Review of Hercules Unchained (1959) by Private U — 15 Mar 2008

While mediating a dispute between two feuding noble brothers, demigod Hercules (Reeves) drinks from a magic fountain and loses his memory and becomes the plaything of the lusty Queen Omphale (Lopez). Meanwhile, the brothers move closer to war, and Hercules' true love, Iole (Koscina) is in danger. Will the young hero Ulysses find a way to restore Hercules' memory before it is too late?

"Hercules Unchained" is one of the better examples of the sword-and-sandles genre. Steve Reeves is not only buff, but he's also charismatic and handsome. One might almost be able to buy him being the offspring of a earth woman and an exceptionally randy Greek god.

The film is also bolstered by a better-than-average script that, despite dragging a bit in the middle section while Hercules is under the sway of Omphale, moves along at a decent pace. There are even some comic relief bits that are funny rather than eye-rollingly stupid.

Impressive sets, neat costumes, and sexy babes round out this package. Although the fact the film is 50 years old shows in the sets and the effects, I still think anyone who enjoys traditional fantasy might also like "Hercules Unchained".

Hercules Unchained (aka "Hercules and the Queen of Lidia" and "Hercules and the Queen of Sheba").

Starring: Steve Reeves, Sylvia Lopez, Gabriele Antonini, and Sylvia Koscina.

Director: Pietro Francisci.