The US title of this movie - "Amazons Of Rome" - is rather misleading: the Roman women do occasionally dress up as warriors and carry weapons, but they almost never fight. And since there are so many of them, the accuracy of the original title - "Virgins Of Rome" - cannot be guaranteed, either! Never mind, this film is an above-average sample of its genre, mostly thanks to its cast: instead of having a muscleman who can barely talk as the lead, it has the witty, distinguished Louis Jourdan, who plays a noble barbarian; a contradiction in terms, perhaps, but then again, Jourdan's character describes himself as a "strange bird". He is paired with the very appealing, courageous, smart Sylvia Syms, a great beauty who should be better known: together, they make the thinking man's sword-and-sandal couple. The rest of the cast is also good, and we even get to see Michel Piccoli with hair! The battle scenes are a bit clunky, but you have to admire the authenticity of the stunts - when the women cross a deep river on horseback, it's really them doing it. I watched the US version - the print was quite nice but according to IMDb the original version is 12 minutes longer, which may explain why the narrative feels a bit rushed at some points. **1/2 out of 4.
12 Reviews
Kind of misleading US title, but an above-average mini-epic with intelligent performances
gridoon202424 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Ordinary Peplum , freely based on historical events about Porsena and the beleaguered city of Rome
ma-cortes9 November 2018
Porsena , the Etruscan leader (Jean Chevrier) , attacks and besieges Rome. He is supported by a warrior chieftain (Louis Jourdan) and his barbaric allies . But Rome is being defended by embattled women warriors , then Porsena takes hostages the valiant Amazon Warriors led by Clelia (Sylvia Syms) . Meanwhile , a Roman youth named Gaius Mucius (Corrado Pani) sneaked into the Etruscan camp with the approval of the Senate, intent on assassinating Porsena . He advised Porsena that he was merely the first of 300 Roman youths who would attempt such a deed, one after another until they succeeded. To prove his valour, Mucius thrust his right hand into a sacrificial fire, thereby earning for himself and his descendants the cognomen Scaevola ("lefty"). Later on , Lars Porsena was really impressed by particular acts of Roman bravery and the Amazon Warriors .
This is a passable sword and sandals movie with action , a love story , battles , spectacular scenarios and historical backstage . There are some historical characters as Mucius Escevola and Porsena who watching the courage and bold acts from Roman people defending the city he chose to make peace . Louis Jourdan is acceptable as a Barbarian and historical hero who finds many dangerous situations while attempting to attack Rome and save his true love , Clelia : Sylvia Syms , of several risks .Being an Italian/French co-production , here appears various notorious actors from both nacionalities such as: Corrado Pani , Ettore Manni , Nicole Courcel , Jean Chevrier , Jacques Dufilho , and Michel Piccoli . The motion picture was professionally directed by two Peplum experts : Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia, and Vittorio Cottafavi .
The motion picture is based on true events but has not prospect historical . The real deeds are the followings : Lars Porsena came into conflict with Rome after the revolution that overthrew the monarchy there in 509 BC, resulting in the exile of the semi-legendary last king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus . Tarquino(534-509, B.C.) was the seventh and last king of Rome and he governed tyrannically . The rape of Lucrecia by his son caused a riot and he was overthrown , the Roman Republic was proclaimed and he actually disappeared . The deposed monarch, whose family was of Etruscan origin, tried and failed to retake the throne a number of times before appealing to Porsena for assistance. Lars Porsena agreed to help. One story tells that, during his siege of Rome, a young enemy called Mucius who came into the king's presence, he could not distinguish Porsena from his secretary, who was similarly attired. Through misrecognition Mucius stabbed the secretary and then tried to flee . He was immediately captured by the Etruscans and brought before Porsena, whereupon Mucius bluntly declared his identity and his intent . Then Mucius puts his hand into a sacrificial fire . Astonished and impressed by the young man's courage, Porsena gave Mucius his freedom and dismissed him from the camp. Another tale of the war concerns the Roman hostages taken by Porsena as part of the treaty. One of the hostages, a young woman named Cloelia, fled the Etruscan camp, leading away a group of Roman virgins. Porsena demanded that she be returned, and the Romans consented. On her return, however, Porsena was so impressed by her bravery that he asked her to choose half the remaining hostages to be freed. She selected all the youngest Roman boys . In 507 BC, Porsena once again sent ambassadors to the Roman senate, requesting the restoration of Tarquinius to the throne. Legates were sent back to Porsena, to advise him that the Romans would never re-admit Tarquinius, and that Porsena should out of respect for the Romans cease requesting Tarquinius' readmittance. Porsena agreed, telling Tarquinius to continue his exile elsewhere than Clusium. Porsena also restored to the Romans their hostages, and also the lands of Veii that had been taken from Rome by treaty. Livy records that, by these matters, a faithful peace between Porsena and Rome was created . Rating : 5.5/10 , Average Peplum fodder , though better than most Sword and Sandals movies , thanks to Louis Jourdan and slick direction .
