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What a Loveable Rogue...Guy's second starring role came in the 1962 movie Damon & Pythias, which was filmed entirely in Italy. He was originally offered the role of Pythias, but while reading the script, it was the charming rogue, Damon who peaked his interest and whom he ultimately portrayed. |
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The Story
When the leader of the Athens-based Pythagorian belief dies, Pythias is sent to Syracuse to find the newly appointed leader, Arcanos. The mission is a dangerous one, since Syracuse is under the rule of a tyrant, Dionysius who finds the Pythagorian beliefs of brotherhood disturbing. To find Aracanos, Pythias enlists the aid of Damon, a petty thief whose background has taught him to care about no one but himself.
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Seeing the strength of Pythias' faith, teaches Damon the true meaning of friendship. And when Damon learns that Pythias has been arrested and sentenced to die, his new belief is tested by the knowledge that Pythias' wife is dying. Confident he is doing what Pythias would do for him, Damon goes before Dionysius to offer himself in exchange, on the condition Pythias be freed to return to Athens.
Dionysius sees a chance to prove the Pythagorian beliefs are only surface deep. He offers Pythias his freedom, but his freedom has strings attached. If Pythias does not return by the date of his scheduled execution, Damon will die in his place. Dionysius is confident Pythias will never return, and takes steps to detain him, if he tries.
But the ruler's plans to discredit the Pythagorian beliefs backfires when Pythias does return, arriving just in time to save Damon. Stunned by the bond of friendship exhibited by Damon & Pythias, Dionysius' young son pleads with his father to let both men live. The crowd of gatherers noisily chants their agreement. Realizing he is beaten, Dionysius frees both men, knowing that to do otherwise would endanger his reign.
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