Duel of Champions (1961) User Reviews

Nice historical epic

[b_moviebuff · 6/10 · 7 July 2006]

Having read about but not seen I bought this movie on DVD and as the previous reviewer said the transfer is terrible, that is a real shame as this is one of the more enjoyable sword and sandal epics. The great movie writer Steven Shuerer said that Alan Ladd appeared rather foolish in this movie, I disagree, Ladd put's in a nice performance here as one of three Roman brothers who must fight a rival three to try and put an end to years of fighting with the Albans, I think how the film works is that most of the cast are speaking in English, not badly dubbed from Italian as most of these films are, agreed Ladd looks rather tired and the effects of his long term alcoholism are evident, but I don't think he got a good deal from reviewers who concentrated more on his size and his personal problems. I do wish the makers of these films would take more time to try and restore the movie to a better print on DVD, some of these Italian epics are highly regarded by their fans, myself included so in this day and age of digital restoration these things should be brought in by them.

Legendary event in which a duel between the Orazi and Curiazi brothers to solve who will govern Rome

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 7 May 2008]

In the ancient Rome , during the pre-Republic period , general Horatio (Alan Ladd) is wounded and imprisoned by Albanos and accused as cowardice by Romans. The prodigal Horacio fled and he has come home but the Romans distrust . Then Horacio is redeemed on the final confrontation . Then , a combat takes place in order to put an end to the long and bloody war between the Romans and the Albans . The king of Rome , Tulio Hostilio (Robert Keith) accords King of Alba-Longa a challenge between three members of Horatius family (Jacques Sernas , Ladd) and three brothers Albanos (Franco Fabrizi , among others). They fight a duel to decide who will rule . At the ending happens the fierce and lethal battle . This unforgettable heroic action was immortalized by French painter Louis David in the painting titled 'Under oath of the Horacios' .

This is a sword and sandals movie with action , adventures , fighting and based on legendary deeds in which three different brothers are chosen for each side : the Romans choose the Orazi and The Albans are represented by the Curiazi . The film shows difference between cultured Romans and savage and illiterate Albanos , but this question is historically contradictory . The Paramout star , Alan Ladd , was in frank decadence , he plays with apathy and indifference and acted without wage various weeks when the production was declared insolvency . After that , he played 'Carpetbaggers' and suddenly died by alcoholism . His sister Alana Ladd plays as Scilla . The screenplay is written by prestigious writers with future and important careers , such as : Carlo Lizzani , Guliano Montalvo and Luciano Vincenzoni (Sergio Leone's usual) . Spectacular musical score by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino (Peplum's habitual) . The film was directed by Terence Young and Ferdinando Baldi . Subsequently , Young directed successful James Bond films : ¨Bond vs Dr No¨ and ¨From Russia with love¨. In the Italian version only appears as filmmaker Ferdinando Baldi , he's an expert director of Peplum (Arminius , massacre in Black Forest , Son of Cleopatra , David and Goliath) and Spaghetti Western (Viva Django, Adios Texas).

The picture set during first Roman epoch with the king Tulio Hostilio. Formerly ruled Romulo and Numa Pompilio (events developed in 'Romulo and Remo' by Sergio Corbucci with Steve Reeves and Gordon Scott) , after succeeded the king Tarquino (deeds narrated in 'Mucius Scevola' by Giorgio Ferroni with Gordon Scott , also starring of 'Coroliano'). Other movies about the Roman pre-Republic , the Roman monarchy , are the followings : 'Kidnapping of Sabinas' (1961 , Richard Pottier with Jean Marais and Roger Moore) and 'Virgins of Rome' (1966, Vittorio Cottafavi with Louis Jordan) , among them.

DUEL OF CHAMPIONS (Ferdinando Baldi and, uncredited, Terence Young, 1961) **

[Bunuel1976 · 4/10 · 15 April 2006]

This international co-production tells of a "famous" duel between two sets of three brothers (one from each side of the Romans and the Barbarians) which was to decide the fate of the ongoing war between them. While the production values sounded promising on paper – co-director Terence Young, American actors Alan Ladd and Robert Keith (whose last film this turned out to be), French star Jacques Sernas, ex-Fellini alumnus Franco Fabrizi, four noteworthy screenwriters, etc – the film comes off as a rather talky and undernourished affair which cannot hope to do justice to its mythical subject.

