I really liked this story of one man's awakening of moral conscience to the evil nature of his complicity with the Borgias in 16th Century Italy. I haven't checked on it level of historical accuracy, but then again, a good story is its own justification, whether it's mostly fact or mostly fiction.
Power is his usual magnetic self as Orsini/Zoppo, a peasant who has studied art with the masters of Padua but has relegated his artistic talents to the status of a hobby in favor of serving the political and military ambitions of Cesare Borgia and his sister Lucretia.
Felix Alymer is most captivating as the wise and gentle Verano. He becomes the key to the reclamation of Zoppo's soul, which has been corrupted by the Borgias from its original vision of truth and beauty.
Wanda Hendrix is quite convincing as the pure-hearted Madonna Verano, who loves Zoppo but remains constant and faithful to her elderly husband until his death in battle with the Borgias.
My only disappointment is that the producers of this film did not spring for full Technicolor treatment, since the on-location sets in Italy and the elaborate period costumes would have been truly awesome in their full, rich colors! Tisk, risk! What a shame!
Power is his usual magnetic self as Orsini/Zoppo, a peasant who has studied art with the masters of Padua but has relegated his artistic talents to the status of a hobby in favor of serving the political and military ambitions of Cesare Borgia and his sister Lucretia.
Felix Alymer is most captivating as the wise and gentle Verano. He becomes the key to the reclamation of Zoppo's soul, which has been corrupted by the Borgias from its original vision of truth and beauty.
Wanda Hendrix is quite convincing as the pure-hearted Madonna Verano, who loves Zoppo but remains constant and faithful to her elderly husband until his death in battle with the Borgias.
My only disappointment is that the producers of this film did not spring for full Technicolor treatment, since the on-location sets in Italy and the elaborate period costumes would have been truly awesome in their full, rich colors! Tisk, risk! What a shame!