Astonishingly costly historical epic was lensed under the title of Omar Mukhtar, the character played by Anthony Quinn, though you could see why they'd change it. Mukhtar is the leader of the Libyan rebels battling Mussolini (Rod Steiger) in his plans to conquer the country. The huge $30 million budget produces a grand-looking picture made on an impressive scale with eye-smacking battles, but the film-making is vapid and impersonal, giving even over-actors like Quinn, Steiger, Irene Papas, Oliver Reed, John Gielgud and Raf Vallone (an admirable collection) a problem to fill the widescreen space. Script-writer HAL Craig provides an interesting history lesson, but he's less good in whipping up emotion and marshalling dramatic movement. Inspiring moments and the entertaining performances make it worthwhile, though.

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