SWASHBUCKLERS, COSTUME ADVENTURES, ETC.  [M-Z]

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MAGNIFICENT ROBIN HOOD  (1970)  Original title: "Il Magnifico Robin Hood."  George Martin throws on a red cape and some tights in this seldom-seen costumer from director Roberto Bianchi Montero.  Also starring Spela Rozin, Frank Brana, Massimo Righi, and others.  Letterboxed.  Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles.  FAIR QUALITY ONLY.  (B-/C). ** Currently unavailable.

MAN WHO LAUGHS, THE  (1966)  Original title: "L'Uomo Che Ride."  From director Sergio Corbucci comes this excellent costume adventure which takes place in the time of the Borgias.  A really rare drama starring Jean Sorel, Lisa Gastoni, Ilaria Occhini, Edmund Purdom, and others.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

MARCO POLO  (1961) English-language print of this extremely rare (but sadly, fair quality) costume adventure.  Italian explorer rescues the daughter of the Mongol leader Kublai Khan, meets a hermit who has invented gunpowder and builds a cannon.  Starring Rory Calhoun, Yoko Tani, Camillo Pilotto, Pierre Cressoy, and others.  Directed by Piero Pierotti and Hugo Fregonese.  Dubbed in English.  (B-/C).

MARCO POLO  (1982)  Spectacular 5-part mini-series from director Giuliano Montaldo, concerning the life and experiences of the 13th-century explorer, who sought to connect the civilizations of China and Europe through trade. A colossal production, which runs almost 8 hours long.  Starring Ken Marshall, Denholm Elliot, Tony Vogel, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Burt Lancaster, and others.  Broadcast print.  On 5 discs for $30 postpaid.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

MARCO THE MAGNIFICENT  (1965)  Also known as: "Kublai Khan."  Orson Welles makes an appearance in this extremely well-done costume epic concerning the voyages of Marco Polo.  Also starring Horst Buchholz, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Elsa Martinelli, Akim Tamiroff, and others.  Directed by Noel Howard, Denys de la Patelliere, and Christian-Jaque.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B). 

MARIE OF THE ISLES  (1960)  Also known as: "I Filibustieri della Martinica."  Belinda Lee stars as busty beauty in this French-Italian swashbuckling romancer also starring Jacques Castelot, Philippe Hersent, Folco Lulli, and others.  Directed by Georges Combret.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

MARK OF THE RENEGADE  (1951)  Also known as: "Il Marchio del Rinnegato."  Hard to find swashbuckler starring Ricardo Montalban, Cyd Charisse, Gilbert Roland, J. Carrol Naish, Andrea King, George Tobias, and others.  Directed by Hugo Fregonese.   Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

MARK OF ZORRO  (1976)  Also known as: "Who's Afraid of Zorro?"  Cheaply made costume adventure/western from director Franco Lo Cascio, starring George Hilton as the titular character, who fights against the tyranny of a Spanish governor.  Also starring Lionel Stander, Charo Lopez, Rodolfo Licari, and others.  Dubbed in English, with Spanish subtitles.  (B/B-).

MASK OF THE MUSKETEERS  (1963)   The cousin of the king of Spain, Isabella (Jose Greci), is held captive in the French castle, and the Count of Seville (Gordon Scott) is sent to France as a diplomat.   However, he really plans to take Isabella by force.  When the musketeers discover this, they come to his aid, and together the four of them work at freeing the Countess.  Meanwhile, the Count doubles as Zorro to free the Spanish court from a treacherous suitor (played by Franco Fantasia).  Also stars Grazia Maria Spina, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart, Roberto Risso, Livio Lorenzon, Nazareno Zamperla, and Gianni Rizzo.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

MASKED MAN AGAINST THE PIRATES  (1965)  Original title: "L'Uomo Mascherato."  Pirates capture a Spanish ship. After having landed on an island, they try to sell the surviving crew, especially the women. One of them is protected by a pirate who's gained her as a prize for having saved the captain's life in the battle that ensued. Suddenly a man masked in green arrives to do justice.  Starring George Hilton, Tony Kendall, Gina Rovere, and others.  Directed by Vertunnio De Angelis. Upgrade!!  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B). 

MERAVIGLIOSE AVVENTURE DI GUERRIN MESCHINO, LE  (1951)  Pietro Francisci directs this adventure epic, which pre-shadows many of the ideas he used in "Hercules."  The lovely Leonora Ruffo stars as Elisenda, daughter of the emperor of Constantinople.  She loves Guerrino (Gino Leurini), a servant at the palace, but the captain of the Turks wins her hand in a tournament.  When she refuses, she is kidnapped by the Turks, a war breaks out, and Guerrino rides out to save her.  But he must first defeat a stone giant, a monstrous dragon, and a beautiful witch played by Tamara Lees!  Also stars Aldo Fiorelli, Antonio Amendola, Giacomo Giuradei, Anna Di Leo, Ugo Sasso, and Giampaolo Rosmino.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (A-/B).

MERCENARIES, THE  (1961)  Also known as: "Rome 1585."  Last film from director Mario Bonnard, and one of the better costume adventures we've recently seen.  A band of mercenaries teams up with a renegade friar to exact justice on an evil duke who is holding captive a princess.  Meanwhile, Pope Sixtus V is elected, who begins cracking down on all lawlessness and disorder in Rome, putting the mercenaries themselves in peril.  Starring Antonio Cifariello, Daniela Rocca, Livio Lorenzon, Yvonne Sanson, Folco Lulli, Giulio Donnnini, and others.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

MERCHANT OF SLAVES, THE  (1942)  Original title: "Il Mercante di Schiave."  Extremely rare swashbuckler about a Sicilian girl who gets entangled in love affair with a Moorish pirate.  Starring Enzo Fiermonte, Annette Bach, Elena Zareschi, Augusto Di Giovanni, and others.  Directed by Duilio Coletti.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (A-/B).

