Hercules vs. the Moon Men
Encyclopedia
Hercules Against the Moon Men (1964) is an Italian/French sword and sandal
film. It was directed by Giacomo Gentilomo
and starred Alan Steel (real name Sergio Ciani) and Jany Clair
.
The film runs for 90 minutes and is dubbed.
Tthe film "blends" elements from a number of mythologies. Roman, Greek, Ancient Egyptian and Cretan elements are all thrown in.
In the original Italian language version, the hero was not Hercules but Maciste
, originally a hero in silent Italian cinema, and its original Italian title was Maciste e la regina di Samar (Maciste and the Queen of Samar). Its French title was Maciste contre les hommes de pierre (Maciste Against the Men of Stone), but the English distributors dubbed him to be Hercules, because Maciste was not well known to American audiences.
shows up to put a stop to it all.
, making it infamous for its "Deep Hurting" Sequence (the very long sandstorm sequence). This sequence involved many of the cast floundering around pointlessly in a sandstorm for upwards of five minutes of screen time, in which no plot movement or character development is made at all.
Sword and sandal
The Peplum , also known as Sword-and-Sandal, is a genre of largely Italian-made Historical or Biblical Epics that dominated the Italian film industry from 1957 to 1965, eventually being replaced in 1965 by the "Spaghetti Western"...
film. It was directed by Giacomo Gentilomo
Giacomo Gentilomo
Giacomo Gentilomo was an Italian film director and painter.-Filmography:* Maciste e la regina di Samar * Le verdi bandiere di Allah * Brenno il nemico di Roma * I lancieri neri...
and starred Alan Steel (real name Sergio Ciani) and Jany Clair
Jany Clair
Jany Clair is a retired French actress. She was born Jany Guillaume in Lille, France.She starred in a number of B-grade films in the 1950s and 1960s, in particular in a number of sword and sandal films....
.
The film runs for 90 minutes and is dubbed.
Tthe film "blends" elements from a number of mythologies. Roman, Greek, Ancient Egyptian and Cretan elements are all thrown in.
In the original Italian language version, the hero was not Hercules but Maciste
Maciste
Maciste is one of the oldest recurring characters in cinema. He cuts a heroic figure throughout the history of the cinema of Italy from the 1910s to the 1970s, even if most of the movies that featured him are considered to be of poor artistic quality...
, originally a hero in silent Italian cinema, and its original Italian title was Maciste e la regina di Samar (Maciste and the Queen of Samar). Its French title was Maciste contre les hommes de pierre (Maciste Against the Men of Stone), but the English distributors dubbed him to be Hercules, because Maciste was not well known to American audiences.
Synopsis
In ancient Greece a race of evil aliens from the moon land on earth. For years they have terrorized the nearby city of Samar, demanding children for sacrifice. Now, the queen of Samar has made a pact with the moon men to conquer the world and become the most powerful woman alive. However, the residents of Samar, sick of all the chaos, cheer when the mighty HerculesHercules
Hercules is the Roman name for Greek demigod Heracles, son of Zeus , and the mortal Alcmene...
shows up to put a stop to it all.
MST3K
It was also shown on Mystery Science Theater 3000Mystery Science Theater 3000
Mystery Science Theater 3000 is an American cult television comedy series created by Joel Hodgson and produced by Best Brains, Inc., that ran from 1988 to 1999....
, making it infamous for its "Deep Hurting" Sequence (the very long sandstorm sequence). This sequence involved many of the cast floundering around pointlessly in a sandstorm for upwards of five minutes of screen time, in which no plot movement or character development is made at all.
DVD releases
- The film has received numerous 'bargain box' releases from various studios.
- The MST3K version of the film was released by Rhino Home VideoRhino EntertainmentRhino Entertainment Company is an American specialty record label and production company. It is owned by Warner Music Group.-History:Rhino was originally a novelty song and reissue company during the 1970s and 1980s, releasing compilation albums of pop, rock & roll, and rhythm & blues successes...
as part of the 'Collection, Volume 7' box set.