Title: Gladiator of Rome Year: 1962 Director: Mario Costa Production Companies: Compagnia Internazionale Realizzazioni Artistiche Cinematografiche (CIRAC), Giorgio Agliani Cinematografica Runtime: 100 minutes (Italy), 105 minutes (U.S.) Country: Italy Language: Italian (dubbed in English for international release) Format: Color, Eastmancolor, 2.35:1 aspect ratio, mono sound Genres: Historical Adventure, Peplum (Sword-and-Sandal), Action --- Synopsis: Set during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, Gladiator of Rome follows Marcus, a warrior who becomes entangled in political intrigue when he protects Nista, a slave girl who is secretly a princess. As Marcus is forced into the gladiatorial arenas, he must fight for his life and for justice against the oppressive Roman regime. The film combines elements of action, romance, and political drama, characteristic of the peplum genre. --- Cast: Gordon Scott as Marcus Wandisa Guida as Nista Roberto Risso as Valerio Jr. Ombretta Colli as Aglae Alberto Farnese as Vezio Rufo Gianni Solaro as Macrinus Charles Borromel as Anio Piero Lulli as Astarte Mirko Ellis as Frasto Pietro De Vico as Pompilio Nando Tamberlani as Valerio's Father Andrea Aureli as Settimio Raf Baldassarre as Gladiator Eleonora Vargas as Prisca Miranda Campa as Porzia --- Production Notes: Directed by Mario Costa, a filmmaker known for his work in the peplum genre, Gladiator of Rome was produced during the height of Italy's sword-and-sandal film era. The film was shot in Eastmancolor, providing vibrant visuals that enhance the historical setting. The screenplay was co-written by Gian Paolo Callegari and Giuseppe Mariani, who infused the narrative with themes of honor, resistance, and personal sacrifice. --- Legacy: While not as internationally renowned as some of its contemporaries, Gladiator of Rome remains a notable entry in the peplum genre. It showcases Gordon Scott's transition from his earlier roles as Tarzan to more diverse characters in historical epics. The film reflects the era's fascination with ancient Rome and the enduring appeal of stories centered around gladiators and imperial intrigue. --- Trivia: The film is also known by the alternative title Battles of the Gladiators in the United Kingdom. Gordon Scott, who plays Marcus, was previously known for his portrayal of Tarzan in several films during the 1950s. The film's music was composed by Carlo Franci, contributing to the dramatic and epic atmosphere. Gladiator of Rome was part of a wave of Italian historical adventure films that gained popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The movie was released in the United States in 1963, a year after its Italian debut. --- Curated Hashtags: #GladiatorOfRome #GordonScott #MarioCosta #PeplumCinema #SwordAndSandal #ItalianCinema #1960sFilms #HistoricalAdventure #Eastmancolor #RomanEmpire #ClassicAction #CinemaHistory #EpicDrama #AncientRome #CultClassic