Malatesta, lord of Rimini, is a condottiere of the Italian Renaissance, putting his sword at the service of the princes. He displays the extravagant characters of his caste: cruel, erudite, libertine, he is excessive in everything. Confident in his star, he came close to death a hundred times during his political maneuvers. He is in acute conflict with Pope Paul II, whose temporal power is increasing at the expense of Rimini, Malatesta's stronghold. However, his insolent aplomb, the support he finds in the love of his wife, makes him defy fate every moment. The treachery of a jealous man finally brings him down. Malatesta dies without repentance, if not outrage.
—Guy Bellinger