Not quite a decade after his last big smash hit ("Shahw"), Alan Ladd ends up over in sword and sandal country for this historical epic that in spite of its flaws I found quite enjoyable and certainly better than many other "gladiator" movies. It is set several centuries before Rome created its Empire when the city was at constant war with neighboring city Alba Longa. They both believe by right they should be the ones to rule, as constant references to Romulus and Remus from each of them indicates their justification for the desire for power. There are romantic conflicts as some of the royal Romans are in love with Albans, and this creates tension between the two ruling families. Ladd plays the legendary Roman Horatius who is in love with a wonan from Alba Longa, and that is the subject of conflict of this movie in addition to the two cities.
I found this an interesting historical document about life in ancient Italy long before the Caesars and conflicts that ended up with Rome ruling the world. Robert Keith plays the Roman king (so there was no republic at this time which was a conflict brought about in later films about ancient Rome and the rule of emperors), and along with Ladd, they are the only two non-European actors in this film. Lots of action sequences with sword fights oh, and one particular horrifying battle involving falling boulders that are on fire. Good sets aide in the period, although they are obviously standing sets that would be utilized over and over along with the costumes. But this is an ambitious project, obviously done on a higher budget, and while certainly cliched and not as opulent as American epics about the Roman history, still is a pleasant look back and made me feel satisfied with the 90 minutes I spent on it.
I found this an interesting historical document about life in ancient Italy long before the Caesars and conflicts that ended up with Rome ruling the world. Robert Keith plays the Roman king (so there was no republic at this time which was a conflict brought about in later films about ancient Rome and the rule of emperors), and along with Ladd, they are the only two non-European actors in this film. Lots of action sequences with sword fights oh, and one particular horrifying battle involving falling boulders that are on fire. Good sets aide in the period, although they are obviously standing sets that would be utilized over and over along with the costumes. But this is an ambitious project, obviously done on a higher budget, and while certainly cliched and not as opulent as American epics about the Roman history, still is a pleasant look back and made me feel satisfied with the 90 minutes I spent on it.