ATLAS VISUALS- sword-and-sandals, peplums, & related titles [M-Z]

SWORD-AND SANDALS, PEPLUMS, AND RELATED TITLES [M-Z]

MACISTE IN KING SOLOMON'S MINES (1964) Original title: "Maciste Nelle Miniere Di Re Salomone." Maciste (Reg Park) is captured and forced to work as a slave in an African mine. A cool sword-and-sandal adventure also starring Wandisa Guida, Dan Harrison, Eleonora Bianchi, Leonard Elliot, and Giuseppe Addobbati. Directed by Piero Regnoli. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

MASSACRE IN THE BLACK FOREST (1967) In the first half of the first century A.D., the Teutonic tribes, led by Arminius The Terrible, rebel against the cruel and conquering Roman Empire. In raging torments and blood curdling battles, the barbarian tribes and Roman Legions fight a war of attrition, so brutal and terrible that Arminius becomes a legend throughout the empire. Only Augustus, Emperor of Rome is evil and treacherous enough to enslave the Teuton barbarian and halt his murderous uprisings. Stars Cameron Mitchell, Beba Loncar, Dieter Eppler, Antonella Lualdi, and others. Directed by Ferdinando Baldi. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

MEDUSA VS. THE SON OF HERCULES (1963) A warrior does battle against the evil Medusa, her army of stone warriors and a monstrous dragon. Apart from CLASH OF THE TITANS this is the only screen depiction of the ancient myth of Perseus. Stars Richard Harrison, Anna Ranalli, Arturo Dominici, Elisa Cegani, Leo Anchoriz, and Enrique Navarro. Directed by Alberto De Martino. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

MESSALINA (1951) Also known as: "The Affairs of Messalina." Awesome black-and-white spectacle film which was long unavailable. Messalina plots against the emperor with her young lover (played by Georges Marchal). The Christians are accused, and the rest of the film portrays plenty of gladiatorial action. Big sets and lush scenery abound in this classic. Also starring Memo Benassi, Delia Scala, Erno Crisa, and others. Directed by Carmine Gallone. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

MESSALINA, IMPERIAL VENUS (1960) Original title: "Messalina Venere Imperatrice." Rare peplum which casts Belinda Lee in the titular role, as a sacred Vestal who aspires to the throne of Rome. Pseudo-historical fluff also starring Spiros Focas, Ida Galli, Arturo Dominici, Giuliano Gemma, and others. Directed by Vittorio Cottafavi. Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (B/B-).

MIO FIGLIO NERONE (1956) Nero is on holiday at the seaside. Poppea, Seneca and many other guests are with him. Nero is preparing a great show where he will be the star. When Agrippina, his mother, arrives with her German praetorians and decides Nero has to conquer Britain, she is asking for trouble. Many attempts of murder and poisoning will happen on the eve of his great show. An exquisite spoof of Roman civilization starring Alberto Sordi, Vittorio De Sica, Gloria Swanson, and Brigitte Bardot. Directed by Stefano Vanzina. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).

MOLE MEN VS. THE SON OF HERCULES (1961) When mutant albino mole men emerge from their burrows and murder innocent surface folk, Maciste (played by Mark Forest) follows them to their underground city seeking vengeance. Classic sword and sandal action, which borders on the fantastic and weird. Also starring Moira Orfei, Rafaella Carra, Enrico Glori, Roberto Miali, and Nando Tamberlani. Directed by Antonio Leonviola. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

MONGOLS, THE (1961) Original title: "I Mongoli." The son of Genghis Khan slashes and burns his way across Europe, lusting after the beautiful Amina (played by Anita Ekberg) in this big battle spectacle. Also starring Gabriele Antonini, Jack Palance, Pierre Cressoy, Gianni Garko, Roldano Lupi, and Antonella Lualdi. Directed by Riccardo Freda and Andre De Toth. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

MY SON, THE HERO (1961) Original title: "Arrivano I Titani." In this sword-and-sandal adventure, an evil king (played by Pedro Armendariz) makes a bargain with a devil in order to get away with murdering his wife. Giuliano Gemma plays the likeable hero who takes him on. Also starring Antonella Lualdi, Serge Nubret, Jacqueline Sassard, and Ingrid Schoeller. Directed by Duccio Tessari. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

