Guido Malatesta, an Italian director and writer, was active in the genre film scene from the 1950s to the early 1970s. He directed Fire Over Rome (1965), a film that showcases his knack for action and adherence to genre conventions. Malatesta also penned the script for Spies Kill Silently (1966), further solidifying his impact on Italian cinema. His work in Tarzana, the Wild Girl (1969) exemplifies his ability to blend adventure with the unique flair of Italian exploitation films, marking him as a notable figure in the cult film landscape.
Fire Over Rome
Marcus Valerius, a young consul, is assigned the mission to assist Menecrate, the leader of the Pretorian Guard, in the arrest and execution of as many Christians as possible. While raiding the Catacombs he has the surprise to find among the Christians the woman he loves, Giulia, who has been converted secretly to the banned religion. He helps her to escape and trouble soon follows. Stripped of his rank and arrested for defending the rebels he is condemned to fight as a gladiator...
