Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Vittorio Gassman | ... | Brancaleone da Norcia | |
Catherine Spaak | ... | Matelda | |
Folco Lulli | ... | Pecoro | |
Gian Maria Volontè | ... | Teofilatto dei Leonzi | |
Maria Grazia Buccella | ... | Vedova | |
Carlo Pisacane | ... | Abacuc | |
Ugo Fangareggi | ... | Mangold | |
Gianluigi Crescenzi | ... | Taccone | |
![]() |
Alfio Caltabiano | ... | Arnolfo Mano-di-ferro |
![]() |
Pippo Starnazza | ... | Piccioni |
![]() |
Luigi Sangiorgi | ... | Manuc |
![]() |
Fulvia Franco | ... | Luisa |
Tito García | ... | Filuccio (as Pablo Tito Garcia) | |
![]() |
Joaquín Díaz | ... | Guccione |
Luis Induni | ... | Luigi di Sangi |
A group of rogues steal a scroll granting its bearer the property of the land of Aurocastro in Apulia (south of Italy). They elect a shaggy knight, Brancaleone from Norcia, as their leader, and decide to get possession of this supposedly wealthy land. Many adventures will occurr during the journey. Written by Stefano Bartolozzi <stefano@sbcweb.com>
I take the risk of annoying most people but it must be said: in order to get the full flavour of the fun in this movie you should have a really good knowledge of the Italian language, and view the film in original. It is hard even for an Italian to understand some of the dialogues, while they rapidly switch from Gassman's impeccable proto-Italian with strong Latin influences (spoken in such a serious manner as to result irresistibly comic), to Abacuc's Jewish version thereof, to the other characters' strong rural poor-man's accent.
In this movie, and in the delectable sequel "Brancaleone alle Crociate", Gassman is at the top of his skill as an actor. This is somehow like acting the "Fifteen Minutes Hamlet" without even remotely smiling, but giving a serious, professional performance. Only someone who is truly great can do the buffoon like this without appearing histrionic, or ridiculous.