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Giuliano Gemma
1938-
Updated 8/28/2008 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born in Rome in September 1938, actor Giuliano Gemma (sometimes billed as Montgomery Wood) has enjoyed a lengthy career as an actor. Gemma's film career began in the 1950s, while he was still a teenager. Due to his athletic abilities, by the time he was 18 he had begun working as a stuntman in Italian films. After a couple of years, Gemma began finding more work as an actor than as a stuntman. His first credited film appearance was in the comedy Venice, the Moon and You (1958). In the early 1960s, he graduated to starring roles in sword and sandal epics, including My Son, the Hero (1962; with Serge Nubret), Goliath and the Sins of Babylon (1963; with Mark Forest), and Two Gladiators (1964; with Richard Harrison). When the gladiator films began to die out, Gemma transitioned to spaghetti westerns, such as A Pistol for Ringo (1965), which was the first in a long line of westerns for Gemma. When the spaghetti western craze died out in the early 1970s, he branched out into thrillers, dramas, and comedies.
Giuliano Gemma's first spaghetti western was A Pistol for Ringo (1965); this photo is from Long Days of Vengeance (1966)
the films of giuliano gemma
My Son, the Hero (1962)
LEFT and CENTER: As Krios in My Son, the Hero. RIGHT: With Serge Nubret
Goliath and the Sins of Babylon (1963)
LEFT: As Xandros in the sword and sandal epic Goliath and the Sins of Babylon. RIGHT: With Mark Forest
Angélique (1964)
From the French romantic adventure film Angélique. LEFT: Gemma as Nicolas. RIGHT: With Michèle Mercier
Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun (1964)
LEFT: Giuliano Gemma in Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun. RIGHT: From Sons of the Sun with Mark Forest
The Man from Nowhere (1966)
As Arizona Colt in the engaging spaghetti western The Man from Nowhere
Day of Anger (1967)
From the spaghetti western Day of Anger with Lee Van Cleef
The Master Touch (1972)
LEFT: From the crime thriller The Master Touch. RIGHT: With Kirk Douglas in The Master Touch
Safari Express (1976)
As John Baxter in the comedy Safari Express
giuliano gemma today
Now in his 60s, Giuliano Gemma is still in demand as an actor in Germany and his native Italy, where he appears in films and on television. He is also an artist whose beautiful sculptures can be seen at the Official Giuliano Gemma Web Site; see the link below.
Battle Of The Worlds(1961) VHS
Great sci-fi stunner concerning an alien planet that inexplicably lurches from its orbit...into a collision course with Earth! Claude Rains leads the team of scientists striving to avert disaster. Maya Brent, Bill Carter. 84 min.
Goliath And The Sins Of Babylon (1963)/Colossus And The Amazon Queen [DVD](1960) DVD
First, when the city of Nefer is forced by conquering Babylon to pay a tribute of virgins, in strides Goliath (Mark Forest) to compete in a chariot race and free the put-upon maidens. This wild Italian action-adventure co-stars Jose Greci, Giuliano Gemma, and Erno Crisa. Next, two beefy gladiators fresh from the Trojan War are bamboozled into sailing for a secret island, captured by lusty Amazons, and kept as walking sperm banks. Rod Taylor and Ed Fury star in "Colossus and the Amazon Queen," a titillating sheets-and-shackles adventure. 180 min. total. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
The Leopard [DVD](1963) DVD
Set in revolutionary Italy in the mid-1800s, director Luchino Visconti's masterful ode to a bygone age stars Burt Lancaster as a Sicilian prince who seeks to preserve his family's aristocratic way of life by marrying off nephew Alain Delon to beautiful Claudia Cardinale, daughter of a wealthy, boorish merchant. The lush drama culminates with an elaborate and memorable ballroom sequence. Rina Morelli, Paolo Stoppa also star. Special video edition includes the restored 185-min. version and the English-dubbed, 161-min. American release print. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: Italian Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; "making of" documentary; interviews; photo gallery; theatrical trailers. In Italian with English subtitles/Dubbed in English. Three-disc set.
Two Gladiators (I Due Gladiatori) [DVD](1964) DVD
After Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius dies, a senator of the Tribune attempts to find the twin brother of the cruel, new emperor. The plan is to have the level-headed sibling take his brother's place, but there are several hurdles to leap before that can occur. Richard Harrison, Moira Orfei star. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
Two Gladiators(1964) VHS
After Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius dies, a senator of the Tribune attempts to find the twin brother of the cruel, new emperor. The plan is to have the level-headed sibling take his brother's place, but there are several hurdles to leap before that can occur. Richard Harrison, Moira Orfei star.
Adios Gringo(1965) VHS
A young rancher must fight to save himself when, after being swindled in a cattle deal, he is forced to kill in self-defense and is charged with murder. Montgomery Wood (Guiliano Gemma), Evelyn Stewart, Jesus Puente star. 98 min.
