Desert Desperadoes

Desert Desperadoes (Italian: La peccatrice del deserto) is a 1959 American/Italian Biblical drama film directed by Steve Sekely from an original screenplay by Victor Stoloff and Robert Hill. Co-produced by the Italian company Venturini Express and the American studio Nasht Productions, it was distributed by RKO Radio Pictures through the States Rights Independent Exchanges and released on July 16, 1959. The film stars Ruth Roman and Akim Tamiroff.

Desert Desperadoes
Directed bySteve Sekely
Written byVictor Stoloff
Robert Hill
Produced byJohn Nasht
Robert Spafford
Alan Furlan
CinematographyMassimo Dallamano
Music byMario Nascimbene
Production
companies
Venturini Express,
Nasht Productions
Distributed byRKO Radio Pictures,
States Rights Independent Exchanges
Release date
  • July 16, 1959 (1959-07-16) (US)[1]
Running time
81 minutes
CountriesUnited States
Italy
LanguageEnglish

Plot

A merchant's caravan led by Verrus, a former Roman soldier, comes across a beautiful woman bound to a post. The merchant doesn't wish to intervene, but Verrus takes her along. She is mysterious, identifying herself only as Isthar, a name that may or may not be real.

The merchant is transporting gold, spices and other valuable commodities across the desert. When a band of refugees and a small child who might be the rumored messiah need sanctuary, Verrus agrees, even though King Herod's soldiers are likely to come after them. The merchant conspires behind Verrus's back, coaxing Isthar into distracting Fabius Quintus, a guard who has become infatuated with her beauty.

Isthar later is in need of help and pleads with Fabius, who spurns and injures her. No one else but the refugees will help her. Herod's soldiers attack, so Isthar gives up her own camels to the infant's mother, remaining behind. She, along with all the others, is killed, but the child is safe.

Cast

Reception

Harrison's Reports gave the picture a lukewarm review. They enjoyed the background story, as well as the action sequences, but felt the overall plot was routine. They gave good marks to Ruth Roman and Akim Tamiroff for their performances.[2]

References
  1. "Desert Desperadoes: Detail View". American Film Institute. Archived from the original on April 2, 2014. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  2. ""Desert Desperadoes" with Ruth Roman and Akim Tamiroff". Harrison's Reports. July 25, 1959. p. 119. Retrieved January 29, 2016.open access
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