Les titans

A perfect example of entertainment without a hint of pretentiousness (so lacking these days). The plot is about evil king Cadmo and his scheming second wife Ermione who create havoc in their kingdom and even keep Cadmo's daughter Antiope imprisoned because a prophecy said that Cadmo would die once Antiope falls in love. The scene is thus set for Antiope to fall in love with nonetheless than a platinum blonde (!?!) Titan, Krios, who is charged by his father Jupiter to get rid of Cadmo.

Even if the Titans are in the movie, don't expect any reliable narration of Greek mythology: Sisyphus, Prometheus, one Gorgon and even Polyphemus appear randomly in carefully chosen settings (actually, mostly in dark caves...) while Krios tries to get rid of Cadmo with the help of some sidekicks. One wonders why Jupiter didn't just strike down Cadmo himself, with one of his lighting bolts, but where would the fun be?

After a glorious romp with little violence and no blood, the story wraps up so fast as to make one wonder why contemporary movies cannot be cut short like old ones.

Notable interpreters are the carefree and muscular Giuliano Gemma - minus the hideous dyed blond hair - as the ineffable Krios and enigmatic beauty Jacqueline Sassard as Antiope. Antonella Lualdi plays nasty Ermione, sporting a bizarre wardrobe and a series of unbelievably kitch wigs.

The screenwriters do not seem to take this story seriously;neither does Giuliano Gemma ,who dyed his hair in blond (?),and whose dynamism and good humor save the movie from absolute tedium.The writers cash in on all sides,from Oedipus's curse to the Cyclop;we even catch a glimpse of Prometheus (ouch!my liver!) and the gorgon in a cock and bull story.The rest of the cast includes Italian Beauty Antonella Lualdi ,with a hideous hairdo and Jacqueline Sassard,who disappears from the screens after Chabrol's "les Biches " -she remains one of the French cinema biggest mysteries:what happened?some even said ,without any evidence,that she was dead;see for that matter the site "Etoiles Filantes"-and who is very good-looking (and good natured in the film,for she falls for the hero,in spite of his macho words about marriage).Serge Nubret ,who plays the dumb gladiator, was a famous body builder and he passed away recently.

If you do not want to think too hard.....

"Arrivano i Titani" is an Italian-made sword & sandal epic filmed by Duccio Tessari that would also be responsible for some westerns and even giallos.

It's a very entertaining film that tells a story extracted from the Greek mythology: King Cadmo (Pedro Armendariz), by his crimes and presumption, has provoked the wrath of the gods. They warned him through a messenger that the first time his daughter fell in love he would die, and it would be no use killing her, because in the minute her heart stopped beating, he would be no more. So Cadmo brings up his daughter Antiope (Jacqueline Sassard) in reclusion - she is destined to be a priestess in a temple. She has never met a man in her life.

Meanwhile one of the Titans (chained to the rocks in a cave of a mountain because of their rebellion against Jupiter) is released. He is Krios (Giuliano Gemma). His mission is to punish King Cadmo. Krios is divested of his divine powers - he's now a simple mortal and can only rely on his wits to succeed. If he's successful, he and his brother Titans will be forgiven......

"Arrivano i Titani" manages to mix action, fantasy, humor and even a naive sensuality and romanticism. Unlike the American epic films in which pretty women represent either sin or innocence, "Arrivano i Titani" (like other Italian epics) celebrates the joy of the senses - beautiful women and landscapes, ribald humor, action scenes that sometimes resemble circus acts and a joyous soundtrack that looks like a parody of "The Bridge on the River Kwai".

"Arrivano i Titani" was made on a low budget (if you compare it with the American epics), but it's certainly more creative and free than its American counterparts.

Cadmo, the King of Crete (Pedro Armandarez) has learned the power of immortality from his mistress. He kills his wife and takes his mistress as a wife. For this, the Oracle tells him he will `die' at the hand of infant young daughter's future love. Should King Cadmo kill his daughter, he will perish at the same moment. Cadmo locks his daughter away. The only man she can see is Cadmo. The Greek god Jove, visits Hades, where his children, the Titans, are bound in eternal torment for their transgressions. Like Hercules, the Titans are half-men, half god. Jove directs the youngest of the Titans, Krios (Giuliano Gemma), who is the savviest, but physically weakest of the Titans, to deliver Cadmo to Hades. In return, Jove will free all of the Titans.

Dubious subject matter for a comedy. But, after a slow start, that's just what this `sword and sandal' adventure is, largely thanks to a witty performance by Gemma as Krios, good `Jackie Chan' or `Crimson Pirate' style stunts and a few good sight gags, the funniest being the `sword' which Krios must use to fight Rator (Serge Nubret). In fact, the film bares a lot of resemblance to `Crimson Pirate,' right down to a mute sidekick. That is not to say `My Son the Hero' is as good as the classic `Crimson Pirate,' but it is DEFINITELY work a look.

Terrible dubbing, but good color cinematography, fine sets, fairly good special effects and amusing, tone-setting music.

The Turner Classic Movies print is pristine. Too bad they showed `My Son, The Hero' in `pan and scan.' Hopefully, they have a letterbox copy sitting in their vault somewhere.

Giuliano Gemma, another of the innumerable sons of Jove, wind sup wooing Antonella Lualdi, defeating the evil king Pedro Armendariz, and generally having a good time in this light-hearted peplum movie.

Anyone who went to see the American version expecting an outright comedy was bound to be disappointed; Mel Brooks directed the trailer for the movie, and it's a lot sillier than the actual movie. But then, swords-and-sandal flicks are rarely known for their depth. People went to see them for the combination of pretty girls in short chitons, and body builders dressed likewise. Even so, this movie never takes itself seriously, with Gemma being less musclebound and more clever than your average hero.