Alec Coppel would come out from England to write the script In October 1954 MGM said that Fay and Michael Kanin were working on the script, and the movie would be shot in Italy once Granger had finished Bhowani Junction. Jean Simmons was discussed as a possible co star. In November 1954 the studio said the film would be made under the direction of Andrew Marton, and that Granger's co star would be Gina Lollobrigida making her Hollywood debut. The movie could not be shot in America as Lollobrigida was under personal contract to Howard Hughes. In January 1955 MGM said the lead roles would be played by Granger and Elizabeth Taylor with Roy Rowland to direct. Taylor's husband Michael Wilding would also be in the cast. By February Taylor was off the film. The movie ended up being postponed again. Shooting In January 1961 Stewart Granger announced he had signed a new three-picture contract with MGM. He would star in I Thank a Fool, and two films for producer Jacques Bar, the first of which was The Swordsman of Siena. Gina Lollobrigida was again being sought to play the female lead. Granger's role in I Thank a Fool wound up being played by Peter Finch, but he did appear in Sienna which started filming in October 1961. Filming took place in and around Rome, notably at Braciano Castle. Granger sprained his back while filming a duel scene and was laid up for several days. Reception Critical The Los Angeles Times called it an "old fashioned swashbuckling adventure." The film has meanwhile been recognised as "one of the best of its type" for Stewart Granger's accomplished fencing performances and the horse race. Box office According to MGM accounts, after the production budget and other associated costs were taken away, the film lost $100,000. In France it recorded admissions of 977,460. Bibliography References External links 1962 films 1960s historical drama films French historical drama films English-language French films English-language Italian films 1960s Italian-language films Italian historical drama films Films directed by Étienne Périer Films scored by Mario Nascimbene Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films CinemaScope films Films set in Italy Films set in the 16th century Films about mercenaries 1960s English-language films 1960s Italian films 1960s French films