Born in 1910 in Recco, Italy, Mario Amendola began his career in theater before transitioning to film in 1949. As a screenwriter, he crafted engaging narratives for cult classics such as Isabella, Duchess of the Devils (1969) and Sonny and Jed (1972). His collaboration with Bruno Corbucci on the Nico Giraldi series reflects his knack for blending humor with action. Amendola's work in films like Battle of the Amazons (1973) and Banana Joe (1982) showcases his unique voice in the realm of exploitation and genre cinema.
Isabella, Duchess of the Devils
Early 1600s, France. Eric von Nutter, a greedy Alsatian baron raids Duke de Frissac's family estate Château Salins and kills his entire family except Isabella, his little daughter. Isabella is saved by Melicour, the head of a gypsy tribe nicknamed The Devils. Years later, Isabella is a beautiful and courageous teenage girl. By chance, she encounters François de Bassompierre and gets the opportunity to reclaim her title but Château Salins is now possessed by Von Nutter. France is going through political instability under the child king Louis XIII and needs support from German princes. Therefore, Isabella is barred from possession of Château Salins by the Louvre and a young viscount, Gilbert de Villancourt is assigned as a guardian to her. However, following a failed assassination attempt by a minion of Von Nutter, Isabella vows to avenge her family and take Château Salins back.
