The Belle Starr Story

The Belle Starr Story

Year: 1968

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: Italian

Directors: Lina Wertmüller, Piero Cristofani

Western

Belle Starr, a notorious outlaw, rises from a male‑dominated upbringing to become a formidable gunslinger and gambler across the frontier. She repeatedly clashes with and surpasses the men around her. Her complex, on‑and‑off romance with fellow outlaw Larry Blackie draws them into a heist that spirals out of control.

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Timeline & Setting – The Belle Starr Story (1968)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Belle Starr Story (1968). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century

The late 1800s American West was defined by frontier justice, rapid gambling, and volatile loyalties. Saloons and back rooms served as stages for duels, betrayals, and high-stakes heists. Lawmen and outlaws lived in a precarious balance, where power could shift with a single bold move.

Location

Old West town, Saloon district

Set in a rough American frontier town filled with smoky saloons, gambling dens, and perilous backrooms. The action moves through cramped hotels and street fights that echo the volatility of the era. The town’s atmosphere blends public showdowns with secretive deals, underscoring a world where fortune and danger walk hand in hand.

🏜️ Old West 🗺️ Frontier town 🎰 Gambling hub

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:26

Main Characters – The Belle Starr Story (1968)

Meet the key characters of The Belle Starr Story (1968), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Belle Starr (Elsa Martinelli)

An accomplished gambling woman with a fierce, independent streak. Haunted by a traumatic past, she fights back against exploitation and politics of the frontier, using wit and fire to navigate a male-dominated world. She builds and leads a gang to challenge Larry Blackie's control and claim her own power.

🗡️ Outlaw 💃 Gambler 🧭 Leader

Larry Blackie (George Eastman)

A ruthless gambler who asserts territorial dominance through intimidation and cunning. He manipulates Belle and uses his men to infiltrate her ranks, revealing a brutal, self-serving appetite for control. His arrogance sets up confrontations that fuel the film's tension.

🗡️ Antagonist 🎰 Gambler 🗺️ Territorial

Cole Harvey (Robert Woods)

Belle’s former lover and rescuer, a bold outlaw who shares a volatile romance with Belle. He protects her, rescues her from danger, and becomes entangled in violent conflicts that culminate in a tragic fate linked to his attempt to violate her and Belle’s subsequent revenge.

🗡️ Outlaw ❤️ Love Interest 🛡️ Protector

Velvet Fingers (Eugene Walter)

A slick criminal associate within Belle’s underworld circle. He brings a layer of cunning and resourcefulness to the gang’s schemes, helping coordinate plans and keep operations moving under pressure.

🗡️ Criminal 🧭 Schemer 🎭 Operator

John Shelley (Vladimir Medar)

A member of the criminal circle who appears in the milieu of illicit plots. He operates as part of the broader network surrounding Belle and her rivals, contributing to the tension and danger of the jewel heist storyline.

🗡️ Minor Character 🧭 Circle Member

Pedro (Bruno Piergentili)

A gang member involved in Belle’s operations, contributing to the ensemble of henchmen that drive the street-level action. He participates in the plans that lead to the jewel loot and its eventual reveal.

🗡️ Gang Member 🧭 Accomplice

Jessica (Francesca Righini)

A member of Belle’s circle who appears in the plot, assisting or supporting the gang’s activities. Her presence reinforces the ensemble nature of Belle’s operation and the dynamics within the group.

🗡️ Ally 🎭 Member

Pinkerton Man (Bruno Corazzari)

A Pinkerton agent representing law enforcement pressure on the criminals. He embodies the clash between order and crime, and his actions contribute to the punitive responses against the outlaws.

⚖️ Lawman 🗡️ Enforcer

Gang Member (Remo De Angelis)

A member of Belle’s gang, providing muscle and street-level force. He participates in the confrontations and conflicts that unfold through the film’s climactic moments.

🗡️ Muscle 🧭 Gang Member

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:26

Major Themes – The Belle Starr Story (1968)

Explore the central themes of The Belle Starr Story (1968), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💘 Love

Romantic tension threads through Belle and Larry, complicating power dynamics with flirtation and volatile trust. Their exchanges oscillate between charm and menace, showing how affection can be weaponized in a world governed by risk. The romance both motivates and undermines alliances, highlighting the pull between desire and danger.

🗡️ Revenge

Belle’s trauma from her past drives a relentless pursuit of vengeance, shaping her decisions and alliances. She uses revenge to undermine rivals and to reclaim agency in a male-dominated world. The cycle of retribution pushes characters toward violent confrontations and costly choices.

🎲 Gambling

Gambling is the lifeblood of the plot, shaping both character and consequence. Belle’s skill at cards and her strategic gambits propel the action and draw in rival players and lawmen alike. The poker games and jewel plots hinge on risk, bluffing, and the lure of easy fortune.

🗝️ Independence

Belle asserts control over her fate, forming a gang and challenging male-dominated power structures. Her autonomy is showcased through decisive moves, daring fights, and leadership in chaotic schemes. Independence here is thrilling but perilous, blurring lines between freedom and crime.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:26

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The Belle Starr Story Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Belle Starr Story, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Belle Starr Story Summary

The Belle Starr Story Timeline

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The Belle Starr Story Timeline

More About The Belle Starr Story

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The Belle Starr Story (1968) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Belle Starr Story (1968) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Belle Starr Story (1968) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow