Terror of the Red Mask

The basic plot here involves the overthrow of a tyrannical ruler. However, the story-line soon expands to include a romantic triangle which, along with various comic diversions and a few court intrigues, results in a "busy" movie that works better in parts than as a whole.

Though Lex Barker seems a bit out of place in these surroundings, he makes a stalwart presence and still, at about age 40, has the physique to carry off a scene in which he's whipped across his bare back while chained in a dungeon. (Strange -- the floggers really carry out their task with enthusiasm, but no matter how often they lash their victim's back, the number of bloody gashes on his skin appears to remain the same!) This flogging ranks 22nd in the book, "Lash! The Hundred Great Scenes of Men Being Whipped in the Movies."

Chelo Alonso as the fiery Gypsy and Liana Orfei as the lord's demure niece make attractively contrasting rivals for Barker's affections with Alonso leaving the stronger impression.

Livio Lorenzon plays the villainous lord in high style, delivering such delicious lines as, "Put him in the dungeon and whip him till there's no skin left on him," and "If he won't speak, he can scream."