Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia, born in 1894, was an Italian director whose work spanned several decades, culminating in the 1960 film The Loves of Hercules. Known for his ability to blend adventure with a comedic touch, Bragaglia's films often reflect the vibrant storytelling of Italian cinema. In The Loves of Hercules, he navigates the realms of mythology and eroticism, contributing to the cult film landscape with a distinct flair that resonates with fans of giallo and exploitation genres.
The Loves of Hercules
While Hercules (Mickey Hargitay) is away, his people and the woman he loves are killed by the king of Ecalia. Hercules learns of the murder of his wife and seeks vengeance, only to learn that the kingdom from which the murderers came is besieged from within, by a usurper to the throne. Jayne Mansfield portrays the king’s daughter, who sympathizes with Hercules and opposes the usurper; she and Hercules are parted when he is wounded battling a three-headed dragon and given aid by a group of Amazons, who bring him to their queen (also played by Mansfield). She proceeds to woo the strongman, not knowing that she has a unique way of terminating her relationships transforming her lovers into trees. Hercules manages to escape with his life while the queen is done in by one of her victims. He eventually returns to free the princess and her kingdom. While Hercules is away, his people and the woman he loves are killed by the king of Ecalia. Hercules goes to Ecalia to revenge his dead. When he arrives in Ecalia he finds that the king is dead and queen Dianira reigns. He saves her and falls for her, but Dianira has been promised to Acheloo. His deed became more and more hard among Licos’s conspiracy, the Amazons, the Hydra and other monsters.