MIGHTY CRUSADERS  (1957)  Also known as: "Jerusalem Liberated."  Swords clash in this awesome spectacle film concerning the wresting of the Holy City out of the clutches of the Moor.  Francisco Rabal plays a crusader who falls in love with the daughter of Persia's king, only to find himself in a bitter feud with Argante, her suitor.  Also starring Sylva Koscina, Gianna Maria Canale, Rik Battaglia, Andrea Aureli, Ugo Sasso, Philippe Hersent, Cesare Fantoni, Giulio Battiferri, and others.  Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia.  Dubbed in English, with Spanish subtitles.  (B/B-).

MILADY AND THE MUSKETEERS  (1952)  Original title: "La Boia di Lilla."  Rare costume adventure from director Vittorio Cottafavi.  Young woman flees an evil nobleman who has falsely accused her of stealing a precious necklace.  She is aided by the Musketeers.  Starring Yvette Lebon, Rossano Brazzi, Armando Francioli, Jean-Roger Caussimon, and others.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (B/B-).

MISERABILI, I  (1948)  Also known as: "Les Miserables."  English-language print of this atmospheric costume drama from director Riccardo Freda.  Starring Gino Cervi, Valentina Cortese, Hans Hinrich, Luigi Pavese, and others.  In black-and-white.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

MORGAN THE PIRATE  (1961)  An English pirate (played by Steve Reeves) raids up and down the Caribbean, battling the Spanish, the English and other pirates.  Reeves gives his very best acting job in this venerable pirate tale.....Also stars Lidia Alfonsi, Ivo Garrani, Giorgio Ardisson, and others.  Directed by Primo Zeglio and Andre De Toth.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

MYSTERIOUS SWORDSMAN, THE  (1956)  Original title: "Lo Spadaccino Misterioso."  Now in English!!  Count Ubaldo (played by Gerard Landry) desires to make an unfavorable alliance with the Spanish armies.  When Riccardo (played by Frank Latimore) refuses to go along with the plans, he is ambushed in the forest and left for dead.  However, he returns with a vengeance, organizes a band of marauders, and begins to pick away at Ubaldo's forces.  But Ubaldo kidnaps Laura, and Riccardo must storm the castle to free her.  Also stars Tamara Lees, Fiorella Mari, Giulio Battiferri, Enrico Glori, and Antonio Corevi.  This was one of a number of low-budget costumers produced by Ottavio Poggi, and now almost impossible to find.  Directed by Sergio Grieco.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B).

MYSTERY OF THUG ISLAND, THE  (1964)  Also known as: "Snake Hunter Strangler."  Three year old Ada, daughter of the British captain McPherson, is captured by the Indian Thug sect to represent the incarnation of Kali. Ever hidden in a vast underground system of caverns, she watches over human sacrifices, doubting her vocation. 15 years have passed when her father finally finds her and attempts a rescue, together with a snake-hunter who has fallen in love with her. A battle ensues.  Stars Ingeborg Schoner, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart, Guy Madison, Peter Van Eyck, and Aldo Bufi Landi.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles  (A-/B).

NIGHT OF THE GREAT ATTACK  (1960) Hard-to-find costume epic about a band of mercenaries that gets involved in a feud between the armies of Cesare Borgia and Caterina Sforza.  When one of Sforza's allies defects, the mercenaries attempt to storm the castle before it's too late.  Starring Agnes Laurent, Sergio Fantoni, Fausto Tozzi, Kerima, and Gianni Rizzo.  Directed by Giuseppe Maria Scotese.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (B/B-).

NIGHT THEY KILLED RASPUTIN, THE  (1960)  Nicely done historical thriller about the last days of Imperial Russia.  Rasputin (played by Edmund Purdom) cures the Czar's daughter and endears himself to the royal family, but is persecuted by envious and conniving officials who seek his ruin.  A secret committee is formed, at which a young prince (John Drew Barrymore) is given the task of murdering Rasputin, but the conspiracy fails.  However, they continue trying to kill him.  Also stars Gianna Maria Canale, Jany Clair, Ugo Sasso, and Nerio Bernardi.  Directed by Pierre Chenal.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

NIGHTS OF LUCRETIA BORGIA, THE (1958)  Rare costume drama starring Belinda Lee as the titular character, a ruthless duchess whose lust for power knows no limits.  Also stars Jacques Sernas, Arnoldo Foa, and Michele Mercier.  Directed by Sergio Grieco.  This letterboxed print is dubbed in French, with no subtitles.  (B/B-).

NORMANS, THE  (1962)  Also known as: "Conquest of the Normans."  The English countryside falls victim to marauding Normans, whose presence provides the perfect backdrop to frame the innocent Oliver. To save his name, he must now discover and capture the king's true abductors.  Stars Cameron Mitchell, Genevieve Grad, Philippe Hersent, Piero Lulli, Paul Muller, and Franca Bettoia.  Directed by Giuseppe Vari.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

NORMAN SWORDSMAN, THE  (1971)  In the year 1000 AD, after the death of King Enrico, Stephen Cunningham (played by Luis Davila) usurps the throne and begins lording over his subjects.  Ivanhoe (Mark Damon) returns from abroad after a long journey, only to find that the "Norman Sword," the proper symbol of rulership, is really in the hands of a Scottish clan faithful to Enrico.  Ivanhoe goes to retrieve the sword and prove that Cunningham is an imposter.  Also stars Krista Nell, Manuel Zarzo, Spartaco Conversi, Vassili Karis, and Nello Pazzafini.  Directed by Roberto Mauri.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B).

