Movie Overview"The Tartars" is a 1961 historical drama film directed by Richard Thorpe and Ferdinando Baldi. The star line-up includes Victor Mature, Orson Welles, Liana Orfei, and Arnoldo Foà. This Italian legendary adventure movie is embeded in the 10th century and is centered around the intrusion of the Tartars in Europe and the resistance posed by the Vikings.
Plot SummaryThe movie begins with Oleg (Victor Mature), the handsome Viking prince, preparing his people for an approaching intrusion by the Tartars, led by their conniving and ruthless leader, Burundai (Orson Welles). Oleg intends to unite the Vikings in order to install a stiff resistance against their common opponent, but he faces misfortunes within his ranks, mainly due to an ongoing fight between 2 Viking clans led by Sigrun (Bella Cortez) and Helmut (Folco Lulli).
In an effort to unite the divided Vikings, Oleg provides to marry Sigrun. The sequence takes a twist when Eric (Luciano Marin), a hot-headed Viking warrior, who is secretly in love with Sigrun, messes up the wedding event. The furious Sigrun, feeling embarrassed, betrays her people by secretly providing her loyalty to Burundai. This sets the stage for a substantial clash between the united Tartar and Viking forces.
Even more in the plot, Burundai kidnaps Princess Helga (Liana Orfei), spouse of Oleg to develop a diversion. This triggers a rescue mission led by Oleg and Eric where they penetrate the Tartars camp. The plot deepens with stress and drama as Oleg tries to rescue his wife and avoid falling into Burundai's trap.
Significant FinaleIn the climactic scene, Oleg and Eric successfully rescue Helga and escape the Tartar camp. However, on reaching their kingdom, they find it under siege by the Tartar army. The Vikings stand their ground, causing a fierce battle with the Tartars. In spite of being heavily outnumbered, the unified Viking forces, led by Oleg, manage to hold back the Tartars and provide a major blow to their plans of intrusion.
Burundai, seeing his defeat unfold, attempts a final act of treachery by attacking Oleg. However, Sigrun, having actually understood her error, interferes, resulting in her death but saving Oleg. Ultimately, Burundai is killed, bringing an end to the Tartar danger.
Crucial Reception and Conclusion"The Tartars" is teeming with dramatic stress, plot twists, and compelling characters. The historical background of the Tartar invasion of Europe provides an interesting setting for the pull and push of themes such as commitment, betrayal, and guts. The performances by Victor Mature and Orson Welles bring depth and strength to the storyline. In spite of the historical errors and a few narrative shortcomings, the film offers an enjoyable and exciting depiction of the Viking and Tartar dispute, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of historic and experience cinema.
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