Romolo e Remo

Summary

Twin brothers revolt against tyranny in pre-Roman Italy and then come to a parting of the ways as they lead their people toward the founding of a new city, known as Rome. This is based on the legend of Romulus and Remus. Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War.

The story

Born of a God and a mortal, two babies are abandoned to a river. Nurtured by a wolf, they are later recovered by a shepherd. Romulus (Reeves) and Remus (Scott) grow up to lead a band of thieves in an effort to eliminate two cruel Kings—Amulias and Nemulias, the King of the Sabines. After 20 years, the two twins are briefly reunited with their mother. Before she dies, she tells her sons that they are destined to be the founders of a great city.

Later after having fallen in love with the daughter of Nemulias, Romulus is unaware of his brother’s ambitions as Remus steadily succumbs to the temptations of power and greed. King Tasius pursues the brothers and their followers both to retrieve his daughter as well as avenge the destruction of his city of Alba Longa. Soon, a rift develops between the two siblings leading to a death duel between both sons of the Gods to determine the true founder of Rome.

Production

The film was directed by Sergio Corbucci, best known for spaghetti westerns. Another Italian, Sergio Leone, worked on the film, just one way the two Sergios careers intersected. Both Sergio's careers parallel each other (in Italy anyway). Both Sergio's worked as AD's on The Last Days of Pompeii which led to Leone directing Il Colosso di Rodi and Corbucci handling Romolo e Remo. Corbucci also had a hand in Maciste Against the Vampires (1961; a.k.a. Goliath and the Vampires co-directed with Giacomo Gentilomo.

When Steve Reeves agreed to star in Duel of the Titans, the producer wanted him to play both Romulus and Remus. Reeves objected, saying that the film would be more effective with another actor in the role of Remus. He recommended Gordon Scott, whom Reeves had known for years. The producers agreed with Reeves, and Scott was given the highest salary he had earned thus far for taking the role.

Frequent Spaghetti Western villain Piero Lulli plays a rare good guy role and gets more screen time than another heroic peplum role in The Triumph of Hercules (1964). Steve Reeves' stunt double, Giovanni Cianfriglia also plays a small role in the film attempting to have his way with the beautiful Julia until Romulus intervenes and lets his fist explain that the lady isn't interested.

Cast

Biography