Set in 13th-century Italy, The Iron Crown is the story of the rise and fall of a corrupt monarch. By defying the crown, a symbol of justice, the monarch is plagued with a series of horrifying visions predicting dire consequences. Arminio (Massimo Girotti), better known for his physique than his acting prowess at the time Iron Crown was filmed), plays the muscular do-gooder who helps topple the wicked ruler, (King Sedemondo (Gino Cervi), from his throne. In the tradition of Italian historical epics, the film is a bit too loud and too long. Made nine years before its 1949 American release, The Iron Crown was a first-prize winner at the Venice Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi