Noble gladiator Rezio (a fine and engaging performance by the handsome Richard Harrison) gets freed by evil emperor Rabirio (a nicely smug and hateful Leo Anchoriz) and put in charge of an army. When Rezio learns of Rabirio's cruelty towards slaves, he joins a rebel army to overthrow the wicked tyrant. Directors Alberto Martino and Antonio Mompley, working from a tight and eventful script, relate the compelling story at a snappy pace, keep the lulls to an admirable minimum, and stage the plentiful action scenes with real lively and exciting brio (for example, the movie opens with some absolutely brutal to-the-death arena combat). Both the rough'n'ready swordfights and vigorous battle set pieces deliver the stirring goods, with the rousing last reel revolt rating as an especially tasty highlight. The serious tone, suitably harsh violence, Carlo Franci's robust, roaring score, and welcome dearth of any distracting campy humor are further assets to the picture's overall sound quality. Better still, the acting from a capable cast is uniformly solid: Harrison makes for a strong and impressive hero, Anchoriz likewise does well as a wholly detestable villain, plus there are sturdy supporting turns by Isabelle Corey as the fiery Sira, Livio Lorenzon as honorable gladiator trainer and master Ito, Jose Marco as Rezio's loyal friend Vibio, Antonio Molino Rojo as Rabirio's wicked partner Euclante, and Edoardo Nevola as sweet, impressionable little boy prince Dario. A fun and entertaining picture.
Review of The Invincible Gladiator
The Invincible Gladiator
(1961)
A really enjoyable Italian muscleman movie
26 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers