The brave knight Brancaleone da Norcia’s (Vittorio Gassman) long journey to the Holy Land takes him to Lake Vico (VT), along with Zenone, a holy man, and a crowd of faithful followers of Pope Gregory. The group believes they are crossing the sea but, having seized a boat, they land somewhere full of bullrushes and capture what they believe to be a native who, however, speaks their language. Setting off again by land (carrying the boat), the group crosses Ponte della Pia near Rosia (SI). An attack by the soldiers of Antipope Clement reduces the group’s numbers. However, Brancaleone decides to continue his journey with the survivors, adding curious elements to his crew along the way. After being freed by a witch (Stefania Sandrelli) who joins them, the group sleeps near the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri (RM). Near the Church of San Bonaventura in Monterano (RM) the inevitable battle between Pope and Antipope takes place. The Stylite monk, Colombino (Gigi Proietti), decides that the dispute can only be solved when a man who is pure of heart walks barefoot on burning coals: the “volunteer” is, of course, Brancaleone who, following the test, finds shade by the Roman aqueduct of Monterano.
The brave knight Brancaleone da Norcia’s (Vittorio Gassman) long journey to the Holy Land takes him to Lake Vico (VT), along with Zenone, a holy man, and a crowd of faithful followers of Pope Gregory. The group believes they are crossing the sea but, having seized a boat, they land somewhere full of bullrushes and capture what they believe to be a native who, however, speaks their language. Setting off again by land (carrying the boat), the group crosses Ponte della Pia near Rosia (SI). An attack by the soldiers of Antipope Clement reduces the group’s numbers. However, Brancaleone decides to continue his journey with the survivors, adding curious elements to his crew along the way. After being freed by a witch (Stefania Sandrelli) who joins them, the group sleeps near the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri (RM). Near the Church of San Bonaventura in Monterano (RM) the inevitable battle between Pope and Antipope takes place. The Stylite monk, Colombino (Gigi Proietti), decides that the dispute can only be solved when a man who is pure of heart walks barefoot on burning coals: the “volunteer” is, of course, Brancaleone who, following the test, finds shade by the Roman aqueduct of Monterano.
Cecchi Gori
Brancaleone da Norcia is travelling to the Holy Land. He leads a motley crew which attracts new elements during the journey.
