El sitio de Siracusa

Archimède's private life is not known .Neither is Marcus Claudius Marcellus's . So a story can be invented from start to finish..And the screenwriters smartly opt for a melodramatic tale , a gripping script,certainly better than that of the average sword and sandals (peplum)standards ;there's no muscle man-which spares us endless fights- but a scientist whose works revolutionized physics and mathematics ,notably about the transcendental number pi.There's no filler ,no exotic erotic dances ;only statuesque Sylva Koscina reminds you of the classic peplum.

Of course there are implausibilities (a Roman patrician adopting an illigitimate child and marrying an unknown woman ,certainly not a high-born lady) ,but the story is well written and sustains interest till the very end .Marcus Claudius Marcellus was a historic figure who really wanted to spare Archimede's life (though their private lives never interfered) but he could not ,because of one of his soldiers' awkwardness .

Tina Louise gives a pretty good performance: her amnesia,cured by the sun which reminds her of her youth with her childhood's friend Archimède,is credible .Rossano Brazzi and Alberto Farnese are convincing as her love interests.On the other hand ,the son (Luciano Marin ) is rather sluggish.

The episode of the attack of the city and the use of the mirrors (using an inclement weather and a rather ominous guy is another good idea) remains impressive even today when special effects go from strength to strength . However many historians think that this episode is pure legend : the scientist did not have at his disposal the means to set the Roman fleet on fire .

But nevertheless,an entertaining peplum ,a must for fans of this genre.