A visibly tired Alan Ladd, then, is evidently miscast and seems to be playing his role as if he has just stepped in from the American West rather than being at the head of a Roman legion! The hokey, would-be tragic "Romeo and Juliet" subplot involving Ladd's sister and Barbarian Fabrizi doesn't help matters either; on the plus side, however, is a sequence early on where Ladd is teared at by a pack of hungry wolves and the forest hunt by the three barbarian brothers for Ladd (after having killed his two siblings) which rebounds on themselves – with our hero, naturally, emerging victorious at the end to walk off into the sunset with his beloved.

Interesting story of early Rome with a quality musical score

[heliopause · 31 March 2003]

While those of us interested in ancient stories and sword and sandals productions will find this story to be interesting, it falls short, well short, in production quality and script to be the epic it could have been.

The plot follows the story of one of the Orazi brothers of Rome, at war with Alba. This brother is accused of cowardice in battle and is captured by the Albans. He escapes, but is not warmly welcomed upon his return to Rome. After years of war, the Romans and Albans agree to decide the battle in a duel of 3 Roman brothers (the Orazi's) vs. 3 Alban brothers. In the end, this Orazi wins the day but the victory is bittersweet as displayed with his disgust for the need for killing.

What stands out is the epic musical score composed by Francesco Lavagnino at his peak. Clearly, the music is at a far different level than the movie, it elevates the story but cannot raise the production near to the realm of an epic. Still, it is a collectible for ancient movie fans. Available on budget DVD, the DVD transfer is terrible.

Rather tired and sad...

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 1 June 2009]

When this film begins, I found myself feeling a bit sad. Here is an alcoholic and puffy Alan Ladd towards the very end of his career playing in an ultra-low budget Italian sword and sandal epic. Alan Ladd?! In this sort of film?! For fans of this once charismatic actor, seeing him in the Roman garb fighting limply, it is hard to watch.

It seems that Ladd is the commander of a legion in the early days of Rome--long before the Roman republic and even longer before the legendary days of the Caesars. This Rome is a city-state and it is not THE player on the Italian peninsula, but one of several city-states. This film focuses on the war between Rome and nearby Alba. During the war, Ladd is taken prisoner and assumed a coward by the folks back in Rome. When he ultimately escapes and returns, he's reviled--so soon he leaves for a quiet life in the country. However, when Rome needs his services once again, Ladd is content to sit this one out--after all, what has Rome done for him?

In addition to having Ladd looking old and puffy, he also isn't all that much of a hero in this one. Unlike the stereotypical Roman soldier, he's more than willing to turn tail and run. And who's to blame him--as in this film his brilliant strategy ultimately pays off!

The film has a lot of problems. Some of it is due to the terrible quality of the print from Diamond Entertainment (a relatively unknown company for a rather forgotten film). It's both blurry AND grainy--like it was copied off a badly degraded videotape. Now you can't blame the film makers for this, but you can blame them for choosing a far from charismatic leading man (an American star in order to give this Italian film some class), having a mostly dull script and for just looking amazingly cheap throughout the film. In particular, you never really see Rome--just a wall that looks like it was made out of painted plywood. Overall, it's a film not a whole lot better than the Maciste (aka, Hercules or Atlas or Samson) films of the same era.

Dull and cheap and only recommended to those who insist on seeing all of Alan Ladd's films--even the bad ones.

OK movie creates sense of sadness

[sep1051 · 3/10 · 13 June 2003]

The story of this movie has been described here by others and suffice it to say I found the movie to be very average. I think the really memorable aspect was the chance to see Alan Ladd and Robert Keith at the end of their careers. Alan Ladd would go on to make two other movies before his untimely death at 50. Unfortunately, from this movie, it is clear that his personal and professional lives were in decline at this time. He appears sluggish and bloated with only the infrequent flashing of a smile to remind viewers of past glories. Although he plays a general his performance doesn't really command the screen. If you want to see him, in his later movies, I would suggest you pass this up and settle for his final role, in the Carpetbaggers, which shows much more bite. Secondly, this represented the final film in the long career of actor Robert Keith (here playing the King of Rome). Although, by modern standards, a relatively young man (63) when this movie was made, it would be his last before his death five years later. He appears very frail but conveys a strong sense of dignity and maintains a masterful diction. Perhaps, given the combination, a suitable finale for a character lead.

Alan Ladd Hits Rock Bottom

[bkoganbing · 1/10 · 26 November 2006]

The worst part about Orazi e Curiazi is that this might have been the best offer Alan Ladd was getting at this time and he took it for the money.

