
The Scapegoat 1963
Set against the mist-shrouded canals of 16th-century Venice, *The Scapegoat (1963)* is a gripping historical adventure directed by Duccio Tessari.
Director: Duccio Tessari
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Scapegoat (1963)* about?
In the labyrinth of Renaissance Venice, a young baker's apprentice is falsely accused of attacking a nobleman, setting off a chain of events that exposes the city's corruption and social divides. The film follows his desperate fight for justice as powerful forces manipulate the truth.
Who directed *The Scapegoat*?
Duccio Tessari, the acclaimed Italian director known for blending historical drama with adventure, helmed *The Scapegoat* (1963). His co-writer Marcello Fondato also contributed to the screenplay.
Who stars in *The Scapegoat*?
Jacques Perrin takes the lead role, supported by screen legends Michèle Morgan, Enrico Maria Salerno, Sylva Koscina, and Stefania Sandrelli.
Is *The Scapegoat (1963)* worth watching?
Though not widely remembered today, *The Scapegoat* offers a compelling mix of historical intrigue and moral drama. Its Venice setting, strong performances, and themes of injustice make it a hidden gem for fans of period adventures with depth.
How long is *The Scapegoat*?
*The Scapegoat* runs for 110 minutes, immersing viewers in its 16th-century Venetian world.
About The Scapegoat (1963) — Venice's dark secret in this underrated 16th-century drama
Set against the mist-shrouded canals of 16th-century Venice, *The Scapegoat (1963)* is a gripping historical adventure directed by Duccio Tessari. Based on Francesco Dall'Ongaro's novel and co-written by Tessari and Marcello Fondato, the film weaves a tale of injustice in a city where shadows hide both secrets and power. Jacques Perrin stars as a young baker's apprentice wrongly accused of striking a noble, thrust into a world of political intrigue and social unrest. With atmospheric tension and rich period detail, the story explores themes of false accusations, class divide, and the fragile nature of truth in a society ruled by appearances.
The cast shines beyond Perrin, with icons like Michèle Morgan lending gravitas as the noblewoman entangled in the scandal, while Enrico Maria Salerno delivers a commanding performance as the cunning authority figure orchestrating the farce. Sylva Koscina and Stefania Sandrelli add layers of intrigue and romance, rounding out a drama that blends adventure with the raw emotions of an era where one wrong move could seal a fate. The film captures Venice's golden yet treacherous beauty, turning its labyrinthine streets into a stage for fate's cruelest tricks.