NEFERTITI, QUEEN OF THE NILE (1961) Great costumes, lavish decorations, and a well-paced plot make up this classic sword-and-sandal film. Sculptor falls in love with the queen of Egypt, but the high priest of Amon-Ra stands against their happiness. Stars Jeanne Crain, Vincent Price, Edmuind Purdom, Amedeo Nazzari, and Liana Orfei. Directed by Fernando Cerchio. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

OLD TESTAMENT, THE (1962) Original title: "Il Vecchio Testamento." The Jews of Jerusalem are driven out by their Syrian rulers. They gather their forces, and return to drive out their oppressors. Stars Brad Harris, Susan Paget, Mara Lane, Ivano Staccioli, Philippe Hersent, and Brigitte Corey. Directed by Gianfranco Parolini. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

PHARAOH'S WOMAN, THE (1960) Original title: "La Donna dei Faraoni." A gorgeous woman (played by Linda Cristal) sparks enmity between three joint rulers of Egypt. They all want her for themselves. Also starring Pierre Brice, John Drew Barrymore, Armando Francioli, and others. Directed by Giorgio Rivalta and Victor Tourjansky. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

PONTIUS PILATE (1962) Politics abounds in this big-budget sword 'n' sandal involving the career of Pontius Pilate. Pilate tries to build an aqueduct in Judea but the politicians plot to overthrow him. Christ and Judas are also worked into the story. Starring Jean Marais, Jeanne Crain, Basil Rathbone, John Drew Barrymore, and others. Directed by Gian Paolo Callegari. Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. (A-/B).

QUEEN FOR CAESAR, A (1962) Original title: "Una Regina Per Cesare." Sword-and-sandal starring Pascale Petit, George Ardisson, Rik Battaglia, and others. This film deals largely with Cleopatra's life before she meets Caesar. Directed by Piero Pierotti and Viktor Tourjansky. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

QUEEN OF BABYLON (1955) Original title: "Cortigiana di Babilonia." Yjis peplum was once critically acclaimed, but it's practically vanished over the years. A beautiful goatherd helps a Chaldean rebel escape imprisonment by the tyrant king Assur. Stars Rhonda Fleming, Ricardo Montalban, Roldano Lupi, Tamara Lees, Carlo Ninchi, and others. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

QUEEN OF SHEBA (1952) Original title: "La Regina Di Saba." The Queen of Sheba falls in love with the King of Israel. But the king's in love with someone else. The Queen, royally pissed off, invades Israel. Pietro Francisci directs this big budget spectacular starring Gino Leurino, Leonora Ruffo, Gino Cervi, Marina Berti, Franco Silva, and others. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

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 beautiful busty female barbarian!! Stars Chelo Alonso, Jacques Sernas, Folco Lulli, Philippe Hersent, and others. Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles. (B/B-).

REBEL GLADIATOR, THE (1963) Original title: "Ursus, Il Gladiatore Ribelle." Domenico Paolella directs another sword-and-sandal spectacular. In order to persuade the Emperor to spare his village, the mighty Ursus is forced to fight the greatest gladiator in Rome in the Roman Arena. Stars Dan Vadis, Gloria Milland, Jose Greci, Andrea Aureli, and others. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

REVENGE OF THE BARBARIANS (1960) Also known as: "La Vendetta Dei Barbari." The Visigoths invade Italy during the later years of the Roman Empire. When the emperor's sister tricks the barbarians into a wholesale massacre of their men, their leader vows revenge. Sword-and-sandal starring Anthony Steel, Robert Alda, Daniela Rocca, Arturo Dominici, Cesare Fantoni, and others. Directed by Giuseppe Vari. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

REVENGE OF THE GLADIATORS (1964) Original title: "La Vendetta dei Gladiatori." Big-budget spectacle film from director Luigi Capuano. A victorious Roman general finds himself caught in a web of intrigue when he returns to the royal court. This eventually gives rise to a gladiatorial revolt. Stars Mickey Hargitay, Andrea Checchi, Bruno Scipioni, Roldano Lupi, and others. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

REVOLT OF THE BARBARIANS (1964) A Roman consul is sent to Gaul to investigate the theft of gold shipments. He discovers that the gold is being stolen by a tribe of barbarians--whose leader is the governor of Gaul. Sword-and-sandal starring Roland Carey, Maria Grazia Spina, Mario Feliciani, and others. Not to be confused with "Revenge of the Barbarians." Directed by Guido Malatesta. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

