Niksa Stefanini Movies
- 1963
Apache Gold was a German/French/Yugoslav coproduction, originally titled Winnetou I. Teil (British title: Winnetou the Warrior). It was one of a series of European Technicolor westerns based on the "Winnetou" stories of German author Karl May. As in most of these films, French actor Pierre Brice stars as Winnetou, here dedicated to halting the activities of gold raiders in Apache territory. Apache Gold was released on a limited basis in the US by Columbia Pictures; in some cities, the film went directly to television. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lex Barker, Pierre Brice, (more)
- 1962
Tab Hunter guest stars as Del Packer, a famous baseball pitcher who has joined King Company as a draftee. Sgt. Saunders (Vic Morrow) is the only member of the platoon who isn't starstruck by the celebrity in their midst, grimly demanding that Packer be treated just like any other GI. But this proves difficult when the ballplayer reveals himself to be a profoundly--and even dangerously--troubled man. A particularly violent climax caps this terse character study, in which familiar supporting actors Bernard Fox and Eric Braeden (then known as Hans Gudegast appear unbilled. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
Sixth-century Italy is the setting for Fury of the Pagans. Edmund Purdom plays Toryok, the peace-loving ruler of a tranquil Northern province. Pagan leader Kovo (Livio Lorenzon) wreaks havoc upon Toryok's domain, raping and pillaging to a fare-thee-well. Years later, Toryok gets his chance to avenge his people. He intends to slay Kovo and claim the Pagan's bride Lianora (Rosanna Podesta). This being an Italian sword-and-sandal epic, there's nothing one-on-one about the final showdown; in fact, there must be ten thousand extras on that wide screen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Although this uninspired Italian adventure film is loosely based on Leo Tolstoy's tale about a 19th-century clash between Czarist Russia and several ethnic groups in the Caucasus, Tolstoy's original talent is buried. Ponderous and quickly put together, the story stars Steve Reeves as the muscular hero known as the "White Warrior" who leads the defence against the Russians. ("White" in this case refers to his warrior's garb.) His defence strategy would be an easier task if there were not political intrigue and romantic hurdles to overcome within his own camp, obstacles which provide grist for the narrative mill. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Giorgia Moll, Steve Reeves, (more)
- 1957
Same Ljudi (Men Only) was Yugoslavia's 1957 entry in the Venice Film Festival. Tamara Miletic plays a blind girl, who has resigned herself to living a life without love. Milorad Magetic co-stars as a WWII veteran who has lost a leg -- and his zest for living. It is inevitable that these two lonely souls will find each other and fall in love. When Tamara's sight is restored, Magetic despairs, certain that she will be repelled by his disfigurement. So guess what happens. Over-talky and overobvious, Same Ljudi is withal brilliantly acted. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Niksa Stefanini
