I am a huge Alan Ladd ( Horatio) fan, and this late movie of his, is not one of his better efforts. What is wrong about the movie? Ladd is obviously out of shape and you can see the signs of alcoholism like we saw in late Errol Flynn films. Next, the music is creepy and is more fitting for a Vincent Price movie then well a Dual Of Champions. I would also note the film is grainy and poorly photographed. What is good? The women are beautiful ( both Marcia the brunette who is Ladd's love and his sister the redhead). Of course I am a sucker for beautiful Italian women like Sophia Loren, Elsa Martinelli and Virna Lisi so they are up my alley. I will say there is one good acting performance and that belongs to Ladd ( although he was miscast). For those unfamiliar with the story it is about Romans ( Ladd's family) against Albas. There are three brothers on each side and whoever wins, the two countries are United on the winning brother's side. Five of the brother's are killed and the sister commits suicide. Care to guess who lives and gets the girl? Spoilers ahead; It is Ladd who with Marcia rides off into the sunset. I give it 4/10 stars. 1 for Ladd, 1 each for the ladies, and 1 for an effective scene with Ladd against wolves.
Review of Duel of Champions