REVOLT OF THE PRETORIANS (1964) Original title: "La Rivolta dei Pretoriani." Richard Harrison is Valerius, a Pretorian guard who's had all he can stomach of the perversions of Emperor Domitian. So he adopts the costume of the "Red Wolf", and secretly fights against the ruler to free Rome of his tyranny. Also starring Moira Orfei, Piero Lulli, Giuliano Gemma, and others. Directed by Alfonso Brescia. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

REVOLT OF THE SLAVES (1961) Original title: "La Rivolta degli Schiave." Landmark peplum, which features Lang Jeffries as a Christian slave taken into the home of Fabius, a wealthy patrician (played by Gino Cervi). But because of his unbending faith, he and his comrades are persecuted and thrown into prison. As a twist, Fabius' daughter falls in love with him. This complicates matters when Corvino (played by Serge Gainsbourg) begins plotting their bloodshed. Also starring Rhonda Fleming, Ettore Manni, and Fernando Rey. Directed by Nuznio Malasomma. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

ROME VS. ROME (1962) Also known as: "War of the Zombies." One of the most interesting sword-and-sandals ever, John Drew Barrymore plays Aderbad, an evil wizard who has the power of raising the dead. When he brings to life the legions of dead Roman troops to march upon Rome, Gaius (played by Ettore Manni) raises an army to defeat him. However, none of the Roman leaders will believe him, and so he has to fight the zombies on his own!! Also stars Susy Anderson, Ida Galli, Mino Doro, Ivano Staccioli, Philippe Hersent, and Antonio Corevi. Directed by Giuseppe Vari. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SALAMANDRA DEL DESERTO, LA (1970) Also known as: "Tamar, Wife of Er." Riccardo Freda directs this Israeli costume adventure production starring Ettore Manni, Peter Baumgartner, Lea Nanni, Michael Maien, Claudia Wedekind, Aryeh Yitzhal, and Joseph Shiloach. Dubbed in German, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

SAMSON AND HIS MIGHTY CHALLENGE (1964) This Italian hero-fest borrows from the legends of Samson, Hercules, Ursus, and Maciste to create a monstrous muscle epic. Four heroes fight the evil ruler of an oppressed people. Stars Alan Steel, Howard Ross, Nadir Baltimore, Moira Orfei, Helene Chanel, Livio Lorenzo, and others. Directed by Giorgio Capitani. Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (A/A-).

SAMSON AND THE SEVEN MIRACLES OF THE WORLD (1961) Samson (played by Gordon Scott) must rescue a beautiful Chinese princess (Yoko Tani) from a marauding horde of warriors. Also stars Dante Di Paolo, Gabriele Antonini, Helene Chanel, Leonardo Severini, and Franco Ressel. Directed by Riccardo Freda. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SAMSON AND THE SHEIK (1962) Maciste (played by Ed Fury) is called upon to free a Spanish princess being held captive by the Moors. However, a Spanish traitor Ramiro (played by Piero Lulli), is secretly in league with the sheik, and attempts to destroy him. Also stars Gisella Arden, Mara Berni, Erno Crisa, Giuseppe Addobbati, Massimo Carocci, and Carlo Pisacane. Directed by Domenico Paolella. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SCHIAVE DI CARTAGINE, LE (1957) Also known as: "The Sword and the Cross." Highly acclaimed yet hard-to-find spectacle film. Depraved Roman emperor stages bloody spectacles & persecutes Christians. Starring Gianna Maria Canale, Jorge Mistral, Marisa Allasio, Ana Luisa Peluffo, and others. Directed by Guido Brignone. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

SECRET SEVEN, THE (1964) Original title: "Gli Invincibile Sette." Rare sword-and-sandal starring Tony Russel, Helga Line, Gerard Tichy, Livio Lorenzon, Renato Baldini, and others. Directed by Alberto De Martino. Dubbed in Italian, with Greek subtitles. Fair quality only at this time. (B-/C).

