Duel of the Titans


Duel of the Titans is a 1961 Italian / French film directed by Sergio Corbucci and starring Steve Reeves, Gordon Scott, and Virna Lisi. The film is based on the legend of Romulus and Remus, about 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.

Plot

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 and Remus 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.

Cast

Production

The film was conceived by Sergio Leone, shortly after he collaborated on the screenplay of The Seven Revenges. Leone was offered the direction but declined, backing Corbucci in return for Corbucci's earlier backing on The Last Days of Pompeii.

Release

The film was released in Italy on 6 December 1961 with a 108-minute running time. It was a box office success, grossing about 712 millions lire. It was released in the United States as Duel of the Titans in an 89-minute running time in June 1963.