Il Brigante on AllMovie

This uneven but interesting drama by director and writer Renato Castellani tells the tale of a brigand and the people who become involved with him. Michele Rende (Adelmo di Fraia) is both a town legend and a hot-tempered young man who is thrown in prison after being accused of a murder he did not commit. Unwilling to submit to trial, Michele escapes and heads up into the hills, from which vantage point he helps poor farmers to carry out the illegal acquisition of unused farm lands. A local boy, Nino (Francesco Seminirao) has come to worship Michele like a real hero and later, Michele falls in love with Nino's sister. It is this last relationship that eventually leads to tragedy for all concerned.