SERPENT OF THE NILE (1953) Also known as: "Gli Amori di Cleopatra." Lush costume epic starring Rhonda Fleming as Queen Cleopatra, who schemes to keep Egypt from Roman occupation. Also starring Raymond Burr, William Lundigan, Jean Byron, Michael Ansara, and others. Directed by William Castle. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SEVEN AGAINST ALL (1965) Also known as: "Seven Rebel Gladiators." One of the rarer sword-and-sandals, this one stars Roger Browne as a Roman centurion out to crush a tyrant (Alfio Caltabiano) who seeks to depose king and force his daughter into marriage. Wall-to-wall action, fistfights, and mayhem. Also stars Jose Greci, Erno Crisa, and others. Directed by Michele Lupo. Letterboxed. Dubbed in German, with no subtitles. (A-/B).

SEVEN FROM THEBES (1964) Original title: "Sette a Tebe." Rare sword-and-sandal mayhem. The city of Thebes is under the cruel domination of Sparta. Diomedes and several of his friends strive to throw off the Spartan yoke even while Diomedes romances Dorida, daughter of the Theban governor who's collaborating with Sparta. Stars Andre Lawrence, Loredana Nusciak, Mariangela Giordano, and others. Directed by Luigi Vanzi. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SIEGE OF THE SAXONS (1963) King Arthur learns one of his knights is plotting to take over and marry his daughter. After the King's death, the Knight wishing to marry the princess is ordered by the great wizard Merlin to remove the sword from the scabbard and prove his right to the throne. British costume adventure starring Ronald Lewis, Janette Scott, Ronald Howard, and others. Directed by Nathan Juran. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

SIEGE OF SYRACUSE (1962) Original title: "L'Assedio Di Siracusa." Big-budget peplum, which casts Rossano Brazzi as a cunning Greek inventor who defends Syracuse from Roman invasion with his machines of war. Also starring Gino Cervi, Tina Louise, Sylva Koscina, Alberto Farnese, Enrico Maria Salerno, and others. Directed by Pietro Francisci. Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. (A/A-).

SIGFRIDO (DRAGON'S BLOOD) (1957) Colorful fantasy epic in which the legendary hero Siegfried (played by Rolf Tasna) uses a magic sword to fight a huge, fire-breathing dragon. Also stars Ilaria Occhini, Sebastian Fischer, and Katharina Mayberg. Directed by Giacomo Gentilomo. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

SINS OF JEZEBEL, THE (1953) Also known as: "Il Re D'Israele." Great costume epic starring Paulette Goddard, George Nader, John Hoyt, Eduard Franz, John Shelton, and others. King Ahab is enticed by the scheming woman Jezebel. Directed by Reginald Le Borg. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SINS OF ROME (1952) Original title: "Spartaco." Early take of the "Spartacus" stopry. This one stars Massimo Girotti as soldier forced into hiding after he whips his general's ass. He then gets all the slaves together for a massive revolt against the empire. Stars Massimo Girotti, Gianna Maria Canale, Carlo Ninchi, Vittorio Sanipoli, Ludmilla Tcherina, Yves Vincent, Carlo Giusetini, and Nerio Bernardi. Directed by Riccardo Freda. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SLAVE WARRIOR (1960) Also known as: "Slave of Rome." Gaul breaks its treaty with the Romans. So the Romans set out to punish them. The vital barbarian girl has hots for the Roman general. But will she betray her own people? Stars Guy Madison, Rossana Podesta, Mario Petri, and others. Dubbed in English, with foreign subtitles. (A-/B).

SLAVES OF BABYLON (1953) Also known as: "Gli Schiavi di Babilonia." Excellent Biblical epic from director William Castle. Richard Conte plays Hebrew leader held captive by the king of Babylon. Under the guidance of the prophet Daniel, he engineers the policies of the Babylonian court in order to save his people. Also starring Maurice Schwartz, Michael Ansara, Linda Christian, Lesley Bradley, and others. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SON OF SAMSON (1960) Original title: "Maciste Nella Valle Dei Re." One of the more violent sword-and-sandal films, this one contains some really bloody battle footage. Maciste (played by Mark Forest) travels to Egypt, where he leads a revolt against a decadent queen (Chelo Alonso). Also stars Terence Hill, Nino Musco, Vira Silenti, Carlo Tamberlani, and others. Directed by Carlo Campogalliani. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SON OF SPARTACUS (Description coming...)

