Though a slave, Lacer (Jeffrey Hunter) is well respected as a talented architect. After falling for Pennelope (Mylene Demongeot), the amorous slave of proconsul Maximus (Massimo Girotti), Lacer runs into trouble. He is soon sent off on search for gold, but finds that his orders are intended to get rid of him. He must think fast if he is to stay alive. Arnold Perl adapted this sword and sandal feature from Florence A. Seward's novel. Perl would go on to write the screenplay for Spike Lee's 1992 drama,
Malcom X
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