The Bastard (1963 film)

The Bastard is a 1963 Italian historical drama film directed by Riccardo Freda. The Italian title of the film is Il Fornaretto di Venezia.

The film is loosely based on the true story of Pietro Favier, a young baker's apprentice wrongly accused and convicted of murdering a Venetian nobleman in 1507. The plot follows his imprisonment, mistreatment, and eventual struggle to prove his innocence. Key themes include injustice, class conflict, and the corrupt power of the Venetian Republic.

The film stars Jacques Sernas as Pietro Favier and Gianna Maria Canale as the manipulative Elena Cornaro. The film is known for its melodramatic style and historical setting. It is sometimes considered a peplum film, although its focus is more on historical drama and less on action and mythology.