SPARTACUS AND THE TEN GLADIATORS (1964) The story of Spartacus and 10 other gladiators who rebelled against the bloody coliseum sports. They escape and are faced at every turn by Roman soldiers bent on taking them back to the Coliseum - dead or alive! Dan Vadis, Helga Line, Ursula Davis, Ivano Staccioli, Gianni Rizzo. Directed by Nick Nostro. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

SPARTAN GLADIATORS, THE (1964) This is probably the fastest paced of the peplum adventures with lavish sets, humor and unremitting action. The story gets kind of lost in it all, and it's hard to keep track of just why everyone is violently seeking the Athena statuette, but who cares! Tony Russel and his escaped gladiator pals have their hands more than full trying to outwit the conspirators, and take many a beating before they finally triumph. Also stars Massimo Serato, Nando Gazzolo, Livio Lorenzon, Piero Lulli, Helga Line, Howard Ross, and Nando Angelini. Directed by Alberto De Martino. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

TARTARS, THE (1961) Original title: "I Tartari." Classic peplum from directors Ferdinando Baldi and Richard Thorpe. Viking Prince Oleg (played by Victor Mature) is asked by a Tartar chieftain to join the Mongol horde and destroy the indigenous Slavic tribes. Oleg refuses to betray his Slavic brethren, and all hell breaks loose. Also starring Orson Welles, Liana Orfei, Arnoldo Foa, and others. Widescreen. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

SON OF HERCULES IN THE LAND OF DARKNESS (1963) Original title: "Ercole L'Invincibile." In this sword-and-sandal adventure, Hercules (played by Dan Vadis) battles to save the population from a giant dragon. Also stars Carla Calo, Ken Clark, Ugo Sasso, Rosemarie Lindt, John Simons, Spela Rozin, and others. Directed by Alvaro Mancori. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

SWORD AND THE CROSS, THE (1957) Original title: "La Spada e la Croce." Excellent sword-and-sandal film starring Yvonne De Carlo, Jorge Mistral, Rossana Podesta', Massimo Serato, Andrea Aureli, and others. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

SWORD OF THE CONQUEROR (1962) Original title: "Rosmunda E Alboino." Jack Palance stars as a ruthless Lombard warrior in this sword-and-sandal extravaganza from director Carlo Campogalliani. When he seizes power over an opposing tribe, the king's daughter (played by Eleonora Rossi Drago) vows revenge. Also starring Guy Madison, Carlo D'Angelo, Edy Vessel, and others. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

TALES OF THE VIKINGS (1959) Also known as: "The Vikings." Here are three episodes from this rare and forgotten TV series, which involves a crew of Viking pirates and their extraordinary adventures. Episodes include "The Black Stone," "The Hill of the Law," and "The Weapon." Starring Jerome Courtland, Walter Barnes, Stefan Schnabel, and others. Directed by Elmo Williams. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

TAUR THE MIGHTY (1960) Original title: "Taur, Il Re Della Forza Bruta." One of the odder entries in the sword-and-sandal genre, this one involves the hero Taur (Joe Robinson) attempting to conquer an underground city, in his quest to save a captive people. Also stars Bella Cortez, Antonio Leonviola, Erminio Spalla, and others. Directed by Antonio Leonviola. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

TEN GLADIATORS (1963) During Nero's reign, a band of ten masked terrorists engage in daring missions to liberate the oppressed. Stars Roger Browne, Giuliano Dell'Ovo, Mirko Ellis, Susan Paget, Mimmo Palmara, Gianni Rizzo, Dan Vadis, Ugo Sasso, Milton Reid, and Gino Turini. Directed by Gianfranco Parolini. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

THARUS, SON OF ATTILA (1962) Also known as: "Colossus and the Huns." A young warrior battles against a tyrant who has denied him the woman he loves. He also must clear himself of charges of killing the legitimate ruler of the kingdom. Stars Lisa Gastoni, Jerome Courtland, Livio Lorenzon, Mimmo Palmara, Rick Van Nutter, and Riccardo Montalbano. Directed by Roberto Bianchi Montero. Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (A-/B).

