Moviecut—Hercules in the Haunted World

source: Hercules in the Haunted World

Ercole al centro della Terra

Mario Bava's distinctive touch is obvious in HERCULES IN THE HAUNTED WORLD; the beautifully-lit sets (and miniatures) literally shine. (As do Reg Park's glistening pair of pecs, for that matter.) This is my second-favorite Bava film- a close second to PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (which likewise boasts eerily-but-beautifully-lit sets). The highlight (for me) would have to be the non-stop attack by the flying vampires (whose resurrection reminds me more than a little of the resurrection-to-come in the kung fu fright flick, THE LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES). Just when it looks like our hero might tire from overexertion (ripping loose and lobbing stone pillars takes a lot out of you, you know), there's light at the end of that there long, dark tunnel. Suspenseful stuff, if you ask me. A bit slow at times, perhaps, but a good Bava film nonetheless.

Sword-and-sandal afficionados will be happy to hear that this lush Mario Bava-helmed Hercules movie is getting a widescreen treatment on DVD. It's one of the more atmospheric Italian schlock epics, full of the imaginative and colorful set pieces distinctive to the renowned Italian filmmaker, Mario Bava. Reg Park was among the most impressive bodybuilders to ever play the mythical hero and he is given generous opportunity to strut his stuff. Hercules literally goes to Hell to defeat satanic villain Christopher Lee in this engaging muscleman movie, a definite kitsch classic of it's kind, now being made available in it's once-glorious Super Technirama format on videodisc.

British bodybuilder Reg Park stars as Hercules and he's gone visitng Pluto's aka Hades realm of the underworld. His mission to rsue his true love Princess Dainera where she's been sent to sample the waters of forgetfulness. It's all part of a big plan to take Dainera away by King Ligos. And playing Ligos is the main reason you shoud see this particular peplum film, Christopher Lee. Of course Lee brings the same brand of double dyed villainy to this part as he does to any of his famous Hammer horror roles. He plays the role of the evil king completely straight without a hint of spoof. That and Park's pecs are reason enough to see this film.

I find this one quite fun! Hercules is clever and remembers what he is told about Hades: "Don't believe everything you see here". And what our hero is doing in Pluto's underworld, Hades, is to find a magic stone from there in order to free his lady love from evil. Surreal and eerie imagery in this particular film - it is set in Hades. This film there isn't much in the way listen to but a whole lot to see... sure there is dialogue but as long as you know why Hercules is in Hades you really don't have to listen - just veg out and watch the film - dig on the cool imagery. LOL. The story is OK enough though. What is weird: Seeing Christopher Lee's face and hearing another actor dub his voice into English. I guess Lee had other things going on so he couldn't dub his own voice back into English(?) - guessing. This film is just a fun fantasy adventure - one to kick back and enjoy! 8/10

In terms of story and plot, this HERCULES film is arguably every bit as good as(and quite often better than)many others. The main flaw being the common solution Hercules uses for every problem he faces. Still this movie is great fun to watch in either language(as the dub isn't too bad--only its too bad Christopher Lee didn't do his own) and features lots of terrific haunting color visuals from a master-Mario Bava. Any Gothic Horror fan will find much to enjoy here.

Definitely one of the better Hercules films with British born bodybuilder Reg Park (the man who trained Arnold Schwarzenegger) a better Hercules than most. Another thing that puts this one above most of the rest is the presence of British villain Christopher Lee, who's about three inches taller than Reg Park. In this one Hercules literally goes to Hell so that he can retrieve a magical rock thing that will save his girlfriend. From there he battles the usual assortment of monsters against a backdrop of atmospheric sets. This one's good for Halloween or any dark, misty night by the fireplace.