He was apparently popular as he continued to get roles for a number of years in movies that didn't require throwing logs or big rocks around. Steel (Sergio Ciani) is obviously suited to these roles but he never emotes when the scene calls for some strong reaction unless it involves fisticuffs.

Though it's nothing spectacular, HERCULES & THE BLACK PIRATE is a decent timewaster but will more than likely be soon forgotten after you've watched it. Like that film, there is an even stronger THREE MUSKETEERS vibe going on this time with some sea battles and decent sword fights.

Ciani played second fiddle to Mimmo Palmari in that movie and considering when it was made, Ciani hadn't become a proven commodity in the genre. One of a handful of hybrid peplum movies this one very similar to the slightly better HERCULES & THE MASKED RIDER (1961/64) and even borrowing much of that films score. Eventually, Hercules must once again do battle with the malicious pirate as well as duel with the conniving Don Rodrigo to save the King, Rosita and his kidnapped daughter, Alma. Rodrigo sides with the Black Pirate to fulfill his plan. Don Rodrigo secretly plots the death of Don Alonzo to usurp his power as ruler of Valencia and to also win the hand of his wife, a former lover of his before she married into royalty. He disapproves of the son of a fisherman marrying the daughter of nobility and Hercules leaves the castle to return to his home village. HERCULES & THE BLACK PIRATE 1964 aka SANSONE CONTRO IL CORSARO NERO aka SAMSON AGAINST THE BLACK PIRATEĪlan Steel(Hercules/Samson), Rosalba Neri(Rosita), Andrea Aureli(The Black Pirate), Piero Lulli (Don Rodrigo), Nello PazzafiniĪfter defeating the Black Pirate and his men in a sea battle, Hercules falls in love with Rosita, the daughter of Don Alonzo.

Il corsaro nero re leone