The Head of a Tyrant (1959)
A 1959 Italian-French adventure retelling the biblical story of Judith, a woman who risks everything to destroy a ruthless conqueror and free her people.
The Head of a Tyrant - Movie Information
- Original Title: Giuditta e Oloferne
- Release Year: 1959
- Directed by: Fernando Cerchio
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 26, 1959 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Judith et Holopherne (FR)
- Production Companies: Explorer Film '58, Faro Film, Vic Film, Compagnie Européenne Cinématographique (CEC)
- Production Countries: France, Italy
The Head of a Tyrant - Plot
A beautiful girl plans to seduce, then murder, the brutal conqueror who has taken over her city.
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The Head of a Tyrant - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Fernando Cerchio
Main Cast
- Massimo Girotti
- Isabelle Corey
- Renato Baldini
- Gianni Rizzo
- Camillo Pilotto
- Yvette Masson
- Lucia Banti
- Ricardo Valle
- Leonardo Botta
- Franco Balducci
Writers
- Fernando Cerchio
- Damiano Damiani
- Guido Malatesta
- Gian Paolo Callegari
The Head of a Tyrant - FAQs
What is The Head of a Tyrant about?
The Head of a Tyrant follows Judith, a courageous woman who devises a daring plan to save her besieged city. She seduces Holofernes, the ruthless military commander who has conquered her people, then kills him — a tale of sacrifice, cunning, and defiance rooted in the ancient biblical story.
Is The Head of a Tyrant based on a true story?
The film draws from the Book of Judith, a text found in the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canon. While its historical authenticity is debated by scholars, the story of Judith and Holofernes has been a celebrated narrative for centuries, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and cinema.
Where can you stream The Head of a Tyrant?
You can watch The Head of a Tyrant on Amazon Video, where it's available to buy or rent. It's a convenient option for fans of classic Italian adventure cinema looking to revisit this 1959 peplum gem.
Who plays Judith and Holofernes in the film?
Isabelle Corey takes on the role of Judith, bringing both beauty and resolve to the iconic heroine. Massimo Girotti portrays Holofernes, the fearsome conqueror she sets out to destroy. Both deliver compelling performances at the heart of this biblical adventure.
Who directed The Head of a Tyrant?
The film was directed by Fernando Cerchio, an Italian filmmaker known for his work in the peplum genre during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Cerchio also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Damiano Damiani, Guido Malatesta, and Gian Paolo Callegari.
Does Judith succeed in killing Holofernes?
The film stays true to the spirit of the ancient story — Judith uses her wits and courage to get close to the enemy general and carry out her mission. Without giving everything away, her plan unfolds with tension and drama that keeps viewers engaged right to the end.
What are similar films to The Head of a Tyrant?
If you enjoy The Head of a Tyrant, you might also like Scaramouche (1952) and Kings of the Sun (1963) for their classic adventure spirit. Fairy Tales (1978) and The Pirate (1948) are also worth exploring for fans of vintage epic and swashbuckling cinema.
Who composed the music for The Head of a Tyrant?
The score was composed by Carlo Savina, a prolific Italian composer who worked extensively in genre cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His music adds atmosphere and dramatic weight to the film's ancient setting and high-stakes narrative.
More About The Head of a Tyrant
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