Hercules in New York 1970
Directed by
Arthur Allan Seidelman
Made by
MPI Home Video
Plot Summary
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.
Timeline
Hercules Argues with Zeus
Hercules stands before the throne of Olympus voicing his frustrations about being denied the chance to visit the world of mortals. His passionate complaints reach Zeus, who listens intently amidst the divine ambiance.
Zeus Grants Permission
After much deliberation, Zeus concedes to Hercules’ wishes and allows him to descend to Earth. He sends his son down through a magnificent celestial beam, marking the beginning of Hercules' adventures among humans.
Hercules Arrives on Earth
Upon arrival, Hercules finds himself bewildered and amidst a series of bizarre antics, even startling an elderly passenger on a flight. This moment sets the tone for his chaotic integration into human life.
First Impressions in New York City
Landing in New York City, Hercules struggles with social interactions, often leaving the locals in awe or confusion due to his remarkable strength and innocence. His clumsiness is comedic as he adapts to city life.
Befriending Pretzie
While navigating the bustling streets, Hercules meets Pretzie, a small-time pretzel vendor. Their friendship begins, highlighting a charming dynamic amidst Hercules' later exploits.
Discovering Wrestling Talent
During his time on Earth, Hercules stumbles upon the world of professional wrestling and discovers a surprising talent for the sport. This revelation leads him deeper into amusing competitions and confrontations.
Zeus Watches from Afar
As Hercules engages in his earthly adventures, Zeus observes his son from Olympus with increasing frustration. He feels that Hercules' actions are a mockery, straining their father-son relationship.
Mercury's Failed Retrieval Attempt
To regain control over Hercules, Zeus sends Mercury to bring him back. However, Mercury’s attempts are thwarted by the humorous series of events unfolding around Hercules, leading to further divine frustration.
Nemesis' Manipulation
In a twist of fate, Juno persuades Nemesis to devise a plan to strip Hercules of his divine powers. But Nemesis, with her own agenda, alerts Pluto, who eagerly anticipates claiming Hercules for himself.
Strongman Contest Challenge
Pluto places a significant bet on Hercules in an upcoming strongman contest orchestrated by a gangster promoter. This sets the stage for a thrilling competition where Hercules' strength is put to the test.
Hercules Takes Initiative
As dangers loom from vengeful goons, Hercules decides to take matters into his own hands to rescue his friends. His bravery shines through as he faces challenges head-on, showcasing his heroism.
Zeus Restores Hercules' Powers
Upon discovering Nemesis’ treachery, Zeus intervenes at a crucial moment to restore Hercules' divine abilities. This act signifies Zeus’ commitment to protecting his son from mortal threats.
Victory in the Strongman Competition
Hercules ultimately triumphs in the strongman competition, proving his unmatched strength and resilience. This victory leads him to reflect on his journey and the lessons learned during his time on Earth.
Farewell to Pretzie
Preparing to return to Olympus, Hercules shares a touching farewell with Pretzie, expressing gratitude for their friendship. He takes to the airwaves, conveying his heartfelt goodbye before ascending back to the heavens.
Zeus' Mysterious Departure
As Zeus prepares to send Hercules back to Olympus, he mysteriously disappears from the realm of the gods. Intent on causing chaos, he journeys down to Earth, setting the stage for new challenges ahead.
Characters
Hercules
Hercules is a powerful yet socially awkward demigod who desires to experience the human world. His journey is filled with laughter and learning as he clumsily navigates everyday challenges, showcasing both his strength and his vulnerability. Despite his initial disobedience, he ultimately learns the value of responsibility and connection.
Pretzie
Pretzie is a small-time pretzel vendor who befriends Hercules and serves as his guide to human interactions. He embodies the spirit of New Yorkers with his tenacity and street smarts, offering Hercules a glimpse into the everyday struggles of city life. Their friendship highlights themes of loyalty and camaraderie amidst chaos.
Zeus
Zeus is the powerful father of Hercules, who grapples with the challenge of reigning in his son's wild antics. He oscillates between frustration and pride as he observes Hercules's escapades from Olympus. Zeus's character conveys the complexity of parental expectations and the tension between authority and freedom.
Setting
Time period
The movie's events unfold in a contemporary setting, characterized by a blend of ancient mythology and modern urban life. This juxtaposition highlights the challenges Hercules faces in adapting to the fast-paced human world while maintaining his divine identity.
Location
New York City
New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture. It serves as a melting pot of diverse communities and is famous for its landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. The city's unique energy creates an amusing backdrop for Hercules's comic misadventures among its inhabitants.
Themes
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Divine Conflict
The theme of divine conflict is prevalent as Hercules navigates the challenges posed by his father's expectations and his own desires. This struggle against authority reflects the classic battle between responsibilities and personal freedom. Ultimately, Hercules’s journey hints at the importance of understanding one's place in the universe.
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Strength and Identity
Hercules's legendary strength plays a crucial role in shaping his identity and the perceptions of those around him. His physical abilities often lead to comedic situations but also allow him to forge connections with others, such as his friendship with Pretzie. This theme explores the impact of one's talents on personal relationships and self-discovery.
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