robert_deveau

This is the first episode in a four-part series originally broadcast on French TV in 1979; two episodes directed by Claude Chabrol (this is one), the other two directed by Juan Luis Bunuel. Its a solid, pretty faithful adaptation of the first Fantomas novel published in 1911. The series is slightly updated to the 1920's, with the gory violence of the novel played down but the mild eroticism intact. Helmut Berger is good as Fantomas in his many disguises (including the fey actor Valgrand), Jacques Dufilho is good as Inspector Juve, and Gayle Hunnicutt is perfect as Lady Beltham. It appears that Berger and Hunnicutt have been dubbed by French actors. Similar to BBC mysteries from the same period, it is currently available on an inexpensive two-DVD set from ina.fr.

Boy, do I strongly disagree with the other commentators on this movie! This is a terrific example of a film that is so over the top, so loaded with wacky ideas, so determinedly wrong, that it is thoroughly entertaining. The outrageous dialog, deadpan or hammy acting and glowing tinker toy special effects alone make it worth watching; add outlandish costumes, a story that makes no sense, and references to (one might uncharitably say rip-offs of) everything from "King Kong" to "Star Wars", and how can you lose? When I watch a sword and sandal movie, I want beautiful babes, a musclebound hero, and monsters: "The Adventures of Hercules" has all of this and so much more! Lou Ferrigno may not be Steve Reeves or Gordon Scott, but as Hercules, he's vastly preferable to Kevin Sorbo. So, I have to give this unacknowledged classic an "8". If you liked "Hercules Against the Moonmen you'll love this!

Others have commented on the evidently different versions of this film, the nudity, beautiful cinematography, and scrambled plot. My two cents: "A Name For Evil" looks like a film that has gone through many hands. It definitely has it's strengths: the afore-mentioned photography of some spectacular locations, good performances from Culp and Egger, a stunning evocation of early '70's wackiness, and a few nicely creepy moments.

But I have to mention something else no one else has yet talked about: Dominic Frontiere's grand score. If you like Frontiere's work, especially his "Outer Limits" music which this strongly resembles, you owe it to yourself to at least listen to this movie.