As he proved in The Black Knight which had much better production values, Alan Ladd had no business doing these ancient costume epics. He hasn't the flair for swashbucklers, what was Sue Carol thinking when she signed him for this role. Around this time people like Victor Mature and Cornel Wilde were doing some European type sword epics. but they were both good in the genre.

Ladd is one of three brothers selected by the King of Rome, Robert Keith to fight three brothers from Alba to see who's going to be the big Kahuna on the Italian peninsula. This was in the real ancient days before Rome became an Empire. Guess who winds up the winner.

What's even worse is that Ladd does not exactly triumph by means that would be consistent with these Italian sword and sandal epics. He's not terribly heroic here.

This film also turned out to be the farewell film for Robert Keith who was with Ladd eleven year earlier in Branded, a western and a much better film. Of course at that time Ladd was Paramount's number one action hero.

I can't say that this is for Alan Ladd fans only because I think his fans would be pained by the experience.

not bad...Alan Ladd could still act

[asinyne · 6/10 · 23 March 2014]

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Yeah Alan Ladd wasn't quite the handsome dashing hero of a few years earlier but I would imagine commanders in the Roman Legions back then weren't exactly Justin Beiber lookalikes so he fits the role pretty well. The plot has some interesting twists and the women were beautiful. The action scenes were better than average for an Italian epic...I've seen much worse. To be honest, these sword and sandal affairs are growing on me. They have a special charm all their own that's hard to define so I won't try. My advice, gird your loins, adjust your breastplate, and saddle up pardners for a good old Italian style western with a couple of familiar American faces thrown in for good measure!!! And remember, a sword is always loaded so be careful out there in weird movie land.

Miscasting at its Finest

[arthur_tafero · 2/10 · 7 August 2018]

There were several attempts at doing Roman Empire movies in the 50s and 60s. Several of them were good, and others were not so good. The tagline: "with a cast of thousands!" would often accompany these types of films. This one would have read: "with a cast of hundreds!" because it was obviously a low-budget film. Low-Budget films should not attempt epics. Alan Ladd, a fine actor, was horribly miscast in this one, and could not escape his cowboy persona. The whole film had almost all the soldiers as calvary, when historically, the opposite was true. It was the Roman LEGIONS, not calvary. The direction and screenplay was a mess; it was all over the place. The dialogue was unintentionally laughable, with the exception of one good line for the entire film "No man really understands a woman". But a film cannot hold up with one good line of dialogue. The female lead was some horse-faced woman who was supposed to be sexy. Every other woman in the film was better looking and sexier than she was. Let's not even mention the hilarious attempts at acting by most of the cast. This was an epic, all right; an epic disaster.

A multitude of action scenes lift this ordinary peplum

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 5 July 2016]

A middling, typical Italian peplum film from director Ferdinando Baldi. DUEL OF CHAMPIONS benefits greatly from a spectacular opening and a rousing finale, but kind of loses it in the middle part which verges occasionally on becoming dull. Thankfully, it never does become boring, a fact which is mainly due to the efforts of Alan Ladd, the film's American import. Ladd - although the victim of a spectacular piece of miscasting, it has to be said - brings warmth and charisma to his role of Horatius, the cowardly but ultimately victorious warrior who saves Rome. Although Ladd, at approximately 50 years of age, is really ten to fifteen years too old to play the heroic lead, he puts in a fine performance on which the film hinges. Things become enjoyable in his presence.

Things start off brilliantly with a well-choreographed battle scene, employing a large cast and enlivened by a thunderous, sweeping score. They continue in a good vein with a tense sequence in which Roman reinforcements are ambushed in a ravine and forced to fight to the death in a violent battle, where they are shot with arrows and burning grasses threaten to kill them! It's at this point we are introduced to Ladd, who, after a spectacular bit of sword fighting, is injured and captured by the Albans.

He's immediately marched off to their city, where incredibly the sight of wrestling women passes for entertainment (not just Mexico then...). At this point comes one of the film's best scenes, where Ladd is thrown into a pit and is forced to fight off three hunger-starved wolves. Although it's clear that Ladd is never in the same shot as the wolves, the fight scene is expertly staged and highly exciting, culminating in a surprisingly brutal shot of Ladd bludgeoning one of the beasts to death with a rock! After escaping into the care of some hermit-like folk who live in the nearby mountains, Ladd regains his strength and rejoins his people. Here the film slows down a gear, introducing an interesting but ultimately unnecessary subplot about two Romeo and Juliet-like characters who fall in love but are separated by being on either side of the two armies. Meanwhile, the two kings of the city try to keep the peace and devise a plan to reveal the true ruling army, while Ladd must come to terms with his wife marrying his brother (!) and also trying to regain the favour of his people.