One Silver Dollar [DVD](1965) DVD
In this pasta shoot-'em-up, Giuliano Gemma (billed as Montgomery Wood) plays a former Confederate soldier fresh out of a Union prison at the end of the Civil War. He plans to also start a new life for himself, then send for his wife with the money he makes. But Gemma runs into trouble in a small town when he faces off against an unscrupulous banker and a brutish former Reb with a mysterious past. AKA: "Blood for a Silver Dollar." 95 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 2.0; theatrical trailers.
Day Of Anger [DVD](1968) DVD
First-class Italian frontier saga starring Lee Van Cleef as a master gunslinger who joins forces with an orphan to take over a small town. After teaching the youngster everything he knows, Van Cleef finds himself facing his student in a showdown. With Giuliano Gemma, Walter Rilla; directed by Tonino Valerii ("My Name Is Nobody"). AKA: "Days of Wrath." 111 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English, Italian mono; interviews; theatrical trailers; photo gallery; more.
The Price Of Power (Il Prezzo Del Potere) [DVD](1969) DVD
This unusual Spaghetti Western imaginatively transplants the events of the Kennedy assassination to the Old West, as President James Garfield (Van Johnson) (who was also assassinated, but not in the fashion depicted in the film) travels to Dallas, Texas, after the end of the Civil War. His death is followed by the murder of the assassin, gunned down while being taken from one jail to another. Giuliano Gemma, Fernando Rey co-star. 110 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; theatrical trailer. Filmed in English.
When Women Had Tails [DVD](1970) DVD
Take a hilarious look at caveman days, when the women with tails took their primal partners in hand and together discovered sex. Wacky "adults only" comedy stars the sultry Senta Berger; co-written by Lina Wertmuller. 99 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.
Ben And Charlie [DVD](1972) DVD
In this sweetly seasoned spaghetti sagebrusher, George Eastman and Giuliano Gemma are pals who are mistaken for crooks when they arrive in Desert City. They are put into prison by a shady sheriff and find themselves rich--at least temporarily--after exposing him. With Marisa Mell. AKA: "Amigo, Stay Away," "Humpty Dumpty Gang." 107 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English (dubbed) Dolby Digital mono; photo gallery; theatrical trailers. Dubbed in English.
The Master Touch [DVD](1972) DVD
Kirk Douglas stars as a safecracking expert just released from jail who undertakes a "foolproof" plan to rob a bank of a million dollars in this cracking crime thriller. With Florinda Bolkan. 95 min.
Africa Express [DVD](1975) DVD
Rousing comic action yarn set in 1950s Africa and boasting Giuliano Gemma ("Tenebrae") as an adventurer on the Dark Continent who dreams of retiring from selling items to natives and returning to Detroit to open a gas station. But before Gemma and his pet chimp head back to the States, they have a whirlwind adventure involving creepy ivory trader Jack Palance and gorgeous Ursula Andress, who dons a nun's costume to escape capture by Palance. 90 min. Soundtrack: English.
Africa Express(1975) VHS
Rousing comic action yarn set in 1950s Africa and boasting Giuliano Gemma ("Tenebrae") as an adventurer on the Dark Continent who dreams of retiring from selling items to natives and returning to Detroit to open a gas station. But before Gemma and his pet chimp head back to the States, they have a whirlwind adventure involving creepy ivory trader Jack Palance and gorgeous Ursula Andress, who dons a nun's costume to escape capture by Palance. 90 min.
Desert Of The Tartars [DVD](1976) DVD
A French army recruit is stationed at an isolated desert fort whose inhabitants spend their time training in anticipation of an attack from Tartar warriors. As the days wear on, the soldiers' routine leads to cynicism, jealousy, and paranoia as they wait for an enemy that no one is even sure exists. Compelling drama stars Jacques Perrin, Vittorio Gassman, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Max von Sydow; music by Ennio Morricone. 141 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: Italian Dolby Digital mono, English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; interviews; photo gallery; poster gallery; theatrical trailer; bonus CD soundtrack. In Italian with English subtitles/Dubbed in English.
Tenebre [DVD](1982) DVD
Little-seen thriller from shock master Dario Argento stars Anthony Franciosa as an American mystery novelist visiting Rome who becomes the prime suspect when a series of murders occurs that parallels his latest book. With John Saxon, Daria Nicolodi. AKA: "Tenebrae," "Unsane." 101 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround stereo, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; featurettes; biography; theatrical trailer. In Italian with English subtitles.
