La battaglia di Maratona (1959)

User Rating:

4.9/10   

Director:

Jacques Tourneur

Writers:

Alberto Barsanti (story)
Ennio De Concini (writer)

Release Date:

25 May 1960 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | War

Tagline:

Spectacle! Grandeur! Glory!

Plot:

A Greek soldier leads the fight against an invading Persian army.

Plot Keywords:

Persian | Athens | Peplum | Catapult | Ancient Greece

Cast

Steve Reeves	...	Phillipides
Mylène Demongeot	...	Andromeda, Creuso's daughter
Sergio Fantoni	...	Teocrito
Daniela Rocca	...	Karis
Philippe Hersent	...	Callimaco
Alberto Lupo	...	Milziade
Daniele Vargas	...	Dario, King of Persia
Miranda Campa	...	Andromeda's handmaid
Gianni Loti	...	Teucro
Anita Todesco	...	Andromeda's friend
Ivo Garrani	...	Creuso
Sergio Ciani	...	Euros
Franco Fantasia
Carlo Lombardi
Ignazio Balsamo

Also Known As:

Giant of Marathon (USA)
La bataille de Marathon (France)
The Giant Marathon (Philippines: English title)

Runtime:

90 min | Italy:92 min (director's cut)

Country:

Italy | France

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-16

Filming Locations:

Centralni Filmski Studio Kosutnjak, Belgrade, Serbia

Company:

Galatea Film

Trivia:

This became yet another film in which director of photography Mario Bava had to step in as director (uncredited). Galatea Film decided to finally reward Bava by giving him a chance to develop his own project which he would direct. This led to the production of La maschera del demonio (1960), which began Bava's career as a solo director.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Film Crew: The Giant of Marathon (2007) (V)

Ravishing Valentine to Steve Reeves

This is the ultimate tribute to Steve Reeve's phenomenal male beauty, captured in all its glory at the peak of his powers in l959. "Giant of Marathon" is given an exhilarating beginning with the powerful music score of Roberto Nicolosi, whose symphonic theme, underscores a nearly naked Reeves in brief scenes that showcase his power in the beginning of this vastly entertaining swords and sandals saga. When he swims towards the camera and comes up for air, the music swells and we see a rare glimpse of Reeves laughing. In another snippet, he's shown wrestling with another athlete and both are clad in very brief white loin clothes. It's sexual connotations is definitely there but Reeves looks so god-like you can't imagine him doing anything so earthy as coupling with another handsome jock. Throughout the running time, Reeves magnificent torso and charisma are given the star treatment, especially in the final portion where he and his warriors swim underwater to sabotage the enemy. In their flimsy briefs, this proves to be a beefcake bonanza, featuring not only Reeves but numerous handsome Italian extras. Mario Bava and Jacques Tourneur directed this classic adventure tale with Bava also responsible for the outstanding photography. From this film, he was launched into his legendary series of horror classics, creating such classics as "Kill, Baby, Kill," "Black Sabbath" and others. Reeves is beardless in this adventure and it adds to his boyish charm. At the beginning, he is crowned with a wreath of olive leaves and wearing only his loin cloth, his incredible torso is displayed in all its glory. If you're a Steve Reeves fan--which I definitely am--you might also explore the series of muscle man moveis made by Reeves American cohort, Lou Degni, re-named Mark Forest from the Bronx and a Mr. America winner. His physique is also stunning with a handsome face and acting ability to go with it. "Giant of Marathon" should be restored to its full technicolor glory. Even more than "Hercules Unchained," this is the Steve Reeves movie that fully exploits his extraordinary beauty.