Thankfully, all of this doesn't drag on too far, and once again events are thrust into high-gear with a fantastic bout of sword fighting at the film's close. Three brothers from either army must fight it out to the death and in the initial duel, the atmosphere is electric and as good as any gladiator film I've seen. Sadly, the fights seem simply to consist of two men clashing swords together and have very little imagination, a few props here and there certainly wouldn't have gone amiss. There's a short nighttime interlude in some atmospheric woods where Ladd destroys two of his pursuers in a cat and mouse game (his other two brothers having already been murdered). Finally, he goes one on one with the last soldier in a fun battle, the climax of which is pretty obvious but it's pretty exciting anyway.

The film looks impressive, with good sets and scenery and costumes, which make the budget look big even if it probably wasn't (with, I'm sure, much of the money going towards Ladd's own personal pay cheque). The supporting cast of Italians is fine, with some heroic young men for the female viewers and some beautiful young women for the men. Despite being a pretty forgettable movie, this does throw up some interesting ideas and has strength in characterisation, unlike a number of similar peplums which are all-action and no depth. Ladd's presence is also a definite plus for this reviewer. Enjoyable.

Above average for peplum. Mediocre but watchable as a historical epic.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 17 March 2022]

Not quite a decade after his last big smash hit ("Shahw"), Alan Ladd ends up over in sword and sandal country for this historical epic that in spite of its flaws I found quite enjoyable and certainly better than many other "gladiator" movies. It is set several centuries before Rome created its Empire when the city was at constant war with neighboring city Alba Longa. They both believe by right they should be the ones to rule, as constant references to Romulus and Remus from each of them indicates their justification for the desire for power. There are romantic conflicts as some of the royal Romans are in love with Albans, and this creates tension between the two ruling families. Ladd plays the legendary Roman Horatius who is in love with a wonan from Alba Longa, and that is the subject of conflict of this movie in addition to the two cities.

I found this an interesting historical document about life in ancient Italy long before the Caesars and conflicts that ended up with Rome ruling the world. Robert Keith plays the Roman king (so there was no republic at this time which was a conflict brought about in later films about ancient Rome and the rule of emperors), and along with Ladd, they are the only two non-European actors in this film. Lots of action sequences with sword fights oh, and one particular horrifying battle involving falling boulders that are on fire. Good sets aide in the period, although they are obviously standing sets that would be utilized over and over along with the costumes. But this is an ambitious project, obviously done on a higher budget, and while certainly cliched and not as opulent as American epics about the Roman history, still is a pleasant look back and made me feel satisfied with the 90 minutes I spent on it.

Alan Ladd going through strenuous trials and ordeals as an unwilling hero for Rome

[clanciai · 9/10 · 21 May 2018]

This is not a film you should miss if you are an admirer of Alan Ladd, although this was one of his last films and he is rather tired; but he makes a startling performance as the outcast, one of three brothers who are the main champions of Rome, banished for assumed cowardice - he is never allowed to state his case or defend himself against the alleged charges. His voice is already marked by the cancer he died of a few years later at only 50, and the impression he creates by his character is of deep melancholy - he is rather an anti-hero than a hero, although he ultimately manages all his challenges.

It's not a great or important film, but it's one of the best Peplums - there is a great variety of Peplums of very second rate quality, all dealing with ancient times in Greece or Rome, often with mythological subjects and always with great fights and stylish monumentality. In this film the quality is further enhanced and lifted forth by the excellent music, one of Lavagnino's best. So if you can endure the hardships of various laborious Peplums, this should come in as a healthy change with a different and more earnest string moving the heart.

Interesting Depiction of Roman Empire (No Spoilers)

[dishlady69 · 7/10 · 21 May 2018]

Obviously we know historically how things turn out in the Roman-Alban conflict, so that element of the plot is obvious. Costumes and sets are very well prepared and the musical score is fairly good. Great job casting Alan Ladd. The supporting cast is also quite good. It's the story of the brothers that is quite moving and lends a unique touch to this film (no spoilers, go watch the movie for yourselves). The film quality on the version I saw was a little low-resolution and with subtitles, but I believe that there's a fairly decent English translation available here through IMDB.

