter Brandi, Luigi Batzella, and others. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

HAWK OF CASTILE, THE (1965) Original title: "El Halcon De Castilla." German Cobos plays Don Diego, a young Spanish nobleman who is believed to have been killed in a shipwreck. When he returns to his estate many years later, he finds that a cunning usurper has forged the will of his late father, divesting Don Diego of his rightful inheritance. He finds that he must use strategy and force to expose the governor as a traitor and fraud. A good costume adventure also starring Gloria Osuna, Mariano Vidal Molina, and Julio Perez Tabernero. Directed by Jose Maria Elorrieta. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

HELL BELOW DECK (1961) Also known as: "The Adventures of Mary Read." Now in English!! Umberto Lenzi's first film. A female buccaneer (played by Lisa Gastoni) becomes captain of a pirate ship, and raises hell on the high seas. Also stars Jerome Courtland, Loris Gizzi, Gisella Arden. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

HERCULES AND THE BLACK PIRATE (1964) An interesting entry in the epic series that plays more like a costume swashbuckler than any thing else. Hercules (Alan Steel) becomes attached to the royal court through his daring and courageous deeds, but is accused of being a pirate by a vicious and conniving courtier. The king (played by Nerio Bernardi) takes the accuser's side, but when real pirates kidnap the king's daughter, Hercules must prove his loyalty for once and for all, and also win the hand of the woman he loves. Anna Arena, Rosalba Neri, Piero Lulli, and Enzo Maggio, co-star in this film directed by costume-maestro Luigi Capuano. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

HERCULES AND THE MASKED RIDER (1964) Original title: "Golia E Il Cavaliere Mascherato." A Zorro-like character (played by Mimmo Palmara) receives help from Hercules (Alan Steel), as together they battle the forces of a tyrant who is lording over the Spanish countryside. Real swashbuckling fun which also stars Pilar Cansino, Arturo Dominici, Jose Greci, Dina De Santis, Loris Gizzi, and others. Directed by Piero Pierotti. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

INVINCIBLE MASKED RIDER, THE (1962) Umberto Lenzi's rarest film, a prequel to "Zorro Contro Maciste." Pierre Brice plays Don Diego, a young Spanish nobleman who returns home after a long voyage, only to find that his uncle, Don Luis, has become a tyrant throughout the land. Unknown to all, Don Diego assumes the role of Zorro, and begins crushing Don Luis' monstrous grip on the villagers. Also starring Daniele Vargas, Helene Chanel, Massimo Serato, Gisella Arden, Aldo Bufio Landi, Carlo Latimer, Nerio Bernardi, and Tullio Altamura. Letterboxed at 1.78:1. Dubbed in German, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

ISABELLA, DUCHESS OF DEVILS (1969) Also known as: "Ms. Stiletto." Now in English!! An Alsacian Baron massacres the family of a French Duke, and takes his lands, and his title. Isabella, the Duke's baby child, escapes the massacre, is raised by gypsies, and comes back twenty years later to exact revenge. Surprisingly good outing starring Brigitte Skay, Mimmo Palmara, Sal Borgese, Renato Baldini, and Fred Williams. Directed by Bruno Corbucci. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

JOLANDA, DAUGHTER OF THE BLACK CORSAIR (1952) Original title: "Jolanda, La Figlia del Corsaro Nero." Mario Soldati directs this fast swashbuckling adventure based on a tale by Emilio Salgari. Starring May Britt, Marc Lawrence, Renato Salvatori, Guido Celano, Barbara Florian, Ignazio Balsamo, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

KARIM, THE SHEIKH'S SON (1963) Original title: "Il Figlio dello Sceicco." Rare desert costume adventure starring Gordon Scott, Cristina Gaoini, Moira Orfei, Alberto Farnese, Jany Clair, and others. Directed by Mario Costa. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

KING'S AVENGER, THE (1960) Also known as: "Le Bossu." Swordplay and intrigue abound in this French adventure epic starring Jean Marais, Bourvil, Sabine Sesselmann, Jean Le Poulain, Hubert Noel, and others. Directed by Andre Hunebelle. Dubbed in French, with English subtitles. (A/A-).

KING'S JESTER, THE (1941) Original title: "Il Re Si Diverte." English-subtitled print of this scarce costume drama based on the 'Rigoletto' story. Michel Simon stars as a hunchbacked jester in the court of a lecherous king (played by Rossano Brazzi). Favorite actress of Mussolini's fascist regime, Doris Duranti, performs a deliciously vampy dance as the prostitute Margot-Maddalena. Also stars Paola Barbara, Elli Parvo, Carlo Ninchi, and others. Mario Bonnard directed this true gem from the Italian fascist era. Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. (B/B-).

KINGS OF FRANCE, THE (1959) Also known as: "Attack of the Moors." Roland (played by Rik Battaglia) is sent to escort two of the king's sons to the royal castle. On their way, they capture Suleima (Chelo Alonso) daughter of the Moorish Sultan Achirro (Cesare Fantoni). Roland plans to make use of her to bring an agreement between the Franks and the Moors, who are at war. However, a guard in the royal palace sets her free, and it is up to Roland to discover the identity of the traitor. Gerard Landry, Livio Lorenzon, and Liana Orfei, also star in this costume adventure from director Mario Costa. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

KNIGHT OF 100 FACES (1960) Original title: "Il Cavaliere Dei Cento Volti." Rare costume adventure from director Pino Mercanti, which casts Lex Barker as a knight fighting against the machinations of an evil duke (Livio Lorenzon), who's looking to get his hands on the damsel Zuela. Also starring Liana Orfei, Annie Alberti, and others. Dubbed in English. Upgrade!! (B/B-).

LION OF ST. MARK, THE (1963) Also known as: "The Marauder." Gordon Scott plays the Doge's son, who fights against a gang of pirates terrorizing Venice. However, he happens to fall in love with leader of the pirates, a woman of exceptional beauty (played by Gianna Maria Canale). Big budget swashbuckler also starring Rik Battaglia, Alberto Farnese, Franca Bettoia, and others. Directed by Luigi Capuano. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

LORENZINO DE MEDICI (1935) Also known as: "The Magnificent Rogue." Excellent tale of intrigue and revenge during the 1500's. Duke Alessandro (played by Camillo Pilotto) has the lovely Bianca Strozzi abducted, in order to prevent her love affair with the lecherous Lorenzino De Medici. Also starring Alexander Moissi, Germana Paolieri, Maria Denis, and others. Directed by Guido Brignone. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

LOVES OF THREE QUEENS (1954) Original title: "L'Amante di Paride." Directors Marc Allegret and Edgar G. Ulmer team up to create this nice costume adventure starring Hedy Lamarr, Massimo Serato, Milly Vitale, Cesare Danova, and others. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

LUCREZIA BORGIA (1968) Fabrizio Aldobrande (Gianni Garko), a bitter enemy of Cesare Borgia (Lou Castel), becomes the unsuspecting lover of his sister Lucretia (Olga Schoberova). An extremely scarce adventure which also stars Nina Sandt, Franco Ressel, and Giovanni Ivan Scratuglia. Directed by Osvaldo Civirani. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

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