Hercules (1958 film)

Le fatiche di Ercole English The labours of Hercules English title Hercules is a 1957 Italian epic fantasy feature film released in Italy in Feb., 1958 based upon the Hercules myths and the Quest for the Golden Fleece. The film stars Steve Reeves as the titular hero and Sylva Koscina as his love interest Princess Iole. Hercules was directed by Pietro Francisci and produced by Federico Teti. The film spawned a sequel, Hercules Unchained Italian Ercole e la Regina di Lidia , that also starred Reeves and Koscina.

The films screenplay is based loosely upon the myths of Hercules and the Greek epic poem Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes. In both myths and epic poem, Hercules role in the Quest for the Golden Fleece is marginal he abandons the expedition earlyon when Hylas, his armorbearer and eromenos Greek , is lost on an island while searching for water. With Hylas conveniently absent from the film, Hercules role is greatly expanded he remains with the expedition for its duration, saves the Argo from destruction in a storm, disciplines the mutinous crew, and overwhelms enemy forces with brute strength in the films finale. Twists on the sources include the introduction of Iole into the tale as Pelias daughter, the replacement of Hylas with young Ulysses as Hercules protg, and Hercules renunciation of his immortality in order to experience life as a mortal man.Hercules Steve Reeves is on the road to the court of King Pelias of Iolcus Ivo Garrani to tutor Pelias son Prince Iphitus Mimmo Palmara in the use of arms. Pelias beautiful daughter Princess Iole Sylva Koscina updates Hercules on the history of her fathers rise to power and the theft of the kingdoms greatest treasure, the Golden Fleece. Some suspectand it eventually proves truethat King Pelias has acquired the throne through fratricide. Hercules and Iole are attracted to each other and a romance eventually develops. ........

Source: Wikipedia