OF LOVE AND BANDITS  (1951)  Also known as: "Donne e Briganti."  Acclaimed director Mario Soldati directs this costume adventure based on the Fra Diavolo legend.  Diavolo's bandits fight Napoleon's troops, and so King Ferdinand IV, the Neapolitan king, makes Fra Diavolo a Colonel. In the meantime the bandit also falls in love with Marietta, the king's illegitimate child.  However, one of Diavolo's soldiers turns traitor, and attempts to get him locked up so that he can take his place.  Amedeo Nazzari, Maria Mauban, Jean Chevrier, and Paolo Stoppa, star in this one.  Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles.  (A-/B).  **Currently unavailable.

PIA OF PTOLEMY  (1941)  Original title: "Pia de' Tolomei."  Classic Italian costume tale about a woman imprisoned in castle by an evil count.  Remade in 1958 by director Sergio Grieco, this an earlier rendition of the story.  Starring Germana Paolieri, Carlo Tamberlani, Nino Crisman, Lauro Gazzolo, Cesco Baseggio, and others.  Directed by Esodo Pratelli.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (A-/B).

PIA OF PTOLEMY  (1958)  This rarely seen film takes place during the Middle Ages, in Siena, Italy.  Nello Della Pietra (played by Arnoldo Foa), lord of the Ghibbelines, holds hostage Pia (Ilaria Occhini), the daughter of his rival, in a mad lust for power.  A young painter (Jacques Sernas) who has fallen in love with Pia, vows to destroy Pietra.  Another good low-budget epic from director Sergio Grieco.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

PIRATE OF THE HALF MOON  (1957)  Original title: "Il Corsaro della Mezzaluna."  John Derek stars as a pirate out to avenge the murder of his family, in this extremely rare swashbuckling adventure also featuring Ingeborg Schoner, Gianna Maria Canale, Alberto Farnese, Camillo Pilotto, and others.  Directed by Giuseppe Maria Scotese.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

PIRATE'S CAPTIVE, THE  (1959)  Also known as: "Pirate and the Slave Girl."  An incorrigible Spanish nobleman (played by Massimo Serato) is assigned to infiltrate a vicious band of pirates (led by Lex Barker), in order to retrieve a nobleman's daughter.  Unusual costume adventure also starring Chelo Alonso, Graziella Granata, Luigi Tosi, and others.  Directed by Piero Pierotti.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B).

PIRATES OF THE BLACK HAWK  (1958)  When Duke Manfred (played by Andrea Aureli) illegally usurps the throne of Monteforte and employs Moorish pirates to sack and destroy villages along the coast, Richard (Gerard Landry) and his trusty crew of the Black Hawk go out for vengeance.  Also starring Ettore Manni, Mijanou Bardot, Germano Longo, Giulio Battiferri, and Pina Bottin.  Directed by Sergio Grieco.  Letterboxed, in color.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

PIRATES OF CAPRI, THE  (1949)  Also known as: "Captain Sirocco."  Masked pirate (played by Louis Hayward) vows revenge against the evil Baron Vob Holstein (Massimo Serato).  Swashbuckling adventure also featuring Mariella Lotti, Binnie Barnes, Alan Curtis, and others.  Directed by Giuseppe Maria Scotese.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

PIRATES OF THE COAST  (1960)  A brave Spanish commander (played by Lex Barker) battles ruthless pirates for the love of a beautiful young woman. After being double-crossed, he is thrown into prison, but later escapes and plots revenge.  Also stars Estella Blain, Livio Lorenzon, Liana Orfei, Loris Gizzi, John Kitzmiller, Ignazio Balsamo, Enzo Fiermonte, and Gerard Landry.  Directed by Domenico Paolella.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

PIRATES OF MONTEREY, THE  (1947)  Romantic adventure set in early California.  A woman journeys to Spanish California to marry a Spanish officer, but on the way she meets and falls in love with an American adventurer who is part of a movement to overthrow the Spaniards.  Starring Maria Montez, Rod Cameron, Gilbert Roland, Phillip Reed, and others.  Directed by Alfred L. Werker. Color version.   In English.  (B/B-).

PIRATES OF THE SEVEN SEAS  (1964)  Also known as: "The Pirates of Malaysia."  Shot on location in Singapore, this is the story of a Malaysian rebel, Sandokan (played by Steve Reeves), who, with his group of fanatic renegades, tries to thwart an evil British general from forcing the good king Hassim to resign in favor of the Imperial crown.  Also stars Jacqueline Sassard, Mimmo Palmara, Andrea Bosic, Nando Gazzolo, Leo Anchoriz, and Giuseppe Addobbati.  Directed by Umberto Lenzi.  Upgrade!!  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

PIRATES OF TRIPOLI, THE  (1955)  Paul Henreid plays a pirate captain commissioned to wrest a princess's kingdom from the usurper Malek. When the latter destroys his armada, he and the princess enter Malek's kingdom in disguise, hoping to retrieve a stash of hidden jewels which will enable them to buy more ships.  Also stars Patricia Medina, Paul Newlan, John Miljan, Mel Welles, and more.  Directed by Felix E. Feist.  In English.  (A-/B).

PRINCIPE DELLA MASCHERA ROSSA, IL  (1955)  Also known as: "Prince of the Red Mask."  Extremely rare swashbuckling adventure, which casts Frank Latimore as a masked freedom-fighter who leads a band against a treacherous and tyrannical duke.  Also starring Maria Fiore, Livio Lorenzon, Yvonne Furneaux, and others.  Directed by Leopoldo Savona.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  Note: print has poor sound.  (B/B-).

PURPLE MASK, THE  (1955)  In 18th century France, a masked desperado aids the royalists in their efforts to quash the French republic under Napoleon.  Lush costume adventure starring Tony Curtis, Colleen Miller, Dan O'Herlihy, Angela Lansbury, and others.  Directed by Bruce Humberstone.  In English.  (A-/B).

