The White Warrior (aka Agi Murad: Il Diavolo Bianco) (1959)

A 19th century Chechen chieftain (Steve Reeves) leads his small band of mountain warriors against the invading armies of the Russian Czar Nicholas I's (Milivoje Zivanovic) army. But he must deal with the treachery of one of his own (Renato Baldini). Very loosely based on the posthumous novel by Leo Tolstoy and directed by Riccardo Freda (THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK). Perhaps the most "serious" of Steve Reeves Italian output but let's face it, he's not much of an actor. I much prefer his peplum films like HERCULES, GOLIATH AND THE BARBARIANS, LAST DAYS OF POMPEII, GIANT OF MARATHON etc. which are more fun. But even in this 19th century period piece, Reeves is encouraged to strip to the waist and flex his muscles. Photographed by Mario Bava before he turned to directing, it looks good but it's a phlegmatic piece of film making. With Giorgia Moll, the stunning Scilla Gabel and Gerard Herter.