This film features early cinematography and lighting work by horror maestro Mario Bava . Look for the psychedelic cave sequences and vibrant, "comic-book" color palettes that became his signature.
While traveling to Thebes to settle a bloody dispute between two warring brothers (Polynices and Eteocles), Hercules drinks from the "waters of forgetfulness". He falls under the hypnotic spell of Queen Omphale of Lydia (played by the smoldering Sylvia Lopez), who has a dark habit of turning her discarded lovers into wax statues. It’s up to a young Ulysses to help Herc snap out of it before his wife, Iole, meets a grim fate. Why It’s Worth the Watch: Ercole e la Regina di Lidia 1959.mp4
From the opening wrestling match with the giant Antaeus to the climactic tiger pit battle, it’s a masterclass in mid-century practical effects and stunt work. Quick Stats for Your Metadata: Director: Pietro Francisci Runtime: ~105 minutes (original Italian cut) This film features early cinematography and lighting work
Steve Reeves (Hercules), Sylva Koscina (Iole), Sylvia Lopez (Queen Omphale) He falls under the hypnotic spell of Queen
