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Year: 1970
Runtime: 75 min
Language: English
Director: Arthur Allan Seidelman
In this lighthearted adventure, demigod Hercules finds himself on a new turf when he's banished to modern-day New York City. As he navigates the concrete jungle, he tames a stray bear, struts his stuff on Broadway, and trades in his mythological might for a professional wrestling ring.
Warning: spoilers below!
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As the mighty Hercules (Philippus) stands before the throne of Olympus, he passionately complains about his father Zeus’s refusal to allow him to visit the world of mortals. After much deliberation, the godly patriarch concedes, sending his son down through a celestial beam into the realm of humanity.
Upon his arrival, Hercules finds himself amidst a series of bizarre adventures both in the air and at sea; hilariously, he even frightens an elderly woman aboard a commercial flight. When he finally lands in New York City, Hercules engages in a sequence of humorous interactions with the local denizens, who are both amazed by his extraordinary strength and bewildered by his social clumsiness. It is during this chaotic period that he befriends Pretzie, a small-time pretzel vendor, and discovers a talent for professional wrestling.
Meanwhile, Zeus keeps a watchful eye from the heavens, growing increasingly frustrated with Hercules’ antics, which he sees as a mockery of the divine. In an effort to regain control, Zeus commands Mercury (actor name) to retrieve his wayward son. However, Mercury’s attempts are thwarted, leading Zeus to call upon Nemesis to ensure Hercules is sent down to the underworld ruled by Pluto.
In an unexpected twist, Juno (actress name) persuades Nemesis to craft a lethal concoction that would rob Hercules of his divine abilities. But Nemesis, keen on her own motives, informs Pluto of this scheme. The god of the underworld, eager to claim Hercules, places a large bet against him in an upcoming strongman contest organized by the wrestler’s gangster-connected promoter.
As Hercules’ friends work to protect him from the goons seeking revenge on their leader, he takes the initiative to rescue them himself. Meanwhile, Zeus uncovers Nemesis’ betrayal and decides to act just in time to restore his son’s divine powers, refusing to let any mortal lay claim to his child.
Eventually, Hercules triumphs in the strongman competition, yet soon recognizes the folly of his disobedience and prepares to return to Olympus. In a touching farewell, he bids goodbye to Pretzie over the airwaves before ascending back to the heavens.
Back in the realm of the gods, Zeus reveals to Juno and Hercules that he will forgive his son, choosing instead to reflect on the seriousness of his own decisions. As they prepare to depart, Zeus mysteriously vanishes from Olympus, making his way down to earth, where he intends to cause chaos on a commercial airliner heading to its destination.
Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:21
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