In the Middle Ages, a group of marauders pillage a scroll from the fearful and dangerous Arnolfo Mano-di-Ferro (Alfio Caltabiano) that grants to its owner the property of Aurocastro, a wealthy land with grapevines and cattle. They seek out a knight to claim the real estate and share with them. When they meet the ruined Brancaleone da Norcia (Vittorio Gassman), he accepts to be their leader and they travel to the land. Along their journey, Brancaleone defeats the nobleman Teofilatto dei Leonzi (Gian Maria Volonté) that joins his army. Then they head to the Holy Land with the preacher Zenone (Enrico Maria Salerno), but while crossing a bridge, their friend Pecoro (Folco Lulli) falls off in the river and vanishes. When Zenone falls in a abyss, they travel to Aurocastro again. Then they rescue the damsel Matelda (Catherine Spaak) and Brancaleone promises to her tutor to protect her virtue for her fiancé and receives one hundred golden coins. However, Teofilatto has one night stand with the maid and Brancaleone is imprisoned in the castle of her fiancé. Brancaleone and his clumsy army get in many troubles until they reach Aurocastro. But their adventure has not finished yet. "L'Armata Brancaleone" is one of the funniest comedies of the cinema. The last time I had seen this film was on 27 February 2000, and with the death of Mario Monicelli yesterday, I have decided to see the clumsy Brancaleone and his army again. The story is very well developed with hilarious situations and Vittorio Gassman has a magnificent performance in the role of the the anti-hero Brancaleone. The screenplay presents the most different situations in the environment of the Middle-Ages and the hero always gets in trouble despite his perfect planning. I did not recognize Gian Maria Volonté in the role of Teofilatto dei Leonzi. My vote is nine.Title (Brazil): "O Incrível Exército de Brancaleone" ("The Incredible Army of Brancaleone")

"Branca,branca,branca - Leon,Leon,Leon...Brancaleone da norcha..."Unforgettable... I have seen this film almost 35 years ago and I cannot forget it,and the acting of Gian Maria Volonte.Unfortunately,nowadays it seems impossible to see this movie again.I searched the web for a photo of Gian Maria and found nothing but 2 or 3 photos.This great actor should have a gallery of photos.I would not hesitate to compare this film to Don Quixode and in my own opinion rate it even higher. According to me this film is a world classic and should be available for everyone to see. Using nowadays technology this should be no problem.

I had the distinct good fortune to see L'ARMATA BRANCALEONE at the UCLA Film Archive many years ago, back in the Eighties. Barbara Steele is breathlessly at her best form in the Gassman/S & M fantasy sequences where the two go about lashing each other with whips. "Frustami" was a word used many times. Her costumes were sensational and it's worth a look just for this segment alone. Sexy! Steele! Don't miss an opportunity to see this: it is rare as dragon's teeth. Another feather in the cap of all the UCLA film people and its Italian Department!

Ok, this movie is very funny, really. There are great jokes, a lot of gags and pure nonsense. The characters are unforgettable and the reconstitution of Middle Age is impressive. Unfortunately, it's an unknown (in the USA) masterpiece of Mario Monicelli and there are another Medieval Comedy's movies more famous, like Monty Phyton and the Holy Grail. But, if you will have a chance to watch "L'Armata Brancaleone" (The Incredible Army of Brancaleone), don't miss because it's really good.