Review of Hercules in the Haunted World (1961) by Archibald T — 22 Mar 2011

Hercules in the Haunted World or Hercules goes to Hell.

Newly appointed King Lico is head of the throne of Ecalia. The king before him has died and that king's daughter, Deianira, can not rule since she's not mentally there. This is all because of Lico. He's planted a spell on her so she may not be queen leaving Lico, trying his best, to stay as the king for as long as possible.

However, King Lico is aware of Deianira's relationship with Hercules. So, he dispatches some people to set out and kill Hercules which, of course, never happens since he's like the strongest man on Earth. When he gets back to Ecalia he discovers Deianira's condition and seeks out the Oracle who tells him to go to Hades and find the stone of Pluto which can help her. Him and his pal Theseus and along with the annoying Telemachus set out to Hades, but first must make a stop at Hesperides where they must retrieve a golden apple so they can get into Hades and get out of it.

Hesperides is a place where beautiful women are stuck to live in eternal darkness. Telemachus speaks about how the women eat the men alive which is really not true since they get Procustes, which is a funny looking rock-like creature, to torture people instead. Once Hercules obtains the Golden Apple and defeats Procustes, he is let into Hades where he takes the stone of Pluto back with him to Ecalia.

Meanwhile, King Lico talks to, I think, is the God of Pluto who tells him that if he wants to stay King for all eternity he must sacrifice Deianira to Pluto and then drink her blood. That way he can be immortal. Hercules stumbles upon this and must save Deianira before it's too late.

I liked some of the visual creativity once Hercules gets to Hell. It's extremely cheesy, but very fun to watch if you don't take it too seriously. Also if you subtract the character of Hercules and just have Reg Park play a guy who is just strong it would still play very well. Slapping Hercules into the title may make some not want to see it. I'm not a big fan of Hercules myself, but I did enjoy this though.