Hercules in New York

Hercules in New York is a classic film from 1970 starring Arnold Stang, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Deborah Loomis. This film introduces the cinematic world to a young and robust Arnold Schwarzenegger, opening the door to a phenomenal career that has made him a household name today.

The film revolves around the character of Hercules, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a captivating twist, the mythical Greek demigod gets bored with life in Mount Olympus and decides to explore the world of humans. Unlike the traditional Herculean narratives that position him in ancient times, Hercules in New York propels the character into contemporary civilization. The result is a fantastic juxtaposition of mythic power and normal life.

Upon his arrival in New York City, Hercules is swept in the dynamics of the bustling populace, where he experiences life outside the divine realm. His unfamiliarity with the modern world, its complex nature and intricacies, make for some humorous, charming and, at times, awkward moments that are sure to have viewers smiling. The irony of a powerful demigod struggling with everyday situations offers an interesting perspective and novelty to the story.

Arnold Stang takes on the role of Pretzie, a likable and down-on-his-luck pretzel vendor who befriends Hercules, becoming his guide and companion in the vastness of the Big Apple. The camaraderie between them is a significant highlight, providing moments of levity and driving the storyline forward.

In a romantic tangent, Hercules falls for the beautiful socialite Helen, portrayed by Deborah Loomis. In his attempts to win her affection, Hercules must navigate the complications of modern romance, providing a departure from his legendary heroics to a more nuanced, human experience.

The film takes a sports-oriented twist as Hercules showcases his god-like strength in a professional athletics context. This introduces another dimension to the narrative, highlighting the theme of natural talent versus disciplined training, which was mostly unheard of in prior depictions of Hercules.

The director, Arthur Allan Seidelman puts a unique spin on the character in this film, blending mythology with the urban landscape. Using modern day New York City as the setting sprinkles reality into the mix, giving audiences a chance to envision how a demigod might operate in the present day.

Putting Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role was a masterstroke, as his Austrian-accented English and muscular physique gave credibility to the character of the Greek demigod. Known globally for his bodybuilding prowess before his film career, Schwarzenegger's Hercules is suitably larger-than-life, adding an element of authenticity that remains unmatched so far.

Arnold Stang's performance as Pretzie is as much problem-solving as it is humorous. He becomes Hercules' ally and navigator, helping him adapt to New York's ways, while using his own wits to benefit from Hercules' overwhelming abilities.

Deborah Loomis as Helen brings in a breezy, lighthearted charm. The romantic track between her and Hercules adds a layer of tenderness and emotional depth to the narrative, a stark contrast from the intimidating presence of the protagonist.

Hercules in New York is neither a high-octane action flick nor a tragic mythological narrative. It floats lightly, with occasional dives into deeper themes like the classic clash between two worlds. It's an enjoyable, comedy-filled adventure that was arguably ahead of its time, putting an immortal hero in a modern, temporal setting.

By blending mythology with modernity and comedy with action, Hercules in New York provides an entertaining, albeit unconventional, take on the Hercules legend. It pairs a demigod's might with charming simplicity, resulting in a delightful ride in which old meets new, muscle meets humour, and the extraordinary meets the ordinary. Filled with engaging performances and magnificent iconic cityscapes, the movie has since acquired the status of a cult classic, a testament to its enduring charm.