THEODORA, THE SLAVE EMPRESS (1954) Teodora (played by Gianna Maria Canale), a Roman courtesan and former slave girl, marries the Roman emperor Justinian and mounts the throne as Empress of Rome. But the divide between nobility and slave is too great. Teodora seeks justice for her people, and revolution and armed bloodshed erupt in both Byzantium and Rome. Riccardo Freda directs this big-budget spectacle film also starring Georges Marchal, Irene Papas, Nerio Bernardi, Loris Gizzi, and others. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

THOR AND THE AMAZON WOMEN (1963) Also known as: "Le Gladiatrici." More sword-and-sandal mayhem. A race of Amazon warriors is enslaving the men of a country, and the mighty Thor is called upon to help them crush the captors. Stars Joe Robinson, Susy Anderson, Harry Baird, Carla Foscari, and others. Directed by Antonio Leonviola. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

THREE AVENGERS, THE (1964) Also known as: "Ursus and the Three Avengers." A tyrannical imposter seizes the throne of Atra while Ursus and his comrades are overseas. When they return, they get their forces together and set out to destroy him. Stars Alan Steel, Mimmo Palmara, Lisa Gastoni, Rosalba Neri, Carlo Tamberlani, Gianni Rizzo, and others. Directed by Gianfranco Parolini. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

THREE GIANTS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (1971) Original title: "Ritorno del Gladiatore piu Forte del Mondo." Late-late entry in the muscleman series, which stars Brad Harris and friends up against a vicious Roman governor. A real throwback to sandal films of the early 60's. Also starring Massimo Serato, Alberto Farnese, Maria Pia Conte, and others. Directed by Bitto Albertini. Dubbed in English, with Dutch subtitles. (A-/B).

TOTO VS. CLEOPATRA (1963) Original title: "Toto' e Cleopatra." Another extremely rare sword-and-sandal comedy never released in English. Italian comedian Toto' headlines this lost epic also starring Magali Noel, Moira Orfei, Carlo Delle Piane, and others. Directed by Fernando Cerchio. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).

TREASURE OF THE PETRIFIED FOREST (1965) Original title: "Il Tesoro della Foresta Pietrificata." Italian Viking adventure!! starring Gordon Mitchell, Ivo Payer, Eleonora Bianchi, Pamela Tudor, Pietro Ceccarelli, and others. Directed by Emimmo Salvi. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

TRIUMPH OF THE SON OF HERCULES (1961) Original title: "Trionfo di Maciste." Maciste (played by Kirk Morris) fights against an evil queen who sacrifices young women to a fire god. Also starring Cathia Caro, Liuba Bodina, Cesare Fantoni, and others. Directed by Tanio Boccia. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

TWO GLADIATORS, THE (1964) Original title: "I Due Gladiatori." Excellent quality print of this elusive sword-and-sandal starring Richard Harrison, Moira Orfei, Alberto Farnese, Mimmo Palmara, and others. Directed by Mario Caiano. Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (A/A-).

TWO NIGHTS WITH CLEOPATRA (1953) Nice quality print of this hard-to-locate sword and sandal comedy. Cleopatra (played by Sophia Loren) wants to sneak away from the palace for a meeting with Mark Anthony (Ettore Manni). But she's gotta find a royal "double" to take her place while she's away. That creampuff Cesarino (played by Alberto Sordi) gets picked. Also stars Paul Muller, Rolf Tasna, Ughetto Bertucci, Riccardo Garrone, and others. Directed by Mario Mattoli. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

ULYSSES (1955) Classic sword-and-sandal from director Mario Camerini. Kirk Douglas plays Ulysses, who must wander throughout the monster-infested world, while he attempts to sail back to his home. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope (Silvana Mangano) bides her time waiting for him, as she wards off an endless host of parasites that long to marry her. Also starring Anthony Quinn, Rossana Podesta, Franco Interlenghi, and others. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

ULYSSES VS. THE SON OF HERCULES (1961) Original title: "Ulisse Contro Ercole." Mario Caiano directs this colorful sword-and-sandal fantasy, which includes bird creatures and giants among the FX. Stars Georges Marchal, Mike Lane, Alessandra Panaro, Dominique Boschero, Yvette Lebon, and others. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

URSUS AND THE TARTAR PRINCESS (1962) Original title: "Ursus e la Ragazza Tartara." During the Middle Ages, Tartar hordes from the east invade the Polish countryside, spreading murder and disaster. Ursus (played by Ettore Manni) comes to their rescue. Also stars Yoko Tani, Joe Robinson, Andrea Aureli, Akim Tamiroff, and others. Directed by Remigio Del Grasso. Dubbed in English, with Greek subtitles. (A/A-).

