Movie spotlight
Conquered City
Filmed in 1962 but not released in the US until 1966 (with 20 of its 108 minutes removed), Conquered City is an all-star World War II drama financed in Italy and filmed in Greece. An Athens hotel, full of refugees and expatriates of all nationalities, is captured by Allied troops in the closing days of the War. British Major David Niven has been ordered to prevent a cache of weapons hidden in the hotel from falling into the hands of renegade troops. He cannot allow himself to trust anyone--not even the most innocent-looking (or attractive) of guests. Originally titled La Citta Prigioniera. Conquered City was released in English-speaking countries outside the U.S. as Captive City.
Insights
Plot Summary
In ancient Rome, the city is under siege by invading barbarians. A skilled Roman warrior, known for his bravery and strength, leads the defense of the city against overwhelming odds. He must rally the citizens and soldiers, employing strategic brilliance and personal combat to repel the enemy and preserve the Roman Empire's glory. The fate of Rome rests on his shoulders as he faces betrayal from within and a relentless assault from without.
Critical Reception
Conquered City, also known as "The Conqueror of Corinth," is a sword-and-sandal epic that received mixed reviews upon its release. While praised for its action sequences and the muscular performance of Steve Reeves, critics noted its formulaic plot and somewhat predictable narrative. It was generally seen as a solid, albeit unexceptional, entry in the popular genre of its time.
What Reviewers Say
Visually impressive with grand set pieces.
Steve Reeves delivers a commanding physical performance.
Relies heavily on genre conventions, offering little narrative surprise.
Google audience: Audience reception for Conquered City is difficult to gauge from contemporary reviews, but it is generally appreciated by fans of classic sword-and-sandal films for its action and spectacle.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in Italy and was one of many "peplum" films (Italian sword-and-sandal epics) produced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, often starring American bodybuilders like Steve Reeves in ancient Greek or Roman settings.
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