Marco Polo (1962)

A 13th century explorer (Rory Calhoun) journeys to China with the aim of expanding world trade. There, he meets a Princess (Yoko Tani) and becomes romantically involved and participates in a rebellion against a treacherous war lord (Robert Hundar). Directed by Hugo Fregonese (MAN IN THE ATTIC) and Piero Pierotti (the Italian version). Despite the title, this Italian/French nonsense has absolutely nothing to do with the real Marco Polo. Obviously the film makers have confused Marco Polo with Casanova as Polo is portrayed here as a love 'em and leave 'em lothario. Furthermore, Calhoun's portrayal of him is flippant. Realism is thrown out the window. Example: when the Chinese first serve Polo a dish of long thin noodles that is new to him, he is told that it is spaghetti! Spaghetti is a Chinese word? Of course, Polo takes a sample back to Italy with him. Yes, it's that kind of movie. The film's ace is the gorgeous wide screen cinematography courtesy of Ricardo Pallottini (SON OF SAMSON) masking Italy as China. Also notable are Mario Giorsi's costume design and the art direction (credited to four people). With Camillo Pilotto and Michael Chow.