This is a passable sword and sandals movie with action , a love story , battles , spectacular scenarios and historical backstage . There are some historical characters as Mucius Escevola and Porsena who watching the courage and bold acts from Roman people defending the city he chose to make peace . Louis Jourdan is acceptable as a Barbarian and historical hero who finds many dangerous situations while attempting to attack Rome and save his true love , Clelia : Sylvia Syms , of several risks .Being an Italian/French co-production , here appears various notorious actors from both nacionalities such as: Corrado Pani , Ettore Manni , Nicole Courcel , Jean Chevrier , Jacques Dufilho , and Michel Piccoli . The motion picture was professionally directed by two Peplum experts : Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia, and Vittorio Cottafavi .
The motion picture is based on true events but has not prospect historical . The real deeds are the followings : Lars Porsena came into conflict with Rome after the revolution that overthrew the monarchy there in 509 BC, resulting in the exile of the semi-legendary last king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus . Tarquino(534-509, B.C.) was the seventh and last king of Rome and he governed tyrannically . The rape of Lucrecia by his son caused a riot and he was overthrown , the Roman Republic was proclaimed and he actually disappeared . The deposed monarch, whose family was of Etruscan origin, tried and failed to retake the throne a number of times before appealing to Porsena for assistance. Lars Porsena agreed to help. One story tells that, during his siege of Rome, a young enemy called Mucius who came into the king's presence, he could not distinguish Porsena from his secretary, who was similarly attired. Through misrecognition Mucius stabbed the secretary and then tried to flee . He was immediately captured by the Etruscans and brought before Porsena, whereupon Mucius bluntly declared his identity and his intent . Then Mucius puts his hand into a sacrificial fire . Astonished and impressed by the young man's courage, Porsena gave Mucius his freedom and dismissed him from the camp. Another tale of the war concerns the Roman hostages taken by Porsena as part of the treaty. One of the hostages, a young woman named Cloelia, fled the Etruscan camp, leading away a group of Roman virgins. Porsena demanded that she be returned, and the Romans consented. On her return, however, Porsena was so impressed by her bravery that he asked her to choose half the remaining hostages to be freed. She selected all the youngest Roman boys . In 507 BC, Porsena once again sent ambassadors to the Roman senate, requesting the restoration of Tarquinius to the throne. Legates were sent back to Porsena, to advise him that the Romans would never re-admit Tarquinius, and that Porsena should out of respect for the Romans cease requesting Tarquinius' readmittance. Porsena agreed, telling Tarquinius to continue his exile elsewhere than Clusium. Porsena also restored to the Romans their hostages, and also the lands of Veii that had been taken from Rome by treaty. Livy records that, by these matters, a faithful peace between Porsena and Rome was created . Rating : 5.5/10 , Average Peplum fodder , though better than most Sword and Sandals movies , thanks to Louis Jourdan and slick direction .
Well mounted Peplum with one big problem: Louis Jourdan as a Barbarian
Maciste_Brother4 November 2007
I recently saw AMAZONS OF ROME on cable. The first thing that stood out was the look. The quality of the transfer was truly beautiful: pristine and sharp. The lighting, the background sky, the sets, the costumes, everything looked authentic and gorgeous. Credit should go to cinematographer Marc Fossard. It looked like it was filmed yesterday. Much better looking than 90% of Peplums made during that time, including the stilted and dull THE 300 SPARTANS. With that said, the story is lifeless. It lacks urgency. Is it a comedy or a drama? The whole thing looks like a bad sex comedy. Sorta like GIDGET GOES TO WAR. Or THE COLOSSUS & THE AMAZON QUEEN.
