Samson contre Hercule

Action-packed sandal film with Brad Harris and Sergio Ciani (Alan Steel)

This mythological adventure film (1961) by genre specialist Gianfranco Parolini is called "Sansone" in the original Italian, so it's actually about the biblical character Samson and was filmed in what was then Yugoslavia. This is the first film in director Parolini's long-standing collaboration with American leading actor Brad Harris.

It starts with a wild boar that has been shot. The two muscle-bound heroes Hercules/Samson (Brad Harris) and Macigno (Sergio Ciani) get into a fierce fight, which is to be followed by two more arguments between the two brawlers as the plot progresses. This gives Hercules an equal sparring partner, which increases the appeal of the film immensely.

But one after anonther! Hercules ends up in the kingdom of Sullam, which is actually ruled by his childhood friend Mila. But it was forcibly removed. Instead, the cunning Warkalla (wonderfully mean and devious: Serge Gainsbourg) and his insecure-looking girlfriend Cleopatra/Romilda (remains pale: Mara Berni) rule. Hercules must endure many tasks and battles to restore lawful order. He gets active help from the clever Janine (Luisella Boni/Brigitte Corey) and his loyal companions (including the Croatian actor Vladimir Leib as the "funny fat guy", who also played similar roles in "79 AD" and "Il vecchio testamento" should play and is therefore responsible for the "comic relief"). There is also active support from a surprising source, so that the hero Samson is able to tear down the pillars of a palace, as described in the Bible.

What makes this film stand out from the endless series of Peplum or sandal films is that with Brad Harris and the Italian hero actor (which is very unusual, most of the main actors in the Peplum films were bodybuilders from America or Anglo-Saxon countries). Sergio Ciani has two equal opponents (and comrades) at his disposal. In addition, the role of the main villain is with Serge Gainsbourg, who shortly later achieved world fame as a chansonnier and composer ("Bonnie & Clyde" in a duet with Brigitte Bardot and "Je t'aime...moi non plus" in a duet with Jane Birkin). , superbly cast. Gainsbourgs chanson "Poupee de cire, poupee de son" sung by France GALL even won the EUROVISION Song Contest 1965 in Naples.

Even if it seems strange in terms of content that the biblical hero Samson is simply transported into a Hercules-like legendary story, this action-heavy film with fights worth seeing is not only worth seeing for Peplum fans.

Addendum: The child actor is Gianfranco Gasparri, who as Franco Gasparri (1948-1999) became the star of the Poliziottescho trilogy about "Mark il poliziotto" (1975) with the other films "Das Ultimatum iläuft ab" (1975) and "The 44 Specialist" (1976). Unfortunately, in June 1980, the handsome Franco Gasparri had a serious motorcycle accident that left him paraplegic. After years of rehabilitation, he worked as an editor of photo romances that were very popular in Italy until he died of respiratory problems in 1999.

Despite the title, this scrappy sword-and-sandal epic has nothing whatsoever to do with the famous Biblical character; the film's producers seemed to want to emphasize this by having our hero (Brad Harris) sporting a short-cropped coiffure but at the climax they couldn't resist having him demolish a temple single-handedly (and faster than you can say "Victor Mature") by pushing away at the columns!

This kind of film was a dime a dozen during this period in Italian cinema and, even if some quality product did emerge during its almost 10 year tenure, unfortunately, this isn't one of them. Perhaps its worst element is the unfunny comic relief provided by the hero's fat sidekick – particularly since this was hardly necessary, given that the film was already an unintentional laugh riot on its own! An indication of the film's haphazard quality is the fact that another pal of Samson's is sent on a secret mission around the middle section…but we forget all about him, till he mysteriously reappears at the end to cheer the victorious Samson!! Most surprising of all here, however, is the presence of French crooner Serge Gainsbourg as the chief villain (not that his acting career ever went anywhere after this)!

Even by the very low standards of these superpowered musclemen live action cartoons, this one is terrible. No redeeming values (the "trial by fire" is the one interesting concept, but like everything else badly executed), but the two flirting...., er, excuse me, I meant fighting scenes between the uber-muscular Brad Harris and Alan Steel are amusing for their (barely hidden) subtext. 0.5 out of 4 stars.

The treacherous court counselor Warkalla takes possession of the throne of Sulan and of the goods of Queen Mila, replacing her with the beautiful but insignificant Romilda. Samson joins Mila and the rebels to regain the kingdom of Sulan and to hunt Romilda and Warkalla.

There's two muscle heroes in the form of Brad Harris and Alan Steel, though Harris is more the lead, as after all he's the title character, but his Samson isn't of the biblical variety. Nor is the story. There's no Delilah but there's one evil imposter Queen- the real Queen is in prison - played by Marla Berni. Aiding her in wickedness is Serge Gainsborg who keeps this standard yet fun peplum simmering. It's a better than average peplum with a plot firing challenges for our heroes and enough action.

Brad Harris repeatedly demonstrates his impossible strength throughout this peplum piece along with he-man co-star Sergio Ciani. Lots of wrasslin' and clobberin' for those who enjoy musclemen movies. There's nothing cerebral going on here, but there's fun to be had. Plus, court intrigue, a rebellion, pageantry, an evil queen, and Serge Gainsbourg as the villain. The comedy spots are sometimes awkward and puerile but not entirely unwelcome. The score from time to time gets a bit goofy but is adequately bold and triumphant when needed. There are several brief moments of focus problems, but this is otherwise richly colorful widescreen entertainment and the image quality streaming is good. Lower your expectations and disregard historical accuracy, and let the youngster in you enjoy this early 60's Hercules spinoff.