Richard the Lion-Hearted [Il talismano] (1911) 8mm unframed scan

Based on the climax of Sir Walter Scott's 1825 novel The Talisman, the second of his Tales of the Crusades, the film centers on the perfidious Duke of Montserrat (Amleto Novelli?) who schemes with the shady Templar (Emilio Ghione?) to remove the English flag from St. George's Hill. Richard, having learned of Montserrat's treachery, decrees Sir Kenneth of Scotland, charged to guard the English banner with his life, settle the matter against Montserrat in a joust before the court. The rivals mount up their chargers for a deadly hastilude.

Il talismano was produced by the prolific Società Italiana Cines, or Cines for short. The studio was known for creating 'art-films', adaptations of well-respected literary staples. According to the Blackhawk introductory text, here excised, the film was distributed stateside by importer George Kleine for Kosmik Films and was first screened for an American audience on August 31st, 1912.

IMDb and TMDB don't have cast or production credits attached to their listings of Il talismano / Richard the Lion-Hearted. Shout-out to user @marcogaetani9 for some information on a potential director. User Marco stated that it was Enrico Guazzoni, who'd go on to helm the celebrated Quo Vadis? (1913). Guazzoni was working for Cines in 1911, and directed a separate film called Gerusalemme liberata (English title The Crusaders) in the same year. While I've yet to locate much linking him to this film on wikis or databases, it's entirely possible, and highly likely, that he acted as director on this film. Amleto Novelli and Emilio Ghione are confirmed to appear in this film, and regularly worked with Guazzoni at Cines.

While this may be the first time the film's appeared on YouTube, a digital copy is available for purchase on distributor Harpodeon's website. The video preview looks fantastic, and Harpodeon's version undoubtedly comes from a higher-gauge element than my 8mm print.
https://harpodeon.com/film/Richard_th...
I highly encourage anyone interested in silent film to check out the site and support Harpodeon!

While this is a Blackhawk release, I lack its original box and serial number. The film was scanned with a Wolverine Pro at 2K; Scan completed autumn 2021.