Hercules and the Tyrants of Babylon (1964)

As I've stated in the past the B-movie industry in the 50's and 60's carved out for itself a niche in the film world with many sub-genres that all grew their own cult following.  One of those said genres is swords and sandals, a series that was especially popular in Spain, which release many of the Hercules titles.  Hercules and the Tyrants of Babylon is simply one of the many examples, while it's one of the lesser loved films in the sub genre it's an excellent example of Helga Line's magnificent presence that makes even a mediocre B-movie worth watching.

Hercules has returned from a three year journey to discover his people and his queen have been taken as slaves for the rulers of Babylon.  Babylon is currently being jointly ruled by three siblings, two brothers and their lovely younger sister Taneal (Helga Line).  The joint ruler-ship is an unsteady one as each sibling has plans to overthrow the others to become sole ruler.  Taneal even has a plans to use an ancient device beneath Babylon's castle to destroy the city and take control as Queen of Nineveh.

The rulers of Babylon are unaware that within their prisoners is Hercules queen, the Queen of Helene. It's not until Phaleg, King of Asiria, comes to them with piles of gold offering for a trade all of their slaves that they sense something is a rye.  They later learn King Phaleg's plan is to marry Asparia (the queen) that he may extend his ruler-ship to Helene, but now the two brothers of Babylon wish to do the same.  Meanwhile Hercules will side with whoever he can to gain closer access to Asparia, agreeing to assist both King Phaleg and Taneal in their ordeals, and making sure they pay when they decide to turn against him.

This being my first swords and sandals film I was fairly impressed by how much I enjoyed it, sure it's extremely campy both in terms of the acting and the action, but the sets, location, and costumes were very impressive.  According to most fans of this sub genre, Hercules and the Tyrants of Babylon is one of the more mediocre attempts and I will admit I probably wouldn't have enjoyed this film as much if it wasn't for my interest in Miss Line.  Helga Line definitely brings a presence to this film that none of the other actors can accomplish.  She has the ability to express her character without saying anything solely through her facial expressions.  She would have been an outstanding actress in the silent era.  Overall, this film is another example of Helga's range as a low budget actress, and another title that's a must see for any fan of hers.  Aside from that there really isn't anything extraordinary about this one.

6/10

Bonus pics:

Hercules and the Tyrants of Babylon Full Movie