By the Gods!

Alan Ladd in DUEL OF CHAMPIONS (1961)

This is a difficult movie to review. Directed by two directors, one for the English version (Terence Young) and one for the Italian version with Italian crew (Ferdinando Baldi), it has obvious shortcomings, mainly the star himself, Alan Ladd. His days as a leading man were pretty much over by the time this was made. What's remarkable about the movie is the near total lack of flattering shots of Ladd. He looks terrible throughout. Because of this, the film is sorta dreary, including dreary weather, locations, etc. But the story itself is interesting and the score is amazing. The big set they built, behind the grimacing Ladd, is impressive even if it's under-utilized. I like the movie. It's just Alan was so not into it and it shows.