Routine Stuff, Nothing Special

[Rainey-Dawn · 2/10 · 20 January 2017]

Romans and the Albans both have been loosing way to many men in battles. 3 brothers from each are chosen in the end to fight to the death in one final battle to settle the dispute but it doesn't quite go as planned.

This is rather drab film. Routine peplum with nothing special to add to the genre, it only gives us one more history peplum to throw into the mix - and a very bland account of it.

Cheers for the costuming and prop eye-candy, boo for the tedious way of telling us the story.

2/10

A tired lad

[dbdumonteil · 25 December 2007]

Alan Ladd seems exhausted during the whole movie.It is a wonder he can escape from the wolf pit and then defeat Curiazio in the final duel.His features thickened and he was only the ghost of the dashing hero of the brilliant westerns of the fifties .Most of the time ,he does not seem to care about his family,his love and the plot.

This is a well-known story:Pierre Corneille wrote one of his most famous tragedies "Horace" in 1640 about the Roman legend.The writers did the same here,but it seems that their job was not as good as in the contemporary "Romolo e Remo" .(Publius)Horatio is away most of the time and no actor on the screen can generate excitement or interest.Only the scene in the woods when Horatio defeats two of the Curiazi retains some suspense ,not unlike that Terence Young will use later in "Wait Until dark" .Horatio's sister who falls in love at first sight with the "enemy" is not killed by his brother after the victory ,as in the legend!She commits suicide .Now Tullius will reign over the two towns ,Rome and Albe .

As for Alan Ladd,he was to pass away three years after,but it's better to consider "the carpetbaggers" -albeit a movie of average worth- his swansong:he easily outclassed the rest of the cast in that film with his part of an old actor down on his luck.

Not as bad as you might think!

[microx96002 · 5/10 · 6 March 2021]

Decent Roman sword and sandal epic, a bit of an international effort with an American star, British director and an Italian production. Alan Ladd acquits himself well enough, I had doubts about seeing him in a Roman toga, he looks more convincing than John Wayne as Genghis Khan (not that, that would be difficult!)

Late Ladd

[januszlvii · 4/10 · 24 June 2023]

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.

Horrible

[oneofmanyangels · 1/10 · 23 December 2022]

Murphy was too old and overweight for this movie. He looked like he was going to drop over dead.

There really is not any saving grace to this film. Bad Plot, bad acting, bad visual effects. The battle scenes were particularity bad. No historic accuracy at all.

The love plots, well, they were horrible too. They made no sense and there was no emotional connection that made any sense.

I am not sure where this was filmed, but it looked more like a Western in ancient costumes.

I will say, that the best part of the movie is where it says "The End". It was a joyous relief that this tragedy of a film had come to an end.

Duel of Champions (Movies Unlimited DVD-R)

[trimbolicelia · 6/10 · 19 February 2018]

Fair early 60's Italian-made, English-dubbed Sword-and-Sandal film starring Alan Ladd. Supposedly a historic episode in the early days of Rome about the battle for dominance of the land. Alan Ladd is the hero, first reviled erroneously by his people, then cheered as a champion for the Romans. Typical of the genre, but kind of boring. These films are better when there are monsters to battle. Alan Ladd, sadly, looks tired and old. He obviously took this role because he needed the work. He's really not the ancient history hero type. The DVD-R I obtained is very good quality. Probably the best available. Recommended for fans of this genre.

interesting subject, mediocre execution

[myriamlenys · 5/10 · 28 March 2020]

Rome is just beginning to turn into a power to be reckoned with. However, its war against Alba drags on and on : the Romans may be warlike, tenacious and proud, but exactly the same can be said of the inhabitants of Alba. Meanwhile hundreds of brave young men - the flower and future of their nations - die on the battlefield, while the general population suffers and commerce and agriculture dwindle. In despair, both kings decide to consult the gods...

This movie deals with a subject known to all lovers of Roman history and myth, to wit the champions' fight between the Horatii and the Curatii brothers. It's a bold, interesting subject but the movie isn't entirely up to the task. For some reason or another, the various makers of the movie found it difficult to direct, stage, choreograph and/or film scenes of battles and fighting. This does not make for the most rousing of movies, especially since much of the action involves battles or fighting. The acting too isn't anything to write home about, although both Alan Ladd and Robert Keith - to give them their due - work honestly for their paycheck.

