Mask of the Avenger (1951)

Set in 1848 in the northern Italian region of Casamare, the town faces imminent invasion by the Austrian army. The local military governor, Viovanni Larocca, gives a rousing patriotic speech at the town square to boost morale and raise funds for the Italian army. While the townspeople trust him, suspicion arises when Larocca visits the estate of Count Dimorna, one of Italy’s leading noblemen. Count Dimorna confronts Larocca with proof of treason: a letter detailing money transfers to Larocca's Swiss account from the enemy. In response, Larocca murders Dimorna, making it appear as a suicide motivated by guilt, then seizes the estate for his military headquarters. When Captain Renato Dimorna, the Count’s son, returns home, he is attacked by villagers swayed by Larocca’s accusations. Larocca feigns compassion and offers Renato shelter at the estate, now his HQ, intending to keep him prisoner. Determined to uncover the truth and avenge his father, Renato steals the famed sword of the Count of Monte Cristo, dons a black mask and costume, and sets out to expose Larocca’s treachery under the guise of a masked avenger. Cast: - John Derek as Capt. Renato Dimorna - Anthony Quinn as Viovanni Larocca - Jody Lawrance as Maria d'Orsini - Arnold Moss as Colardi - Eugene Iglesias as Rollo D'Anterras - Dickie Leroy as Jacopo (as Dickie LeRoy) - Harry Cording as Zio - Ian Wolfe as Signor Donner Runtime: 83 minutes.