But the film's biggest liability was casting Louis Jourdan as a Barbarian. What, Cary Grant wasn't available? I'm certain producers hired Jourdan in order to get financing for the film but it was a big mistake. He's simply too debonair to be a Barbarian. Sylvia Syms looks like Julie Andrews before Julie Andrews made her first movie. The best actor in the whole thing is Ettore Manni. Totally believable in anything he does, certainly in Sword & Sandal films. What a great, overlooked actor.
It's a shame the production team for this film wasn't involved in a more action oriented or serious story. The looked of it all would have rocked even more if it hadn't been involved with such a lightweight story.
But the film's biggest liability was casting Louis Jourdan as a Barbarian. What, Cary Grant wasn't available? I'm certain producers hired Jourdan in order to get financing for the film but it was a big mistake. He's simply too debonair to be a Barbarian. Sylvia Syms looks like Julie Andrews before Julie Andrews made her first movie. The best actor in the whole thing is Ettore Manni. Totally believable in anything he does, certainly in Sword & Sandal films. What a great, overlooked actor.
It's a shame the production team for this film wasn't involved in a more action oriented or serious story. The looked of it all would have rocked even more if it hadn't been involved with such a lightweight story.
Good Looking Dud
dbborroughs12 February 2004
Good looking spectacle with a cast of tens. You can see that actors are playing both sides in what amounts to a Euro-western set in the ancient world. Its Etruscans vs Romans with the woman taken hostage after they dressed as Roman soldiers after their side lost. The dialog is stupid and the romances wobble any hope of a decent story. Its the kind of film that almost seems good but isn't so seems much worse as a result. I've seen it twice by accident and I hope never to see it again.
Sylvia Simm convincing as a cavalry leader
Jacques_Laterre22 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Unfortunately, this swords-and-sandals 60's movie could have been much, much better.
The climax of the movie, which is supposed to be the amazon's cavalry charge against the troops besieging Rome, is too naive to be exciting or credible. The amazons are able to destroy the enemy battle ram and catapult too easily. No suspense. No breath taking battle scene. They ride through the battlefield without being annoyed by anyone except some arrows flying into their direction. Only some few girls are hit(performed by a couple of stun actress rolling smoothly off their horses like in the spaghetti western), the amazons are able to regroup out of the battlefield like a bunch cheerleader during a football game after a one minute job.
Sylvia Syms is to pretty and delicate (with a "fresh out of the salon" haircut) to be convincing as a cavalry leader and slashing enemy soldiers with her sword. Dialogs are childish, if not stupid. The scenario is simplistic. Do not except diplomatic intrigues between Romans and Etrusquan.
Interesting fact: The movie covers the birth of the roman republic, a historical period almost never exploded in Hollywood or elsewhere.
The amazons of Rome is a lost opportunity. The lack of special effects available in the 60's and the naive acting style is not an excuse for failure. Let's hope for a remake one day.
The climax of the movie, which is supposed to be the amazon's cavalry charge against the troops besieging Rome, is too naive to be exciting or credible. The amazons are able to destroy the enemy battle ram and catapult too easily. No suspense. No breath taking battle scene. They ride through the battlefield without being annoyed by anyone except some arrows flying into their direction. Only some few girls are hit(performed by a couple of stun actress rolling smoothly off their horses like in the spaghetti western), the amazons are able to regroup out of the battlefield like a bunch cheerleader during a football game after a one minute job.
Sylvia Syms is to pretty and delicate (with a "fresh out of the salon" haircut) to be convincing as a cavalry leader and slashing enemy soldiers with her sword. Dialogs are childish, if not stupid. The scenario is simplistic. Do not except diplomatic intrigues between Romans and Etrusquan.
Interesting fact: The movie covers the birth of the roman republic, a historical period almost never exploded in Hollywood or elsewhere.
The amazons of Rome is a lost opportunity. The lack of special effects available in the 60's and the naive acting style is not an excuse for failure. Let's hope for a remake one day.
Too many cooks ...
poly-nikes19 June 2012
You know you might be in for a less than stellar time when a film has more than one screenwriter. There are exceptions, of course, but this one has at least four, and thus is no exception to the rule.
My favorite part in this turkey is during the fight at the flimsy wooden bridge at the beginning of the film when one of the extras playing a barbarian puts his hands up to his face and you can clearly see a Band-Aid on his thumb. Once you see something like this, it's hard to take the rest of the film seriously.
