The Iron Swordsman

The Iron Swordsman

Il conte Ugolino
🎞️ Movie 86 min IT
โ˜… 6.7 /10 1949

This is one of Riccardo Freda's most powerful films, and yet it remains largely unknown outside of Italy. Having never read Dante, I can't say whether this is a faithful rendering of the Count Ugolino story. However, I will say that this film is an excellent example of how Freda excels at the gradual building of suspense. The atmosphere throughout this film is thick and menacing, and the ending grim and pessimistic. It was probably this reason that caused the film to receive negative reviews in Italy. Gianna Maria Canale plays her role well, but the main characters, Carlo Ninchi and Peter Trent, steal the screen. Trent is perfect in his role as the villainous archbishop, who betrays the hapless Ugolino (Ninchi) after professing to be his friend. Ninchi is clearly taken aback by the treachery, and displays his acting talents with natural ability. In this film, Freda does not pay as much attention to visual effects as he does in his other films. The concentration here is on story and dialog. But there are some scenes in which Freda plays out his artistic sense. From the lavishly furnished chambers, to the thrilling outdoor photography, Freda makes careful use of light and shade effects, to create a film that is highly professional from a visual standpoint. Altogether, a very nice film, which may be watched more than once.

Cast

Carlo Ninchi
Carlo Ninchi
Il conte Ugolino della Gherardesca
Gianna Maria Canale
Gianna Maria Canale
Emilia
๐Ÿ‘ค
Peter Trent
Ruggieri
๐Ÿ‘ค
Piero Palermini
Balduccio Ubaldini
Carla Calò
Carla Calò
Haidée
Luigi Pavese
Luigi Pavese
Sismondi
Ugo Sasso
Ugo Sasso
Fortebraccio
๐Ÿ‘ค
Ciro Berardi
Lanfranchi
๐Ÿ‘ค
Armando Guarnieri
Gualandi
๐Ÿ‘ค
Alessandro Cicognini
Composer
๐Ÿ‘ค
Sergio Pesce
Cinematographer