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Action Cult Classic

Brotherhood turns brutal in this Euro-crime saga of betrayal, revenge, and dysfunctional family ties.

THE BASTARD

Brother or enemy - no mercy was given!

1968 · 1h 42m · PG · Action / Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

A criminal seeks vengeance when his double-dealing brother steals his jewels and mutilates his shooting hand.

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Quick Answer

What is The Bastard about?

The Bastard is a 1968 Germany-Italy-France action, crime, and drama film directed by Duccio Tessari about two jewel-thief brothers whose partnership explodes into betrayal and a quest for revenge.

Programmer's Pick

Rita Hayworth trades Hollywood glamour for icy matriarchy in this continental crime drama, where family therapy involves fists, firearms, and some truly questionable life choices. If you like your revenge with a side of serial criminality and sibling rivalry, The Bastard doesn’t skimp on dysfunction or double-crosses.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Jason and Adam are brothers in crime, united by their expertise in jewel heists but divided by ambition and desire. When Adam betrays Jason—stealing both his share of the loot and his girlfriend—the fallout is swift and brutal, leaving Jason beaten and his shooting hand mutilated. With the help of a compassionate female doctor, Jason recovers and begins plotting his retaliation. Set against a backdrop of 1960s European grit, The Bastard delves into themes of vengeance, fractured family loyalties, and the volatile mix of violence and vulnerability, all wrapped in the pulpy style of a poliziottesco drama.

Details & Specs

Director
Duccio Tessari
Writers
Mario Di Nardo, Duccio Tessari, Ennio De Concini
Release
1968
Runtime
1h 42m
Country
Germany, Italy, France
Language
English
Genres
Action, Crime, Drama
Also Known As
The Cats, Sons of Satan, Le bâtard, I bastardi (original title)

Why This Matters

This 1968 crime film brings together director Duccio Tessari with a notable cast including Rita Hayworth and Klaus Kinski, exemplifying the international collaborations characteristic of European genre cinema in the late 1960s.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Duccio Tessari Writers: Mario Di Nardo +2 more
Rita Hayworth Rita Hayworth Martha Giuliano Gemma Giuliano Gemma Jason Klaus Kinski Klaus Kinski Adam Margaret Lee Margaret Lee Karen Claudine Auger Claudine Auger Barbara Serge Marquand Serge Marquand Jimmy Umberto Raho Umberto Raho Doctor CC Carl Cik Policeman DU Detlef Uhle T.V. Announcer PN Paola Natale Dancer Mirella Pamphili Mirella Pamphili Dancer

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Why Cult

Sibling Betrayal

The film’s core is a vicious feud between two criminal brothers, fueling a vengeful spiral of violence.

Euro-Crime Style

Set in the world of 1960s European gangsters, the film delivers poliziottesco aesthetics and international intrigue.

Rita Hayworth in Command

Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth takes a turn as a domineering, manipulative mother at the center of the chaos.

Revenge-Driven Plot

A mutilated hand, a stolen lover, and a quest for payback drive the narrative edge, keeping motives personal and brutal.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Brother's betrayal during a jewel heist

Threat

Criminal rivalry and revenge

Effect

Violence, mutilation, and shattered family bonds

Setting

1960s European criminal underworld

Questions from the Vault

When was The Bastard released? +

The Bastard was released in 1968.

Who directed The Bastard? +

The Bastard was directed by Duccio Tessari.

How long is The Bastard? +

The Bastard has a runtime of 102 minutes.

What genre is The Bastard? +

The Bastard is an action, crime, and drama film.

Where can I watch The Bastard? +

You can watch The Bastard on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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