Charge Of The Black Lancers (1962)

Set in the 16th century in what is now known as Ukraine, an ambitious soldier (Jean Claudio), who wants to be appointed the commander of his country's army, is seduced by an evil queen (Yvonne Furneaux) into betraying his people and pits him against his noble brother (Mel Ferrer), who is also a soldier. Directed by Giacomo Gentilomo (YOUNG CARUSO). The same year as the more extravagant TARAS BULBA set during the same time period and same country pitted father against son, this Italian attempt at a swashbuckler pits brother against brother. I'd call it a peplum except that it's not set in ancient Rome, Greece or biblical times. The movie's epic battle near the tail end of the film is decent enough but overall it's on the dull side. I have a soft spot for evil queens so for me, the movie perked up whenever Yvonne Furneaux was on screen. With Leticia Roman and Lorella De Luca.