QUEEN OF THE PIRATES  (1960)  Wonderful costume swashbuckler, which is quite rare these days.  In the 16th century, a sea captain and his daughter escape a false charge by running away to become pirates. They are then pursued by the count of Della Croce, who realizes the daughter is the legitimate heiress of the kingdom.  Stars Gianna Maria Canale, Massimo Serato, Scilla Gabel, Moira Orfei, Paul Muller, Andrea Aureli, and others.  Directed by Mario Costa.  Upgrade!!  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A/A-).

QUEEN OF THE TARTARS  (1961)  Also known as: "The Huns."  Action-packed sword-and-sandal extravaganza from director Sergio Grieco.  Warring Tartar hordes attempt to conquer an indestructible city.  They are led by a female.  Stars Chelo Alonso, Jacques Sernas, Folco Lulli, Philippe Hersent, and others.  Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles.  (B/B-).

RAMPAGE OF EVIL  (1961)  Original title: "Capitani di Ventura."  Madness and mayhem abound in this extremely rare costume adventure, which casts Gerard Landry as hero who works to defeat the machinations of a treacherous count, whose cut-throats have stolen a large shipment of gold from the papal emissaries.  Also starring Wandisa Guida, Paul Muller, Mario Petri, Luigi Batzella, and others.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

RED FALCON, THE  (1949)  Also known as: "Il Falco Rosso."  Extremely rare costume adventure.  In Italy, during the Norman takeover, a tyrant has usurped the countryside, reigning in terror and cruelty.  A young duke, son of the legitimate ruler, gathers his forces and sets out to crush the tyrant.  He becomes known as "The Red Falcon."  Stars Jacques Sernas, Paul Muller, Tamara Lees, Ugo Sasso, Anna Di Lorenzo, Pietro Tordi, and others.  Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (A/A-).

RED SHEIK, THE  (1962)  Original title: "Lo Sceicco Rosso."  Rare desert costumer from director Fernando Cerchio.  A Spanish nobleman impersonates an architect seeking employment with a wealthy desert tyrant. Meanwhile, the mysterious Red Sheik, who was supposedly killed years ago, commences daring raids on behalf of the oppressed peasants.  Starring Ettore Manni, Channing Pollock, Mel Welles, Luciana Gilli, Rosalba Neri, and others. Upgrade!!   Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

RETURN OF MONTE CRISTO  (1946)  Another Dumas-based costume epic starring Louis Hayward.  Edmond Dantes, grand-nephew of the original Count of Monte Cristo, goes to Marseilles to collect his inheritance, but is arrested by an imposter who has forged the original will.  Dantes is then sent to Devil's Island, but manages to escape.  Co-stars Barbara Britton, George MacReady, and Henry Stephenson.  Directed by Henry Levin.  In English.  (B/B-).

REVENGE OF IVANHOE  (1965)  Original title: "Rivincita di Ivanhoe."  Rick Van Nutter stars as a knight who fights to free the land from a feudal tyrant - and win back the Lady Rowena, who has been imprisoned by him.  Over-the-top costume adventure also starring Gilda Lousek, Furio Meniconi, Andrea Aureli, and others.  Directed by Tanio Boccia.  Dubbed in English.  Fair quality only.  (B-/C).

REVENGE OF THE MERCENARIES  (1962)  Original title: "Il Capitano di Ferro."  Excellent costume adventure, which stars Gustavo Rajo as Captain Fortune, a leader of Italian band of soldiers out to stop a vicious German (played by Mario Petri) from plot to murder the Pope.  Nonstop action also starring Barbara Steele, Fedele Gentile, Fred Williams, and others.  Directed by Sergio Grieco.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B-).

REVOLT OF THE MAMELUKES  (1965)  Original title: "El Mamalik."  Mercenary forces run rampant in this Egyptian costume adventure starring Omar El Cherif, Nabila, Emod Hamor, and others.  Directed by Atef Salem.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

ROBIN HOOD AND THE DEMONS OF SATAN  (1970)  Also known as: "Una Spada Per Brando." Oddball Italian costume/horror hybrid, which proves that Mexico has nothing on Italy when it comes to the extremely bizarre.  A swordsman battles a sect of deadly skull-faced adversaries in mediaeval Europe.  Stars Paul Winston, Tano Cimarosa, Furio Meniconi, Ivano Staccioli, Karin Schubert, and others.  Directed by Alfio Caltabiano.  Letterboxed.  Dubbed in German, with no subtitles.  (A/A-). 

ROBIN HOOD AND THE PIRATES  (1960)  Now in English!!  Lex Barker cuts a striking figure in a traditional Robin Hood outfit and wields a mean sword and crossbow as he battles the usurper, Lord Brooks, who killed his father and took over Sherwood. Also starring Joceyln Lane, Mario Saccia, Giulio Doninni, and others.  Directed by Giorgio Simonelli.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

ROBIN HOOD NEVER DIES  (1975)  Also known as: "Robin Hood Nunca Muere."  Difficult-to-find (in English) version of the classic legend from director Francesc Bellmunt.  Charly Bravo stars as the titular character, and he's flanked by an obscure cast.  Also starring Emma Cohen, Luis Induni, Joaquin Blanco, and others.  Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles.  Fair quality only.  (B-/C).

ROLAND THE MIGHTY  (1956)  Original title: "Orlando E Il Paladini Di Francia."  Rik Battaglia plays Roland, leader of the Paladin troops, who must counteract the evil plots of the Saracen commanders, who are sending gorgeous women into their camp to entice and distract them.  Also stars Rosanna Schiaffino, Ivo Garrani, Mimmo Palmara, Gino Buzzanca, Vittorio Sanipoli, and others.  Directed by Pietro Francisci.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

RUY BLAS  (1948)  English-subtitled print of this French-Italian costume adventure based on a story by Victor Hugo.  Starring Jean Marais, Danielle Darrieux, Marcel Herrand, Giovanni Grasso, and others.  Directed by Pierre Billon.  Dubbed in French, with English subtitles.  (B/B-).

