Sword of the Conqueror 1961

In the 6th century, the Lombard warlord Alboin, Jack Palance, conquers the Christian territory of the Gepids after killing their king and taking his daughter Rosmunda, Eleonora Rossi Drago and her infant son as hostages. The Gepids, along with surviving allies, simmer with a growing hatred and quietly plot the downfall of the Lombard ruler. Rosmunda, haunted by the murder of her father and her love Helmichis, who is believed dead after a daring escape yet has gathered supporters to drive out the Lombards, fuels the resolve for vengeance.

To solidify his grip over the defeated Gepids, Alboin intends to marry Rosmunda, hoping the alliance will seal his rule. Rosmunda’s desire for revenge becomes a driving force as the wedding approaches. The Gepids and their allies strike on the wedding night. Helmichis duels Alboin in the king’s bedchamber but is disarmed by the conqueror; the bride, Rosmunda, fatally stabs him with a dagger.

A fierce battle erupts within the dining hall as Lombard resistance collapses. The Gepids and their allies emerge victorious, and Helmichis is hailed as the new king. Yet the moment of triumph carries a bitter note: Alboin staggers into the court, utterly aghast at Rosmunda’s betrayal, and dies at her feet. With the Lombards toppled, the Gepids celebrate their hard-won liberation and the dawn of a new order.