Mad Love [DVD](2001) DVD
Based on the tragic true story of 15th-century Spain's Princess Joan, this lush historical drama follows the 18-year-old royal as she is married off by her mother, Queen Isabella, to the handsome but fickle Archduke Philip of Flanders. Politics and Joan's passionate devotion to her unfaithful spouse lead to her undoing in a tale of lust, power and betrayal. Pilar Lopez de Ayala, Daniele Liotti and Manuela Arcuri star. AKA: "Joana la Loca," "Madness of Joan," "Madness of Love." 118 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, French; theatrical trailers.
giuliano gemma films available from amazon.com
filmography
Pope John Paul II (2005) with Jon Voight, Ben Gazzara, and Christopher Lee
Mad Love (2002)
La donna del delitto (2000)
Game over (1999)
Un uomo perbene (1999)
Premier de cordée (1999)
Un bel di' vedremo (1997)
Laura (1995)
Una storia italiana (1992)
Jewels (1992) with Annette O'Toole
La moglie nella cornice (1991)
There Are No Men Left (1991)
Firenze no kaze ni dakarete (1991)
Non aprite all'uomo nero (1990)
Ready to Fight (1987)
The Opponent (1987) with Ernest Borgnine and Daniel Greene
Chateauroux district (1987) with Guy Marchand
Let's Hope It's a Girl (1986) with Liv Ullmann
Tex and the Lord of the Deep (1985) with William Berger
Claretta (1984) with Claudia Cardinale
Circle of Passions (1983) with Max von Sydow
Supermarket (1983)
The Odd Squad (1982)
Tenebre (1982) with Anthony Franciosa and John Saxon
La baraonda (1981)
The Warning (1980) with Martin Balsam
Passioni popolari (1980)
Military Coup in Kolwezi (1980) with Mimsy Farmer
A Man on His Knees (1978)
Silver Saddle (1978)
Circuito chiuso (1978)
Corleone (1977) with Claudia Cardinale and Tony Kendall
Battle Force (1977) with Helmut Berger, Samantha Eggar, John Huston, Stacy Keach, Orson Welles, Henry Fonda, and Rik Battaglia
The Iron Prefect (1977) with Claudia Cardinale and Rik Battaglia
California (1977) with William Berger
The Desert of the Tartars (1976) with Vittorio Gassman, Fernando Rey, and Max von Sydow
Safari Express (1976) with Ursula Andress, Jack Palance, and Raf Baldassarre
Africa Express (1975) with Ursula Andress and Jack Palance
White, the Yellow, and the Black (1975) with Eli Wallach and France Nuyen
Anche gli angeli tirano di destro (1974)
Somewhere Beyond Love (1974)
Even Angels Eat Beans (1973)
Il maschio ruspante (1973)
The Magnificent Dare Devil (1973) with Michael Forest
The Smugglers (1972) with Senta Berger and Sybil Danning
The Master Touch (1972) with Kirk Douglas
Humpty Dumpty Gang (1972) with George Eastman, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart, and Marisa Mell
In Love, Every Pleasure Has Its Pain (1971)
The Scalawag Bunch (1970) with Mark Damon
Corbari (1970) with Tina Aumont
When Women Had Tails (1970) with Senta Berger
The Price of Power (1970) with Fernando Rey and Van Johnson
Sundance Cassidy and Butch the Kid (1969)
The Island (1968)
Sons of Satan (1968) with Rita Hayworth, Klaus Kinski, Margaret Lee, and Claudine Auger
Day of Anger (1967) with Lee Van Cleef
Wanted (1967) with Daniele Vargas
Fort Yuma Gold (1967) with Dan Vadis
Arizona Colt (1966)
Long Days of Vengeance (1966)
Adios, Gringo (1966)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (1966) with George Martin and Daniele Vargas
Blood for a Silver Dollar (1965)
La ragazzola (1965) with Margaret Lee
The Return of Ringo (1965) with George Martin
Erik, the Viking (1965) with Gordon Mitchell
Ballad of Death Valley (1965) with George Martin
Angelique: The Road to Versailles (1965) with Michèle Mercier
Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun (1964) with Mark Forest
Two Gladiators (1964) with Richard Harrison
Revolt of the Praetorians (1964) with Richard Harrison
Angélique (1964) with Michèle Mercier
Goliath and the Sins of Babylon (1963) with Mark Forest
Scheherazade (1963) with Marilù Tolo and Fernando Rey
The Leopard (1963) with Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon
The Shortest Day (1962) with Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Paul Belmondo
My Son, the Hero (1962) with Pedro Armendáriz and Serge Nubret
Battle of the Worlds (1961) with Claude Rains
I Love, You Love (1960)
Messalina (1961)
You're On Your Own (1959)
The Cossacks (1959) with Edmund Purdom, John Drew Barrymore, Giorgia Moll, and Pierre Brice
My Wife's Enemy (1959) with Marcello Mastroianni and Luciana Paluzzi
Ben-Hur (1959) with Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd
Venice, the Moon and You (1958)
links
The Official Giuliano Gemma Web Site
This stie explores Giuliano Gemma's career in films and television and also promotes his beautiful sculptures.
Click on the logo to go back to Brian's Drive-In Theater
This page premiered January 7, 2004.