It's amazing when you think that Sylvia Syms played the female lead in the excellent Dirk Bogarde film, "Victim," in the same year she appeared in "Amazons of Rome."
My favorite part in this turkey is during the fight at the flimsy wooden bridge at the beginning of the film when one of the extras playing a barbarian puts his hands up to his face and you can clearly see a Band-Aid on his thumb. Once you see something like this, it's hard to take the rest of the film seriously.
It's amazing when you think that Sylvia Syms played the female lead in the excellent Dirk Bogarde film, "Victim," in the same year she appeared in "Amazons of Rome."
AMAZONS OF ROME (Vittorio Cottafavi and Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia, 1961) ***
Bunuel197628 April 2006
Amazingly, this is the third "Amazon Women" film I've watched in a month but, unlike the others, this is a relatively serious undertaking and, in any case, the American title is misleading - but, then, probably so is the Italian one, which translates to "THE VIRGINS OF ROME"! When it was shown on late-night Italian TV, I had never heard of it but was willing to give it a try considering the talent involved (director Cottafavi and stars Louis Jourdan, Sylvia Syms and Michel Piccoli) - but also due to the fact that French director Bertrand Tavernier, apparently, considers this one of his favorite films!
Distressingly, I came across very few reviews of the film and these were all-too-brief; besides, the only other two comments on the IMDb aren't very favorable! Despite the scratchy print with washed-out colors that was shown on TV, I'm glad I taped it because it turned out to be one of the most satisfying peplums I've ever watched and, consequently, the film ought to be much better known! Besides, it allowed me to understand a bit better Cottafavi's cult reputation (given the type of films he dabbled in!) - though, apparently, he was replaced after 3 weeks by Bragaglia because Cottafavi couldn't see eye to eye with star Jourdan (though the change in director didn't effect the film in any perceptible way).
I had only watched four Cottafavi films prior to this: the modern-day melodrama NEL GORGO DEL PECCATO (1954) and the following peplums - GOLIATH AND THE DRAGON (1960), HERCULES AND THE CAPTIVE WOMEN (1961) and I CENTO CAVALIERI (1964; perhaps the director's best work and which I was lucky to watch, along with the hilariously awful GOLIATH, at the 2004 Venice Film Festival with lead Mark Damon in attendance!). Likewise, I had seen four by Bragaglia - three of them starring the popular Italian comic Toto' and, eons ago, HANNIBAL (1960) - another one of his peplums and which was co-directed by Edgar G. Ulmer!
The casting of the two leads is surprising, but they certainly number among the most talented ever featured in this type of film: Jourdan is quite amusing as the leader of the barbarian horde who's seen constantly, and nonchalantly, munching on fruit - even when leading his men into battle!; the beautiful Syms adds grace and intelligence to the film - but, apart from Nicole Courcel (who is also pretty good as an unusually sympathetic villainess, sharing a secondary love interest with Piccoli!), is the only female character who is developed in any substantial way. The battle scenes - highlighted by a running duel between Jourdan and a one-eyed Roman general played by genre regular Ettore Manni - are nicely handled, though mainly relegated to the opening and closing moments of the film.
Distressingly, I came across very few reviews of the film and these were all-too-brief; besides, the only other two comments on the IMDb aren't very favorable! Despite the scratchy print with washed-out colors that was shown on TV, I'm glad I taped it because it turned out to be one of the most satisfying peplums I've ever watched and, consequently, the film ought to be much better known! Besides, it allowed me to understand a bit better Cottafavi's cult reputation (given the type of films he dabbled in!) - though, apparently, he was replaced after 3 weeks by Bragaglia because Cottafavi couldn't see eye to eye with star Jourdan (though the change in director didn't effect the film in any perceptible way).
I had only watched four Cottafavi films prior to this: the modern-day melodrama NEL GORGO DEL PECCATO (1954) and the following peplums - GOLIATH AND THE DRAGON (1960), HERCULES AND THE CAPTIVE WOMEN (1961) and I CENTO CAVALIERI (1964; perhaps the director's best work and which I was lucky to watch, along with the hilariously awful GOLIATH, at the 2004 Venice Film Festival with lead Mark Damon in attendance!). Likewise, I had seen four by Bragaglia - three of them starring the popular Italian comic Toto' and, eons ago, HANNIBAL (1960) - another one of his peplums and which was co-directed by Edgar G. Ulmer!
