This Spanish historical film is based on epic events and real characters , thus it appears : Fernan Gonzalez (923-970) , King Sancho of Navarra , King Ramiro II of Leon and Abderraman III . Movie concerns about count of Castile Fernan Gonzalez (Espartaco Santoni) who helped by his general (Cesar Romero) arranged themselves to unify and make Castile independent from the Leon Kingdom , ruled by Ramiro II (Fernando Rey and married to Alida Valli) and confronted king Sancho of Navarra (Broderick Crawford) . Fernan was imprisoned (943) but was freed later . Fernan Gonzalez , also count of Lara , broke the tribute of the one hundred maids with the Moors governed by Abderraman III (German Cobos) proclaimed caliph independent of Cordoba , granting independence of Bagdag . As the leader of the Spanish kingdom of Castile tries to get the various warring kingdoms of Spain to unite and join forces against the invading Moors . Then , the Christian kingdoms were united against the Muslim enemy and vanquished them in Simancas . Fernan Gonzalez created the county of Castile with inherited title and his successors will separate totally from Leon . Fernan Gonzalez history has been sung and written in poetry by jesters and minstrels (in the film represented by singer Frankie Avalon) .
The movie results to be a biographic chronicle about a Spanish hero similar to ¨The Cid¨ (Anthony Mann) but with lack luster and budget . However , the great highlights of the film are , of course , the meticulously staged battles that convey us a spectacular scenario . The picture packs historical events , gorgeous landscapes , glimmer scenarios and battles well staged with hundreds of extras . The film was shot in authentic fortresses and strongholds as the castle of Berlanga of Duero (it appears in the sheet movie poster), castle of Gormaz and Peñafiel ; besides , in locations as Covarrubias and Soria with its monuments and churches as Santo Domingo and Saint Joan of Duero . The flick will appeal to minor epic films buffs . Rating : Better than average and entertaining .
