I had fond memories of having seen this film on its release in 1961, when I would have been about 9 years old. It is a Spanish-Italian co-production with an American headliner (here, Rory Calhoun). This seems to be a start of a developing trend such as the later casting of Guy Madison and Clint Eastwood.
The production values are fine--this does not appear to be a cheap, hastily made film. The excellent art direction and choreography (in the banquet scenes) are first rate. However, I found the film to be incredibly gory, much more than I recalled. All such period pieces have such elements. A film in which an action hero is tied up and menaced is commonplace. But this film had repeated and extended scenes of torture. Such as one in which captives were tortured by having acid dropped on them. Perhaps it is merely a sign of changing tastes and sensitivities.
The production values are fine--this does not appear to be a cheap, hastily made film. The excellent art direction and choreography (in the banquet scenes) are first rate. However, I found the film to be incredibly gory, much more than I recalled. All such period pieces have such elements. A film in which an action hero is tied up and menaced is commonplace. But this film had repeated and extended scenes of torture. Such as one in which captives were tortured by having acid dropped on them. Perhaps it is merely a sign of changing tastes and sensitivities.