Exciting adventure film, with kings, moors, gypsies, Chelo Alonso and a script by literate Vittorio Calvino, who provided his knowledge of the period and subject, and his experience in radio dramas to tell a brief, fast and simple tale, combining action and intrigue. Hunk Rik Battaglia is sent by the king of France to the Spanish border, to protect the heirs to the throne who are staying in a majestic and imposing Medieval castle-fortress (a cinegenic structure that is photographed from all angles), but soon the struggle between Spaniards and Arabs controls the proceedings and Chelo discovers she is not what she thought she was. She does not dance this time, leaving the choreography to Liana Orfei, who plays a beautiful fortune-teller gypsy called Jitana. It does not take too long for the villains to die, for the lovers' reunion, and for a bit of religious debate, to reach the happy ending.
4 Reviews
Enjoyable peplum romp
PeplumParadise2 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
With perennial bridesmaid Battaglia the nominal star, a virtual who's who of peplums finest supporting players are given their chance to shine (and it should be noted this film is missing from many CV's on the IMDb).
There must have been some mix-up in the casting department the day that Chelo Alonso was cast as an Arab princess while Liana Orfei was given the role of a feisty Spanish dancer, but casting curiosities aside this is a highly enjoyable romp, with the unimportant plot having something to do with battles between French nobility, Spanish gypsies and Arabian infidels.
Anyone who studied Othello at school may be somewhat confused by a distinct lack of moors!
The (rather posh) English language version available from Atlas Visuals has been dubbed on top of, rather than in place of, the Italian original, giving the effect that there are constantly people talking in the background, amusing at first but it does begin to grate after awhile (adding to the confusion the opening credits are in German!).
There must have been some mix-up in the casting department the day that Chelo Alonso was cast as an Arab princess while Liana Orfei was given the role of a feisty Spanish dancer, but casting curiosities aside this is a highly enjoyable romp, with the unimportant plot having something to do with battles between French nobility, Spanish gypsies and Arabian infidels.
Anyone who studied Othello at school may be somewhat confused by a distinct lack of moors!
The (rather posh) English language version available from Atlas Visuals has been dubbed on top of, rather than in place of, the Italian original, giving the effect that there are constantly people talking in the background, amusing at first but it does begin to grate after awhile (adding to the confusion the opening credits are in German!).
Adequate swashbuckler
Leofwine_draca3 May 2022
A typical Italian costume adventure of the period, set in and around a picturesque medieval castle on the French/Spanish border. The hero is a dashing Rik Battaglia, called in to restore order when the the sinister Moors attack. Expect the usual glamorous Italian actresses propping up the scenery, political intrigue, and a bit of derring-do along the way.
Attack of the moors
coltras3521 January 2024
Rik Battaglia is sent by the king of France to the border with Spain, where the heirs to the throne are staying in a majestic and imposing Medieval castle-fortress (a cinegenic structure that is photographed from all angles), but soon the struggle between Spaniards and Arabs control the proceedings and Chelo discovers she is not what she thought she was.
A typical Italian adventure with an adequate amount of swordplay, riding around, treachery and betrayal and secrets - the castle set piece is interesting with a secret passageway. It's fairly routine but certain things are interesting like the religious differences, the truth of Chelo Alonso's birthright. It's not too bad, but nothing earth shattering.
A typical Italian adventure with an adequate amount of swordplay, riding around, treachery and betrayal and secrets - the castle set piece is interesting with a secret passageway. It's fairly routine but certain things are interesting like the religious differences, the truth of Chelo Alonso's birthright. It's not too bad, but nothing earth shattering.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