URSUS IN THE LAND OF FIRE (1963) Hamilan, a murderous general, kills his king and puts himself on the throne with the former king's nasty niece as his queen. He then wages war against his peace-loving neighbors. Ursus arrives at a tournament to challenge Hamilan's authority. But he's arrested and forced to turn a grist-mill under an overseer's lash. Meanwhile, the former king's virtuous daughter is tormented by the new queen. Sentenced to a slow and bonecrushing execution, Ursus busts free and a revolt breaks out. Stars Ed Fury, Claudia Mori, Luciana Gilli, Adriano Micantoni, Mireille Granelli, Nando Tamberlani, and Giuseppe Addobbati. Directed by Giorgio Simonelli. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

URSUS IN THE VALLEY OF THE LIONS (1961) A jungle boy, raised by lions, grows up to be a muscular Tarzan clone, leading his lions against the barbarians. Stars Ed Fury, Moira Orfei, Alberto Lupo, Mariangela Giordano, Gerard Herter, Andrea Scotti, Mary Marlon, and Giacomo Furia. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia. Broadcast print. Dubbed in English. Upgrade!! (A-/B).

URSUS, SON OF HERCULES (1960) Also known as: "Ursus." Ursus (played by Ed Fury) returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea. Also stars Moira Orfei, Cristina Gaioni, and Mary Marlon. Directed by Carlo Campogalliani. Dubbed in English. Upgrade!! (A-/B).

VENGEANCE OF URSUS (1961) Ursus (played by Samson Burke) wards off an evil king who has plundered his land, and prevents royal conspirators from murdering the queen. A fun Eurotrash gem with many familiar faces: Wandisa Guida, Livio Lorenzon, Nadine Sanders, Nerio Bernardi, Gianni Rizzo, Franco Fantasia, Ignazio Balsamo, Attilio Dottesio, Fedele Gentile, Carlo Latimer, and Ugo Sasso. Directed by Luigi Capuano. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

VULCAN, SON OF JUPITER (1961) Also known as: "Vulcan, God of Fire." A superhero battles lizard men and other monsters that are terrorizing the countryside, while the Greek Gods are at war for the hand of Venus. Stars Rod Flash, Gordon Mitchell, Bella Cortez, Roger Browne, Omero Gargano, Furio Meniconi, and Liliana Zagra. Directed by Emimmo Salvi. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

WAR GODS OF BABYLON (1962) Original title: "Le Sette Folgori di Assur." Great spectacle film from director Silvio Amadio. Two brothers battle it out for the love of a slave girl in ancient Babylon. Starring Howard Duff, Jocelyn Lane, Arnoldo Foa, and others. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

WARRIOR AND THE SLAVE GIRL (1958) Original title: "La Rivolta dei Gladiatori." Sword and sandal starring Gianna Maria Canale, Ettore Manni, Georges Marchal, Rafael Luis Calvo, Conrado San Martin, and others. Directed by Vittorio Cottafavi. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

WARRIOR EMPRESS, THE (1958) Original title: "Saffo Venere di Lesbo." Excellent quality English-language print of this elusive sword-and-sandal which received many favorable reviews from critics upon its initial release. Starring Kerwin Mathews, Tina Louise, Enrico Maria Salerno, Aldo Fiorelli, Riccardo Garrone, and others. Directed by Pietro Francisci. Dubbed in English. (A/A-).

WITCH'S CURSE, THE (1962) Original title: "Maciste All'Inferno." Engaging cross between witch-burning horror and heroic peplum sees Maciste, the film's hero, uprooting a tree and travelling into the depths of hell to lift a witch's curse and save an innocent woman's life. Along the way he has to battle various foes such as lions, eagles, giants, snakes, you name it!! This is a thoroughly entertaining slice of escapism packed with action and cool special effects. Stars Kirk Morris, Helene Chanel, Vira Silenti, Andrea Bosic, Remo De Angelis, and others. Directed by Riccardo Freda. Dubbed in English. (A-/B).

ZORIKAN THE BARBARIAN (1964) Original title: "Zorikan Lo Streminatore." Very rare sword and sandal, which stars Dan Vadis as a Saracen warrior hired to plunder the Christians and steal their sacred relic. But Gino (played by Walter Brandi) and his comrades rally their forces to destroy the infidel. Low-budget costume trash also starring Luigi Batzella, Eleonora Bianchi, Philippe Hersent, and others. Directed by Roberto Mauri. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).

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