Cast
View All
Gordon Scott
as Manrico Venier
Gianna Maria Canale
as Rosanna Melzi
Alberto Farnese
as Titta
Giulio Marchetti
as Gualtiero
Rik Battaglia
as Giandolo
Franca Bettoia
as Isabella Fieschi
Feodor Chaliapin Jr.
as The Doge
Mirko Ellis
as Civetta
John Bartha
as Conte Fieschi
Franco Fantasia
as Vipera
Giulio Maculani
as Ostenberg
Attilio Severini
as
Anna Maria Padoan
as
Crew
Director
- Luigi Capuano
Producer
- Ottavio Poggi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Adventure/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Lion of St. Mark distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Luigi Capuano brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Lion of St. Mark took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Lion of St. Mark shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Swiss Family Robinson, which focuses more on action than character development, The Lion of St. Mark offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Buccaneer and Stardust explore similar territory, The Lion of St. Mark stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 21, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 46m