SAMSON AND THE SEA BEAST  (1963)  A terrible pirate (played by Daniele Vargas) terrorizes the Antilles plundering ships, slaughtering their crews and selling women as slaves. One of the women asks Samson (Kirk Morris) for help.  Also stars Margaret Lee, Aldo Bufi Landi, Tullio Altamura, Adriana Ambesi, Attilio Dottesio, Nello Pazzafini, and others.  Directed by Tanio Boccia.  In Color!  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

SAMSON AND THE SLAVE QUEEN  (1963)  Also known as: "Zorro Contro Maciste."  When the king of Nogara dies of the plague, his two nieces, Malva and Isabella, find themselves in a bitter deadlock for the throne. Malva, the evil cousin, talks Garcia, the captain of the guard, into intercepting the king's troops and confiscating the scroll-case containing the king's will. To this end, Garcia employs Samson (Alan Steel) to steal the scroll-case and deliver it to Malva. Of course, Samson does not know what she has in mind. Meanwhile, Isabella enlists the aid of Zorro (Pierre Brice) to get the scroll-case himself, and thus thwart Malva's evil plans.  Also stars Grazia Maria Spina, Moira Orfei, Massimo Serato, Andrea Aureli, and others.  Directed by Umberto Lenzi.   Dubbed in English - fair quality only at this time.  (B-/C).

SANDOKAN AGAINST THE LEOPARD OF SARAWAK  (1964)  Also known as: "Throne of Vengeance."  Lord Brooks (played by Mario Petri) kidnaps the fiancée of Sandokan (Ray Danton) and keeps her hidden in an underground cavern.  Sandokan attempts to rescue her, but she has been brainwashed and hypnotized by the local witch doctor.  Also stars Guy Madison, Franca Bettoia, Alberto Farnese, Mino Doro, and Aldo Bufi Landi.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Upgrade!!  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

SANDOKAN: THE EPIC STORY  (1976)  This colossal four-hour production is often considered by far the best rendition of the Sandokan story.  It traces the rise of a Malaysian hero who, embittered by the plundering and invasive Englishmen, decides to take a stand against them and restore the liberty of the Malaysian people.  Aided by his best friend Yanez, a Portuguese renegade, Sandokan wages a bloody and nonstop war against the forces of Lord Brooks, his main enemy.  Starring Kabir Bedi, Philippe Leroy, Adolfo Celi, Carol Andre, and others.  Directed by Sergio Sollima.  Counts as two titles.  Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles.  (A-/B).

SANDOKAN FIGHTS BACK  (1964)  Original title: "Sandokan Alla Riscossa."  A Malaysian prince's parents are put to the sword by the sadistic Englishman Lord Brooks.  Years later, the prince rallies his forces to take revenge.  Stars Ray Danton, Mario Petri, Guy Madison, Mino Doro, Alberto Farnese, and Raf Baldassarre.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

SANDOKAN: THE PIRATES OF MALAYSIA (1941)  Original title: "I Pirati della Malesia."  Not to be confused with the 1964 Steve Reeves film, here is an earlier "Sandokan" flick from Italy, and one of two companion films, the first being "Le Due Tigri."  Stars Luigi Pavese, Massimo Girotti, Sandro Ruffini, Clara Calamai, and others.  Directed by Enrico Guazzoni.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (A-/B).

SANDOKAN: THE TWO TIGERS (1941)  Original title: "Le Due Tigri."  Extremely rare 'Sandokan' film from director Giorgio Simonelli.  Tremal Naik's daughter is kidnapped by the thugs and secluded in a temple in the jungle. The religious sect want her to become the priestess of the goddess Kali. Sandokan, however, aided by his trustee friends, sets out to rescue her.  Starring Luigi Pavese, Massimo Girotti, Sandro Ruffini, Alanova, Cesare Fantoni, and others.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (B/B-).

SARACEN BLADE, THE  (1954)  Pietro is an orphan who is raised by a family friend in 15th century Italy. When the friend is killed by the same nasty baron who murdered Pietro's father, Pietro vows vengeance against the entire family. This will prove difficult, since he's been in love with the daughter of the baron and wants to marry her.  Costume adventure starring Ricardo Montalban, Betta St. John, Rick Jason, and others.  Directed by William Castle.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

SCOURGE OF THE BARBARIANS  (1962)  Also known as: "Re Manfredi."  Hard to find sword-and-sandal film starring Ken Clark, Gerard Landry, Moira Orfei, Carla Calo, and others.  Directed by Paolo Lombardo and Piero Regnoli.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

SEA PIRATE  (1966)  Also known as: "The Fighting Corsair."  Sergio Bergonzelli and Roy Rowland direct this hard-to-find swashbuckler starring Gerard Barray, Antonella Lualdi, Terence Morgan, Gerard Tichy, and others.  Letterboxed.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

SECRET MARK OF D'ARTAGNAN, THE  (1962)  Original title: "Il Colpo Segreto di d'Artagnan."  Rare Musketeers film, in which D'Artagnan (George Nader) and Porthos (Mario Petri) work to unravel a treason against the king of France.  Also starring Alessandra Panaro, Massimo Serato, Georges Marchal, Magali Noel, Raf Baldassarre, and others.  Directed by Siro Marcellini.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

SECRET OF THE BLACK FALCON  (1960)  Original title: "Il Segreto dello Sparviero Nero."  Lex Barker plays a Spanish officer sent to infiltrate a band of pirates in order to retrieve a secret document.  Costume adventure also starring Walter Barnes, Livio Lorenzon, Nadia Marlowa, Loris Gizzi, and others.  Directed by Domenico Paolella.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B). 