The casting of the two leads is surprising, but they certainly number among the most talented ever featured in this type of film: Jourdan is quite amusing as the leader of the barbarian horde who's seen constantly, and nonchalantly, munching on fruit - even when leading his men into battle!; the beautiful Syms adds grace and intelligence to the film - but, apart from Nicole Courcel (who is also pretty good as an unusually sympathetic villainess, sharing a secondary love interest with Piccoli!), is the only female character who is developed in any substantial way. The battle scenes - highlighted by a running duel between Jourdan and a one-eyed Roman general played by genre regular Ettore Manni - are nicely handled, though mainly relegated to the opening and closing moments of the film.
Stars are upstaged by supporting player, Ettore Manni
ccmiller149212 February 2002
This is a well-made historical actioner with the most memorable performance being given by Ettore Manni, who is much more comfortable in this early Roman period than either of his costars Sims or Jourdan. Manni, as in so many of his other films, steals the whole show. In this case he's the heroic and ill-fated Horatio who dies defending the bridge.
Great Cinematography
gilbertcollins713 March 2014
Wow! I wish all my Sword and Sandal films looked this good. He print shown on TCM was crystal clear and in widescreen! The story is OK but it is the Cinematography that really makes this film shine.
Sylvia Syms is absolutely gorgeous in this one and I don't agree with the reviewer who says that Louis Jordan is miscast for the part. Oh, I agree he is no barbarian. But that isn't his role. His charismatic portrayal is perfect for the part. The opening battle scenes is where he steals the show.
Seeing this one in widescreen good quality was a real treat. It's too bad all of the other Sword and Sandal movies couldn't be viewed the way they were meant to be seen. That is good quality and widescreen. See this TCM print!
Sylvia Syms is absolutely gorgeous in this one and I don't agree with the reviewer who says that Louis Jordan is miscast for the part. Oh, I agree he is no barbarian. But that isn't his role. His charismatic portrayal is perfect for the part. The opening battle scenes is where he steals the show.
Seeing this one in widescreen good quality was a real treat. It's too bad all of the other Sword and Sandal movies couldn't be viewed the way they were meant to be seen. That is good quality and widescreen. See this TCM print!
Poor story, low realism, vivid visuals
Pro Jury17 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This review contains spoilers.
This movie is being played many times per week on GET and, unfortunately, it is too difficult to miss.
In the beginning of the film, the Romans light a line of fire in a location that hinders their ability to repel. After this, we do not see two forces attack and battle, but see only one force at a time appear to attack an unseen enemy.
In the middle of the film, 5 barbarians capture the 100+ strong armed "Amazon" Roman coed army without a fight or struggle. It plays out like a fantasy based upon a lunatic ramblings. If the entire Amazon Army has no interest to engage only 5 armed enemy and 1 unarmed, what is the point of their existence? We also see an uppity Roman women throw off her sandals to show her rebel-minded willingness to have foot-blisters, but within seconds of doing so, she climbs aboard a carry bed and slave men lift her up and take her where she wants to go.
Add all this to seeing women with 1960's modern hair styles and clean shaven soldiers and barbarian men, and viewers are very much on the lookout to find more silliness (and maybe hoping for a laugh track?) rather than watching this as a real movie.
The final product is ultimately a waste of film.
This movie is being played many times per week on GET and, unfortunately, it is too difficult to miss.
In the beginning of the film, the Romans light a line of fire in a location that hinders their ability to repel. After this, we do not see two forces attack and battle, but see only one force at a time appear to attack an unseen enemy.
In the middle of the film, 5 barbarians capture the 100+ strong armed "Amazon" Roman coed army without a fight or struggle. It plays out like a fantasy based upon a lunatic ramblings. If the entire Amazon Army has no interest to engage only 5 armed enemy and 1 unarmed, what is the point of their existence? We also see an uppity Roman women throw off her sandals to show her rebel-minded willingness to have foot-blisters, but within seconds of doing so, she climbs aboard a carry bed and slave men lift her up and take her where she wants to go.
Add all this to seeing women with 1960's modern hair styles and clean shaven soldiers and barbarian men, and viewers are very much on the lookout to find more silliness (and maybe hoping for a laugh track?) rather than watching this as a real movie.
The final product is ultimately a waste of film.