The movie also glosses over some of the darker aspects of the Horatii versus Curatii episode. You will notice that, near the end, a woman commits suicide out of grief over the death of her beloved. In the Roman tale, she is killed by her brother, for crying over a private sorrow during a day of triumph for her people. (And her brother, as a result, finds himself into some very hot water indeed.)

The story itself, of course, remains relevant to this day. More than 2500 years ago, some people seem to have come to the conclusion that it's no use waging war, if waging war implies a collective death from violence, hunger and disease. As a result the outcome of the conflict was decided by a duel between two sets of brothers, who acted as champions for their nations. Compare and contrast to the present day, where the stocks of many a powerful country contain enough weapons to wipe out all life on the planet - several times over.

Finally the movie proves, once again, that the male warrior dress of the ancient Greeks and Romans had a polarising effect. If you had a well-proportioned and well-trained body, you looked like a god amongst men ; if you did not have a well-proportioned and well-trained body, you looked like a fool or a weakling. For all I know, this may have acted as an instant fitness test...

Duel of the Champions

[coltras35 · 6/10 · 26 December 2023]

A duel takes place in order to put an end to the long and bloody war between the Romans and the Albans. Three valiant brothers are chosen for each side. The Romans choose three brothers: the Orazi. The Albans are represented by the Curiazi.

Alan Ladd plays Horatio, a Roman general fighting in a war against the Albans. In battle, Horatio tries to lead a small party of soldiers on a guerrilla flanking maneuver. When the Romans are defeated, he is accused of having fled the battlefield. Of course, he returns to fight with his brothers against the Albans, but only after some drama.

Yes, Alan Ladd looks tired and puffy-eyed, and maybe someone else could've been chosen for the lead, but he acts quite well, his tired looks fits the world-weariness and dejectedness his character feels. After all, he accused of cowardliness, loses his love to his brother - his scenes with the character who plays his former girlfriend is well-emoted. The supporting cast is very good, especially Robert Keith ( father of Brian) as the intelligent and weary emperor.

The tone of this peplum is serious, it has a certain glumness and expresses the futility of war - but it also has some decent battle scenes such as in the beginning around the mountain and in the last twenty minutes. It's not a bad film, it has more drama than action, and the story idea is really good, it just needed a sharper screenplay and more liveliness. It lacks that punch, that's all, but its drama is decent.

Where's the beef?

[Poseidon-3 · 26 January 2006]

Ordinarily, sword and sandal epics such as this require a tall, virile, heroic, muscle-bound lead at the helm. Perhaps the filmmakers were going for something different... and they succeeded. The result is a middling-at-best piece of forgettable, low-budget celluloid. As the story begins, Rome and Alba are locked into a long, costly war which neither side seems to be fully capable of winning. Ladd, a commander in the Roman army, falls from grace when he is captured after a battle and not killed. His brother marries his intended bride and plans to run the city of Rome once the present ruler Keith is dead. Eventually, however, the opposing forces realize the futility of the constant warring and decide to place their fates in one solitary battle. Each side must present a trio of brothers. They will fight each other (in the title event) until one side loses all three and the to the victor goes the upper ruling hand. So Ladd is asked to return to Rome and help win his city's independence. Meanwhile his sister has inexplicably fallen in love with one of the opposing brothers following their temporary kidnapping of her! It's an understatement to say that Ladd is miscast here. At 5-1/2 feet tall and 48 years-old (but looking much older), he hardly brings to mind the hearty, powerful type that this role calls for. Besides, his decidedly 20th century hair and nicotine-infused voice, with it's patently mid-western accent, undo any hope of period verisimilitude. He appears to be trying to suggest strength and skill in the fight scenes, but they're nearly all done in close-up so that his grimaces can take the place of any actual physical exertion. The rest is handled by stunt men. This just wasn't his milieu. His daughter appears in the film as well, but her acting career never really materialized. Keith (who makes Ladd look younger by comparison) does a decent enough job, but this is hardly a prestigious end to his lengthy career. A few notable scenes include Ladd's tussle with a trio of wolves and his deep woods dispatching of his opponents (however, wouldn't a true warrior have stood and fought in the appointed battle area and not run off into the trees in order to trap his enemies?) Viewers will also note the preposterously top-heavy (and not exactly easily hidden!) helmets of some of the Alban troops. Fans of Ladd may enjoy this more (and there appears to be a version twenty minutes longer than the currently circulated 85 minute copy), but most gladiator movie fans will feel that something is left wanting.