The Invincible Hercules / The Mighty Hercules – The 1963 animated series
“The Mighty Hercules” is a Canadian-American animated television series produced in 1963 by Adventure Cartoon Productions and Trans-Lux. Based on the mythological character Hercules, the series stood out for its unique and imaginative interpretation of Greek myth, adapting it to a format suitable for children and younger viewers.
Plot and Characters
The series follows the adventures of Hercules, the mythological hero who lives on Mount Olympus. When trouble arises on earth, especially in the kingdom of Calydon, Hercules descends to the rescue. His power comes from a magical ring given to him by his father, Jupiter, which gives him superstrength. Among the main characters are Newton, a young centaur and friend of Hercules, and Helena, Hercules' love interest. Each episode ends with Hercules flying towards Mount Olympus, exclaiming “Olympooo”.
Style and Production
The series is known for its distinctive animation style and short length, with episodes lasting around 5 minutes each. Produced by Joe Oriolo, “Invincible Hercules” had a total of 128 episodes. The series ran from September 1, 1963 to May 1, 1966 and coincided with the popular genre of “Knightsnake” films of the 50s and 60s.
Adaptation and Interpretation of the Myth
“The Invincible Hercules” used Greek myths as inspiration for its episodes, albeit with some creative freedom. For example, the character of Daedalus, an evil wizard, is a significant departure from his mythological counterpart, who was a skilled and rarely evil craftsman. Other mythological characters, such as the sea witch Invidia and the Mask of Vulcan, were adapted to create interesting adversaries for Hercules.
Music and Theme
The series is also famous for its theme song, sung by Johnny Nash, an American singer-songwriter known for his soulful pop music. The music of “The Invincible Hercules” helped create a unique and memorable atmosphere that made the series a classic for many generations.
Cultural impact
“The Invincible Hercules” has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing other animated productions and becoming a point of reference for fans of classic animation. The series was released on DVD, allowing new generations to discover and appreciate this animated classic.
In conclusion, “The Invincible Hercules” remains a remarkable example of how mythological stories can be adapted for television audiences, while maintaining a charm and appeal that transcends generations.
Technical Sheet of the Series “The Invincible Hercules” (“The Mighty Hercules”)
- Gender: Action, Adventure
- Creation: Adventure Cartoon Productions
- Directed by: Joe Oriolo
- Main Voices:
- Gerry Bascombe
- Jimmy tapp
- Helene Nickerson
- Opening Theme: “The Mighty Hercules,” sung by Johnny Nash
- Country of origin: Canada, United States
- Original language: English
- Number of Episodes: 128
- Production:
- Producer: Joe Oriolo
- Duration: Approximately 5 minutes per episode (usually compiled into 30 minute omnibuses)
- Production House: Adventure Cartoon Productions
- Distribution:
- Network: Syndication
- Original Release Date: 1 September 1963 – 1 May 1966