Passable Peplum about those early Roman days with the Etruscans
bkoganbing18 January 2019
I really love the crack another viewer made about casting the urbane Louis Jourdan as a barbarian warrior. Was not Cary Grant available? I could not possibly top that.
Other than ludicrous casting Amazons Of Rome is a passably interesting peplum picture concerning those events in early Roman history when it was just trying to survive as a city against some very nasty Etruscans who rule the countryside. The legendary hero Horatio is played by Italian actor Ettore Manni who did more than a few of these kind of films.
While Horatio is trying to regroup and retrain an army, the women of Rome take to the field led by the aristocratic Sylvia Sims. It's there that she meets Jourdan. If they can make peace, is it possible for the rest?
The Etruscan leader is played by Julien Chevrier who would like a permanent peace, but has some folks who are looking for glory and conquest and as long as they get it doesn't matter how much blood is spilled.
Poor Louis Jourdan, he looks like he is annoyed that a table at Maxim's isn't ready.
Other than ludicrous casting Amazons Of Rome is a passably interesting peplum picture concerning those events in early Roman history when it was just trying to survive as a city against some very nasty Etruscans who rule the countryside. The legendary hero Horatio is played by Italian actor Ettore Manni who did more than a few of these kind of films.
While Horatio is trying to regroup and retrain an army, the women of Rome take to the field led by the aristocratic Sylvia Sims. It's there that she meets Jourdan. If they can make peace, is it possible for the rest?
The Etruscan leader is played by Julien Chevrier who would like a permanent peace, but has some folks who are looking for glory and conquest and as long as they get it doesn't matter how much blood is spilled.
Poor Louis Jourdan, he looks like he is annoyed that a table at Maxim's isn't ready.
Fascinating fantasia on history.
mark.waltz9 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent print saves this film from being an ordinary sword and sandal adventure film, and while not quite an epic, it is a silly but enjoyable piece of historical fluff. I guess we can forgive the lack of facts being correct but take it as a representation of what the ancient Roman could have look like when it became a republic almost 300 years after Claudius prayed it would during the corrupt rule of his family. So for fans of "I Claudius", this is worth seeing as a view of the not quite utopian world not quite civilized yet of Claudius's dreams, but no longer ruled by mad emperors even if there still are some scheming women around.
With their men off fighting the Etruscans (another reference that "I Claudius" fans will appreciate), the women of Rome are at the mercy of Etruscan leader Jean Chevrier and his beautiful but scheming wife Nicole Courcel. When a troop of women in military gear (led by Sylvia Syms) are captured by Chevrier, Courcel takes pride in having Syms publicly whipped but is stopped by fellow Etruscan Louis Jourdan who has earlier escorted the captured Syms to their camp on his chariot.
This situation creates conflict between Jourdan and Courcel and threatens to bring down the Etruscan enemies, something Courcel, husband Chevrier and the other Etruscans don't want. A western like fortress is the only thing that stands in the way of the Roman women (who managed to escape) trying to protect what remains of their city, and they are facing a possible violent destruction as the Etruscans arrived.
This has a few great moments, but as often happens in films like this, being too serious makes it seem silly, and that's what weakens it. On the plus side, the beautiful print aides this greatly, although Jourdan might have just phoned his performance in. He really doesn't even have all that much screen time, something that obviously made him happy to just grab the check and go.
With their men off fighting the Etruscans (another reference that "I Claudius" fans will appreciate), the women of Rome are at the mercy of Etruscan leader Jean Chevrier and his beautiful but scheming wife Nicole Courcel. When a troop of women in military gear (led by Sylvia Syms) are captured by Chevrier, Courcel takes pride in having Syms publicly whipped but is stopped by fellow Etruscan Louis Jourdan who has earlier escorted the captured Syms to their camp on his chariot.
This situation creates conflict between Jourdan and Courcel and threatens to bring down the Etruscan enemies, something Courcel, husband Chevrier and the other Etruscans don't want. A western like fortress is the only thing that stands in the way of the Roman women (who managed to escape) trying to protect what remains of their city, and they are facing a possible violent destruction as the Etruscans arrived.
This has a few great moments, but as often happens in films like this, being too serious makes it seem silly, and that's what weakens it. On the plus side, the beautiful print aides this greatly, although Jourdan might have just phoned his performance in. He really doesn't even have all that much screen time, something that obviously made him happy to just grab the check and go.
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