Run Time - 1:27:34 File Size - 239mb

Title - Ursus in the Land of Fire
Starring - Ed Fury, Claudia Mori, Adriano Micantori, Luciana Gilli, Pietro Ceccarelli, Giuseppe Addobati
Directed by - Giorgio Simonelli
Producer(s) - Giuseppe Fatigati
Screenwriter(s) - Marcello Ciorciolini, Luciano Martino

Review

This is a film that is truly far superior to many of the films produced during this time period. If you’re a fan of Hercules films, you definitely will not want to miss this one. Ed Fury, with his handsome good looks and tremendous personal flair, portrays the main character as Hercules (Ursus). Although several scenes reveal our hero being tortured in horrific ways, we can rest assured that he will eventually overcome his captors (being the hero is never easy, just ask Officer McLane).

Several impressive and rather imaginative sets, which are actually indoor sets, provide the backdrop for exciting adventure scenes. They are definitely a cut above many of the scenes that are far too frequently the stock of many such films. In every regard, this film manages to rise above the average comparable film of this time period and genre; featuring numerous physical challenges and tests that prove Ursus’ ingenuity and fully demonstrate Fury’s physical strength.

With rich visuals, Fury’s status as a major star of this genre, strong credentials from co-writer Luciano Martino, beautiful photography and a truly interesting set design, this is a sure fire winner for the viewer. 

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Title - The Two Gladiators
Starring - Richard Harrison, Moira Orfei, Mimmo Palmara, Alberto Farnese, Piero Lulli, Ivey Holzer, Peter White, Giuliano Gemma
Directed by - Richard McNamara (Eng.), Mario Caiano
Producer(s) - uncredited
Screenwriter(s) - Mario Amendola, Alfonso Brescia

Review

This highly entertaining film is based on an interesting storyline in which an emperor, Commodus, who ruled Rome from 180-192 AD, used to occasionally fight as a gladiator. While in real life, Commodus’ twin brother actually died early on, in this theatric version, the twin survives and manages to grow up unbeknownst to the ruler.

After emperor Mark Aurel dies, his son Commodus succeeds him to the throne and quickly becomes a despot. A loyal senator, Tarrunio, sets out to locate the new emperor’s twin brother, whom he had once been ordered to kill but actually saved. The twin brother, Centurio Crassus, is located and follows Tarrunio to Rome to put forth an effort to overthrow his evil brother who has become a cruel tyrant.

With excellent fight scenes and supporting roles provided by some of the most well known actors of this genre, including Piero Lulli and Alberto Farnese as the sinister advisors of the evil emperor, this is a film that will not disappoint in the least. 

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Run Time - 1:33:09 File Size - 259mb

Run Time - 1:27:28 File Size - 239mb

Title - Son of Samson
Starring - Mark Forest, Chelo Alonso, Feuerica Ranchi, Carlo Tamberlani, Nino Musco, Zvonimir Rogoz, Ignazio Dolce, Andrea Fantasia, Peter Dorric
Directed by - Carlo Campogalliani
Producer(s) - Samuel Schneider
Screenwriter(s) - Oreste Biancoli, Ennio de Concini

Review

Like many peplum films (see below), this movie features very interesting location photography and a different visual style that is quite exceptional. The film is set in 11th century BC Egypt, where that country is controlled at the time by the Persians who came to not only occupy the land, but also enslave the Egyptian people (after all, what good is all that land, if you don't have someone to cultivate it for you).

In a well intentioned effort, the pharaoh attempts to defend his people and is unfortunately killed. As a result, his rather evil and manipulative wife takes control and proceeds to try to sell out her own country. The pharoah’s son, Kenamun, immediately makes an effort to return home and try to straighten things out. However, he runs into Maciste (see Maciste in King Solomon's Mines), the Son of Samson (portrayed by Mark Forest), and this is where the plot really kicks into high gear and action.

As if this wasn’t enough of a plot to keep you held in your seat, there is also a subplot involving a rather mystical necklace. This necklace possesses the power to cause anyone who wears it to become a type of zombie that can be ordered around. There is also plenty of romance to go around as well. This film has it all, a unique setting, interesting visuals, the exciting presence of Mark Forest’s character and a very well honed female antagonist lead. All this combines to create a film that definitely goes above and beyond for the peplum genre.

(Reviewer aside - Since this word "peplum" is the best short description for certain types of films, I decided to help you with the best definition that I could find (what? you thought a space alien would know it's meaning). David Chapman, renowned historian of bodybuilding, defines "peplum film" as "any movie set in ancient times featuring a muscular, scantily-clad hero." The costuming of the hero varies; one shoulder may be exposed by his outfit, and he often goes shirtless. Names for the hero recur with numbing frequency -- Goliath, Ursus, Samson, Hercules, Maciste -- as do the predictable plots). 

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Title - Hero of Rome
Starring - Gordon Scott, Gabriella Pallotta, Massimo Serato, Gabriele Antonini, Maria Pia Conte, Roldano Lupi, Philippe Hersent
Directed by - Giorgio Ferroni
Producer(s) - Dorica Filon, Jacques Leitienne
Screenwriter(s) - Alberto Montanti, Antonio Visont

Review

An Italian peplum (see Son of Samson review) film of the highest regard, this is a film that you will want to add to your classic movie collection and watch time and time again. After their king, Tarquinius Superbus, is overthrown, Rome becomes a young republic. Tarquinius, portrayed by Massimo Serato, makes an attempt to regain his throne by utilizing the military assistance of the Etruscan king, Porsenna. The young Roman republic is meanwhile suffering from famine.

A crack soldier Murcius, portrayed by ex-Tarzan great Gordon Scott, manages to secure a supply of corn to provide sustenance for his fellow citizens and then decides to kill Porsenna. Unfortunately he kills the wrong man in the king’s camp and is captured. He goes on to prove his boldness; however, by voluntarily burning his own right hand in an open flame.

This sets the scene for much of the film which highlights Roman bravery and is interwoven with other heroic characters, including the Latin legend Cloelia, who becomes Murcius’ fiancée. This is a film that will leave you tottering on the edge of your seat in suspense. Cloelia eventually becomes a hostage in order to secure the peace with Porsenna but later manages to escape across the Tiber River (you have to know your geography).

With cinematography and a score that come from some of the most experienced artists of the peplum genre, well staged fight scenes, and impressive acting this is a grand epic film that you will remember for some time to come. 

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Run Time - 1:26:37 File Size - 238mb