SECRET OF MONTE CRISTO, THE  (1961)  Also known as: "The Treasure of Monte Cristo."  Western frontier hero Rory Calhoun swapped his six-gun for a sword in this competent British swashbuckler about greedy fortune hunters after the treasure of the Count of Monte Cristo.  Great adventure also starring Patricia Bredlin, John Gregson, and others.  Directed by Robert S. Baker.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-). *Currently unavailable.

SETTE SPADE DEL VENDICATORE  (1962)  Also known as: "The Seventh Sword."  Rare swashbuckler starring Brett Halsey, Giulio Bosetti, Mario Scaccia, and others.  Re-make of the 1942 film "Don Cesare di Bazan."  Directed by Riccardo Freda.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (B/B-). 

SHADOW OF THE EAGLE  (1950)  Russian-themed costume adventure.  Catherine of Russia sends Count Orlov on a secret mission to Venice to abduct a princess laying claim to the royal throne.  Once he gets there, however, he finds the woman hard to resist.  Starring Richard Greene, Valentina Cortese, Greta Gynt, Binnie Barnes, and others.  Directed by Sidney Salkow.  In English.  (A/A-).

SHARAZ  (1968)  Also known as: "1001 Nights."  Good-quality print of this Arabian Nights adventure.  Omar and his friend, Ali, returning to Moorish Granada after several years in the Middle East, discover that an evil usurper is now in power. With the help of a female genie, Omar sets about restoring freedom and justice. Starring Jeff Cooper, Raf Vallone, Luciana Paluzzi, Perla Cristal, and others.  Directed by Jose Maria Elorrieta.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

SIGN OF THE COYOTE  (1964)  Now in English!!  Rare Zorro-like film from director Mario Caiano.  Gaillardo sees injustice done to the former Californians by a victorious governor and his rotten clique. Keeping cool in public society, he wears his black clothes and mask at night to avenge the people.  Stars Fernando Casanova, Maria Luz Galicia, Arturo Dominici, Mario Feliciani, Giulia Rubini, and others.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (B/B-).

SIGN OF ZORRO, THE  (1963)  Also known as: "Duel at the Rio Grande."  The son of a Spanish aristocrat lady discovers that he has a father living in Mexico. The father has requested the help of his son with some trouble at hand. Reluctantly, the son sails across the Atlantic only to find his father murdered by the evil local administration. Revenge follows.  Starring Sean Flynn, Armando Calvo, Folco Lulli, Gaby Andre, and others.  Directed by Mario Caiano.  Dubbed in German, with no subtitles.  (A/A-).

SINBAD AND THE CALIPH OF BAGDAD  (1973)  Last film from director Pietro Francisci.  Sinbad returns home from a long voyage, only to discover that his parents are dead and his house confiscated by the kingdom.  He meets up with two trouble-makers, and they end up enlisting as crew on an ocean voyage.  However, when the captain proves sadistic and ill-mannered, the three escape, taking it to the skies in a hot-air balloon.  Later, they return to Sinbad's kingdom and overthrow the tyrant king.  Stars Robert Malcolm, Arturo Dominici, Franco Fantasia, Spartaco Conversi, and Sonia Wilson.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

SLAVE GIRLS OF SHEBA  (1964)  Original title: "Le Verdi Bandiere di Allah."  Jose Suarez plays a Spanish nobleman who tries desperately to stop a traitor (Vittorio Sanipoli) from marrying the woman he loves.  Meanwhile, he goes undercover with Moorish pirates to warn the sultan against an attack on his life.  Costume adventure also starring Walter Barnes, Linda Cristal, Cristina Gaioni, Helene Chanel, and others.  Directed by Guido Zurli.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

SON OF CAPTAIN BLOOD  (1962)  The son of a notorious pirate (played by Sean Flynn) is placed on the path of righteousness by his love for a beautiful young woman and a desire to break up the slave trade in his native land.  Also stars Alessandra Panaro, Ann Todd, Fernando Sancho, John Kitzmiller, Raf Baldassarre, and Roberto Carmadiel.  Directed by Tulio Demicheli.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

SON OF EL CID  (1965)  Original title: "I Cento Cavalieri."  Don Fernando, the son of El Cid, rallies peasants and townspeople to overthrow Moorish occupiers in medieval Spain.  Rare costume adventure starring Mark Damon, Antonella Lualdi, Gastone Moschin, Arnoldo Foa', and others.  Directed by Vittorio Cottafavi.  Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles.  (A-/B).

SON OF THE RED CORSAIR  (1959)  This film is director Primo Zeglio's scene-for-scene remake of his own 1951 swashbuckler "La Vendetta del Corsaro."  Lex Barker plays a pirate who vows revenge on the murderer of his father.  When he finds that the governor of Cartagena has imprisoned his sister, intending to marry her and usurp the throne of Darien, Barker comes to the rescue.  Also starring Sylvia Lopez, Vira Silenti, Luciano Mari, and others.  Color print.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subs.  (A-/B).

SON OF ROBIN HOOD  (1958)  After Robin Hood's death, an English nobleman plots to usurp the throne. So, it's up to his surviving merry men to save England. However, they need a leader and learn that Robin has a son willing to continue his father's work. Great adventure starring David Hedison, June Laverick, David Farrar, and others.  Directed by George Sherman.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

SPANISH MAIN, THE  (1945)  Exceptional swashbuckler which casts Paul Henreid as a Dutch navigator who takes to piracy after he's sent to the mines by the piggish Don Alvardo.  Along the way, he abducts the nobleman's bride-to-be, who reluctantly becomes his wife.  However, this means a face-off between him and his old adversary.  Co-starring Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak, Binnie Barnes, Barton MacLane, and many others.  Directed by Frank Borzage.  In English.  (A/A-).

