Il duca nero

The picture deals with Cesar Borgia (Cameron Mitchell ) confronting Catalina Sforza who organizes a scheme called the ¨red flower¨ to kill him . Cesar Borgia , who is having problems with his mistress , is being helped by his underlings (Conrado San Martin and Franco Fantasia) and his sister Lucrecia (Maria Gracia Spina) who makes his purports marrying herself with relentless enemies . Borgia wishes the Italy unifying and will battle a lot of contenders (Fernando the Catholic and Gonzalo of Cordoba) to vanquish them . Meanwhile , a secret society called The Black Carnation are out to kill him .

The film is based on indirect way upon true events , thus , Cesar Borgia (1475-1407) along with Lucrecia (famous as poisoned woman and duchess of Ferrara) were sons of Pope Borgia (Alexander VI) . Cesar was a cardinal in the Catholic church , a member of one of the most wealthiest families in 16th-century and a confidant of the Pope . He'll try to create a kingdom into Italy center , fighting the powerful landowners and must deal with a host of political and personal crises . He was even admired by Nicholas Machiavelo , inspiring the ¨Prince¨ book . Cameron Mitchell gives a magnificent acting as the impulsive and astute duke . Conrado San Martin is fine as his assistant and adviser . As support cast , it appears Franco Fantasia , he's a habitual secondary in numerous Italians productions , Spaghetti Western , Costumers , Swords and Sandals , he was a master of arms who trained several actors in fencing scenes . The classic film about the Cesar Borgia personage results to be ¨The prince of foxes¨ with Tyrone Power and an excellent Orson Welles . The film was regularly directed by Pino Mercanti . Rating : Average but entertaining .