FIRE MONSTERS AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES

Reg Lewis as Maciste

FIRE MONSTERS AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES (aka Maciste contro i mostri/1962). Director: Guido Malatesta.

Aydar (Luciano Marin) and his woman Raya (Birgit Bergen) are menaced by an unconvincing sea monster, and Maciste (Reg Lewis) comes to their rescue, destroying the beast. Aydar is the new leader of the Sun people, a group of nomads who have settled in a valley. The Moon people, who live in dank caves, attack the Sun people, dragging off their women. Maciste leads an attack on the moon people and is aided by Moah (Margaret Lee), a beautiful woman who hates Fuan (Andrea Aureli), the bestial leader of the moon people. Although Maciste gives a good accounting of himself, he still winds up buried up to his neck along with Moah. Unable to free any of his limbs, the situation looks hopeless ,..

Luciano Marin as Aydar

There are actually no "fire monsters" in Fire Monsters, just the aforementioned sea (or lake) monster, underwater fanged snakes, a quick shot of a wandering giant lizard, and a mechanical foam rubber cave beastie that nearly snacks on Maciste and Moah. Fire Monsters is a dubbed Italian peplum film that in its American version is one of the "Sons of Hercules" movies -- they even have their own theme song. The Sun people are depicted as being much nicer than the Moon people, but even they think it's okay to put a woman to death if she doesn't obey her husband. Basically women are treated like garbage. 

Reg Lewis and Margaret Lee

The Moon people try to forge an alliance with the Uma tribe, who are apparently cannibals who snack on their enemies. The best fight scene in the whole movie doesn't concern Maciste, but is the exciting climactic battle between Aydar and Fuan. As for muscle man Reg Lewis, he only appeared in five movies and this was his only peplum film. He was discovered by no less than Mae West and appeared with other body builders in her nightclub act, becoming her frequent escort. 

Verdict: Barely acceptable peplum fare for monster, muscle and Margaret Lee enthusiasts. **1/4.