SWORDSMAN OF SIENA  (1962)  A Spanish overlord controls 16th-century Tuscany. He plans to marry into a prominent Italian family and hires an Englishman to serve as bodyguard for his less-than-eager fiancée. The bodyguard finds his allegiance switching to the rebels who seek to overthrow the Spaniard, even as he finds himself drawn to the woman he's been hired to protect.   Excellent costume adventure starring Stewart Granger, Sylva Koscina, Christine Kaufmann, Riccardo Garrone, Alberto Lupo, Marina Berti, and others.  Directed by Baccio Bandini and Etienne Perier.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

SWORD IN THE SHADOWS  (1961)  Original title: "Una Spada Nell'Ombra."  Luigi Capuano directs this excellent costume adventure, about a deposed nobleman's son who returns to his kingdom many years later to depose a tyrant who has his sight fixed on the legitimate heiress.  Starring Germano Longo, Mario Valdemarin, Tamara Lees, Gabriella Farinon, Livio Lorenzon, and others.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (B/B-).

SWORD OF EL CID  (1963)  Original title: "La Spada Del Cid."  Roland Carey stars as Bernardo, son of the legendary El Cid, who fights to wrest his hereditary kingdom from usurpers.  Also stars Sandro Moretti, Chantal Deberg, Eliana Grimaldi, Daniela Bianchi, Andrea Fantasia, Franco Pesce, Nino Milano, and others.  Directed by Miguel Iglesias and Ferdiando Baldi.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

SWORD OF SHERWOOD FOREST  (1960)  The sheriff of Nottingham plots to confiscate the estate of the Lord of Bortrey, who has died on Crusade. The Archbishop of Canterbury speaks against this plot, and the sheriff plans to eliminate him. Robin Hood pretends to undertake the assassination of the Archbishop for the plotters. Costume adventure starring Richard Greene, Sarah Branch, Peter Cushing, and others.  Directed by Terence Fisher.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

SWORD WITHOUT A COUNTRY  (1960)  Original title: "Spada Senza Bandiera."  Costume adventure from director Carlo Veo.  A peasant accidentally kills the fiancée of the Countess Gigliola in a duel, and is pursued by the local count (played by Folco Lulli).  He then heads into the hills and joins with a gang of desperadoes, as they fight against the injustice of the persecution.  Also starring Leonora Ruffo, Mara Berni, Claudio Gora, and others.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

TERROR OF THE RED MASK  (1960)  Original title: "Il Terrore della Maschera Rossa."  Uncut Italian-language print of this great costume adventure starring Lex Barker as soldier who enters the employment of the Count Astolfo (Livio Lorenzon), only to find out that the count's evil cruelty have made him hated throughout the region.  Soon, a hero named "The Red Mask" appears, fighting for justice of the oppressed.  Barker, naturally, sides with the vindicator.  Also starring Chelo Alonso, Liana Orfei, Luigi Tosi, Marco Guglielmi, and others.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles.  (A-/B).   *ALSO AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH.

THEY WERE THREE MUSKETEERS, BUT THEY WERE FOUR  (1973)  Obscure costume adventure starring Tony Kendall, Ettore Manni, Stelvio Rosi, Carla Mancini, Ivano Staccioli, Seyna Seyn, Luciana Turina, and others.  The Musketeers engage in several bawdy adventures while attempting to aid the oppressed.  Always out to hinder them is the Cardinal Richelieu.  Directed by Silvio Amadio.  Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles.  (A-/B). 

THREE MUSKETEERS, THE  (1950)  All but forgotten made-for-TV version of this classic costume adventure, starring Robert Clarke as D'Artagnan.  Also featuring John Hubbard, Mel Archer, Paul Cavanagh, and Marjorie Lord.  This film originally appeared as an early installment of the "Magnavox Theatre" program.  Ah, the early days of television.  In English.  (A/A-).  Note: This title has been double-billed on one disc with "Black Diamonds" (1940), starring Richard Arlen and Andy Devine.

THREE SWORDS OF ZORRO, THE  (1963)  Guy Stockwell (brother of Dean) portrays the title character, orphaned son of the original Zorro (Dad's been rotting in jail for the last 15 years, and doesn't know that his abandoned son has taken up the mantle of "Defender of the oppressed"). Zorro defends the local peasantry from the evil governor's oppression, re-discovers his real father is jail and frees him and sends the corrupt Governor and his cronies to the hoosegow.  Also stars Gloria Milland, Antonio Prieto, Giuseppe Addobbati, and Franco Fantasia.  Directed by Ricardo Blasco.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

TIGER OF THE SEVEN SEAS  (1962)  Tigre is the skipper of the Santa Maria, a pirate-ship, but he feels tired and decides to leave the command of the ship. Unfortunately he has only a daughter, Consuelo. So he will leave the command and the ship to the winner of a challenge among his men. Unexpectedly, Consuelo wins. The same night Tigre is killed, William is charged with the killing and is sentenced to death. But before the sentence could be executed the Spaniards of Grand Duke Inigo arrives. Consuelo escapes, however this is only the first move of Indigo's wife to get to the pirates treasure.  Stars Gianna Maria Canale, Anthony Steel, Grazia Maria Spina, Andrea Aureli, Carlo Ninchi, John Kitzmiller, and others.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

TREASURE OF BENGAL, THE  (1953)  Original title: 'Tesoro Di Begala."  Portuguese slave traders invade India during the 1600's.  During the capturing of all the men, women, and children they can get their hands on, they hear of the existence of an enormous gem hidden in a sacred temple.  One of the Indian leaders is bribed into revealing its whereabouts, but a young hunter, Ainur, sets out to stop the desecration before the explorers can get to it.  Stars Luigi Tosi, Sabu, Carla Calo, Luisa Boni, and Nino Marchetti.  Directed by Gianni Vernuccio.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

TRIPOLI  (1950)  Also known as: "The First Marines."  In 1805, the United States government finds itself challenged by the pirates of Tripoli.  Marine forces are sent to North Africa to eradicate this threat to the waters.  Starring John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Howard Da Silva, Phillip Reed, and others.  Directed by Will Price.  In English.  (A-/B).

