Duel of the Titans (Italian: Romolo e Remo, lit. 'Romulus and Remus') is a 1961 Italian / French film directed by Sergio Corbucci and starring Steve Reeves, Gordon Scott, and Virna Lisi. The film, based on the legend of Romulus and Remus, depicts twin brothers who revolt against tyranny in pre-Roman Italy and then come to a parting of the ways as they lead their people toward the founding of a new city, known as Rome.
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Plot
Born of a God and a mortal, two babies are abandoned to a river. Nurtured by a wolf, they are later recovered by a shepherd. Romulus (Reeves) and Remus (Scott) grow up to lead a band of thieves in an effort to eliminate two cruel Kings—Amulias and Nemulias, the King of the Sabines. After 20 years, the two twins are briefly reunited with their mother. Before she dies, she tells her sons that they are destined to be the founders of a great city.
Later after having fallen in love with the daughter of Nemulias, Romulus is unaware of his brother's ambitions as Remus steadily succumbs to the temptations of power and greed. King Tasius pursues the brothers and their followers both to retrieve his daughter as well as avenge the destruction of his city of Alba Longa. Soon, a rift develops between the two siblings, leading to a death duel between both sons of the Gods to determine the true founder of Rome.
Cast
Steve Reeves as Romulus
Gordon Scott as Remus
Virna Lisi as Julia
Massimo Girotti as Tasius Nemulias
Jacques Sernas as Cursias
Ornella Vanoni as Tarpea
Franco Volpi as Amulias
Piero Lulli as Sulpicius
Laura Solari as Rea Silvia
José Greci as Estia
Inger Milton as Sira
Enzo Cerusico as Numa
Andrea Bosic as Faustulus
Gianni Musy as Archer
Enrico Glori as Citizen of Alba
Germano Longo as Scebro
Giuliano Dell'Ovo as Publio
Franco Balducci as Acilio
Nando Angelini as Roman Soldier
Mimmo Poli as Shepherd
Production
The film was conceived by Sergio Leone, shortly after he collaborated on the screenplay of The Seven Revenges. Leone was offered the direction but declined, backing Corbucci in return for Corbucci's earlier backing on The Last Days of Pompeii.
Release
The film was released in Italy on 6 December 1961 with a 108-minute running time. It was a box office success, grossing about 712 million lire. It was released in the United States as Duel of the Titans in an 89-minute running time in June 1963.