Il ritorno del gladiatore più forte del mondo (1971)

Tullius Valerius -- a Proconsul of Rome, circa 310 A.D. -- fears that a provincial governor named Gaius Appius Quintillianus has been secretly working with those Germanic barbarians seeking... See full summary »

Director:

Bitto Albertini

Writer:

Bitto Albertini

Stars:

Brad Harris, Massimo Serato, Raf Baldassarre

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Brad Harris	...	Marzio
Massimo Serato	...	Caio Appio Quintilliano (as John Barracuda)
Raf Baldassarre	...	The Fox
Michel Lemoine	...	Sevio
Maria Pia Conte	...	Licia
Adler Gray	...	Diana
Margaret Rose Keil	...	Caio Appio's Sister
Paolo Rosani	...	Claudio
Alberto Farnese	...	Tullio Valerio (as Albert Farley)
Attilio Dottesio	...	Manlio, Licia's Father (as Attilio D'Ottesio)
Carla Mancini	...	Christian Woman in Catacombs
Filippo Perego	...	Diana's Father
Sergio Serafini	...	A Soldier

Storyline

Tullius Valerius -- a Proconsul of Rome, circa 310 A.D. -- fears that a provincial governor named Gaius Appius Quintillianus has been secretly working with those Germanic barbarians seeking to end Roman rule. Valerius elevates Marcus, a gladiator turned soldier, to the post of Vice Proconsul with orders to go "undercover" to investigate this situation. Marcus selects two friends, fellow soldier Claudius and pickpocket Volcan, to accompany him into Gaius' territory. In this territory lives Lycia, daughter of Manlius and the beloved of Marcus. Gaius soon learns of Marcus's plans, thanks to the evil Stovius. Gaius kills Manlius and blames the crime on Marcus. Lycia turns against Marcus whom Gaius condemns to be pulled apart by teams of horses. Marcus survives this "Test of Strength" as reinforcements arrive from Rome. Gaius dies in battle, Claudius reunites with his Christian girlfriend, Diana, and an enlightened Lycia welcomes Marcus back with open arms.

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Plot Keywords:

battle | tavern | arrow in back | dancing girl | arena | 

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Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

13 August 1971 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Return of the Gladiator

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lea Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Caio Appio's Sister: What about Marcus?
Caio Appio Quintilliano: I've taken care of that. He's to be executed tomorrow at daybreak.
Caio Appio's Sister: My, you're in a hurry to kill him, aren't you. That's not like you, brother dear. In a few days everyone celebrates the Feast of Fire, you know. I think we should make him go through the Trial of Strength. I remember when you used to enjoy that sort of thing.
Caio Appio Quintilliano: I must say that's a good idea. In any case, nobody has ever survived it. I'll suspend the execution. That way, you'll have more time for your, shall we ...

User Reviews

A minor historical drama with points of interest

Those "sword and sandal" movies which came out of Italy in the wake of Steve Reeves' "Hercules" might be divided into two categories. There are the mythological movies which include gods and goddesses, fanciful beasts, magic potions, and heroes of superhuman strength; then there are the historical movies which simply tell "action" stories set during the days of ancient Greece and Rome. Falling into the latter category is this movie which, on videotape, is also known as "Three Giants from Rome" and "Three Giants of the Roman Empire." Its hero is not a demi-god such as Hercules but rather a gallant soldier known as Marcus whose battles are not against fire-breathing dragons but rather against political enemies in the year 310 A.D. As a historical drama this movie has promise but it's badly marred, (at least in videotape prints which seem to be missing bits of footage), by unwanted touches of slapstick comedy and by a confused geography which often has the viewer wondering just where various scenes take place. In Rome itself, on the Empire's northeastern frontiers, or somewhere in between? What's more, the movie's final battle scene merely pads out the running time without adding significant interest to the story. On the plus side must be counted handsome, blue-eyed Brad Harris -- one of the best of the Steve Reeves' wannabe's -- who lends strength and substance to a part barely deserving of his efforts. While the script doesn't endow him with superhuman powers, it does subject him to one of those "beefcake-bondage" ordeals which are hallmarks of the sword-and-sandal genre. Stripped to loincloth and boots and tied between two pairs of horses, Harris -- looking great at age 37 -- is stretched like the proverbial wishbone for more than a full minute but he does not snap and this scene -- along with similar ones involving Steve Reeves in "Goliath and the Barbarians," Reg Park in "Maciste in King Solomon's Mines," and Kirk Morris in "Triumph of the Son of Hercules" -- is a classic.