TRIUMPHS OF ROBIN HOOD, THE  (1963)  Upgrade!!  After many years, we've finally located an upgrade of this costume adventure rarity!  King Richard the Lionhearted is captured by the Germans and held for ransom. While in prison, his conniving brother takes control of the regency and plans to oust Richard from the throne. Meanwhile, Robin Hood and his men try to collect enough money to pay the ransom.  But the evil sheriff of Nottingham attempts to stop them.  Stars Don Burnett, Gia Scala, Samson Burke, Arturo Dominici, Vincenzo Musolino, and Daniela Igliozzi.  Directed by Umberto Lenzi.  Straight from Greek pre-record.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B).

VEILS OF BAGDAD, THE  (1953)  Colorful Arabian adventure, which casts Victor Mature as a warrior hired to protect Ottoman Sultan from the raids of a neighboring tribe.  Also starring Mari Blanchard, Virginia Field, Guy Rolfe, and others.  Directed by George Sherman.  Dubbed in English.  (A/A-).

VIOLENT PATRIOT, THE  (1956)  Original title: "Giovanni Dalle Bande Nere."  Vittorio Gassman plays the leader of Italian mercenaries during the 1500's.  While he fights for the good of his native land, a traitor attempts to betray him into fighting on the wrong side.  Also stars Anna-Maria Ferrero, Constance Smith, Philippe Hersent, Gerard Landry, Andrea Aureli, and others.  Directed by Sergio Grieco.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

WITH FIRE AND SWORD  (1962)  Also known as: "Invasion 1700."  Rare costume adventure starring Jeanne Crain, John Drew Barrymore, Pierre Brice, Akim Tamiroff, Gordon Mitchell, Elena Zareschi, and others.  Directed by Fernando Cerchio.  Dubbed in English.  (B/B-).

WONDERS OF ALADDIN  (1961)  Original title: "Le Meraviglie di Aladino."  A poor young man finds a magic lamp that possesses a genie, who will grant him three wishes if he sets him free from the lamp.  Costume adventure starring Donald O'Connor, Vittorio De Sica, Noelle Adam, Aldo Fabrizi, and others.  Directed by Henry Levin and Mario Bava.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B).

ZORRO  (1975)  Ok, here's another Zorro film for you  --  this one directed by Duccio Tessari, and starring Alain Delon!  The newly arrived governor of an oppressed province poses as an indecisive weakling, while he secretly dons the mask of "El Zorro" to rid the land of tyranny.  Also stars Ottavia Piccolo, Enzo Cerusico, and Giacomo Rossi-Stuart.  Dubbed in French, with English subtitles.  (A/A-).

ZORRO AND THE THREE MUSKETEERS  (1963)  Also known as: "Mask of the Musketeers."  Incredibly rare letterboxed & color version of this classic costume adventure, which casts Gordon as a 'Zorro' character out to stop the king of Spain from abducting a French princess.  He is assisted by the Three Musketeers.  Also starring Grazia Maria Spina, Franco Fantasia, and others.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A-/B).

ZORRO AT THE COURT OF ENGLAND  (1969)  This Fortunato Misiano production was rather a late-comer in the long fiesta of costume adventure pics released during the 50's and 60's.  Spiros Focas is a suave Spanish nobleman by day, and masked avenger by night.  Also starring Dada Gallotti, Franco Ressell, and Massimo Carocci.  Directed by Franco Montemurro.  Credits appear in English, but alas, the print is dubbed in Spanish with no subtitles.  (B/B-).

ZORRO AT THE COURT OF SPAIN  (1962)  Riccardo De Villaria (played by Giorgio Ardisson) returns to his native kingdom after a long journey, only to discover that a tyrant has assumed rulership over the land.  Meanwhile, a mysterious black-masked avenger arises, whose appearance coincides with Villaria's return.  Also stars Grazia Maria Spina, Carla Calo, Franco Fantasia, Livio Lorenzo, Nazzareno Zamperla, Nerio Bernardi, Alberto Lupo, Tullio Altamura, and others.  Directed by Luigi Capuano.  Dubbed in English.  (A-/B).

ZORRO THE FOX  (1968)  Also known as" El Zorro."  George Ardisson stars in his second role as the titular character- the first one being Luigi Capuano's "Zorro at the Court of Spain", made some years earlier.  Don Pedro, captain of the guards, and the alcalde Don Jaimez, desiring to unite two of the greatest provinces in Mexico, attempt to destroy the nobles who oppose their plan.  However, Zorro soon shows up, turns the tables on them, and busts banditos out of prison to go for the throat.  Also starring Femi Benussi, Spartaco Battisti, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart, and others.  Directed by Guido Zurli.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (A/A-).

ZORRO THE REBEL  (1966)  Original title: "Zorro il Ribelle."  Seldom-seen costume adventure/western, which casts Howard Ross as swordsman out to defeat the machinations of governor oppressing a small town on the Tex-Mex border.  Also starring Arturo Dominici, Dina De Santis, Gabriella Andreini, and others.  Directed by Piero Pierotti.  Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles.  (B/B-).** Currently unavailable.

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