| Director | Vincent Sherman |
|---|---|
| Genre | adventure film, biographical film |
| Runtime | 94 min |
| Country | France, Italy, Spain |
During the 16th century, we follow the adventures and romances of the young and passionate Miguel de Cervantes, who would later become the author of Don Quixote. From his clashes with Cardinal Giulio Acquaviva and Ottoman Hassan Bey, to his alliance with Pope Pius IV, his tumultuous love affair with the beautiful Roman courtesan Giulia Toffoli, his involvement in battles alongside Philip II of Spain against the Moors, and his bravery in the naval battle of Lepanto where he lost the use of his left arm, to his capture by pirates alongside his brother Rodrigo and their imprisonment in Algiers by Hassan Bey.
Miguel gains a significant reputation for his military exploits, and while in captivity, he meets Nessa, a young girl who inspires the character of Dulcinea del Toboso. Hassan Bey seeks to profit from the release of the brothers by demanding ransom from their family and the King of Spain. During negotiations, Hassan Bey enslaves the brothers, but Miguel incites a rebellion, leading to his torture and death sentence. Fortunately, the ransom is paid before his execution, and Hassan Bey releases the Cervantes brothers, allowing them to return home.