Cadmo, the King of Crete (Pedro Armandarez) has learned the power of immortality from his mistress. He kills his wife and takes his mistress as a wife. For this, the Oracle tells him he will `die' at the hand of infant young daughter's future love. Should King Cadmo kill his daughter, he will perish at the same moment. Cadmo locks his daughter away. The only man she can see is Cadmo. The Greek god Jove, visits Hades, where his children, the Titans, are bound in eternal torment for their transgressions. Like Hercules, the Titans are half-men, half god. Jove directs the youngest of the Titans, Krios (Giuliano Gemma), who is the savviest, but physically weakest of the Titans, to deliver Cadmo to Hades. In return, Jove will free all of the Titans.
Dubious subject matter for a comedy. But, after a slow start, that's just what this `sword and sandal' adventure is, largely thanks to a witty performance by Gemma as Krios, good `Jackie Chan' or `Crimson Pirate' style stunts and a few good sight gags, the funniest being the `sword' which Krios must use to fight Rator (Serge Nubret). In fact, the film bares a lot of resemblance to `Crimson Pirate,' right down to a mute sidekick. That is not to say `My Son the Hero' is as good as the classic `Crimson Pirate,' but it is DEFINITELY work a look.
Terrible dubbing, but good color cinematography, fine sets, fairly good special effects and amusing, tone-setting music.
The Turner Classic Movies print is pristine. Too bad they showed `My Son, The Hero' in `pan and scan.' Hopefully, they have a letterbox copy sitting in their vault somewhere.
