It’s a superhero film!
It’s a comedy!
It’s…..a musical???
During WWII the great Captain Invincible lends assistance with his superheroic abilities in helping to stop the Nazis and becomes a symbol of hope, honor and freedom across the globe. His do-gooding deeds don’t do much for his reputation in the 1950’s when the good Captain is accused of being a “red” and also faces charges of flying without a pilots license, plus a wearing underwear in public charge!
Anger and resentment sets in and the skies are vacant when Captain Invincible disappears. Once a beloved hero he is now an anonymous bum who drinks his days away in Australia.
However, in 1983 a sinister villain threatens the planet and there is only person who can possibly stop him. The Captain is asked to don his tights again and defeat his longtime nemesis Mr. Midnight who now has implemented his most
evil plan yet!
Can the Captain emerge sober long enough to save us? Will he be able to figure out how to fly again? Can he salvage some of his long lost patriotism? And how is he at carrying a tune?
Possibly the most bizarre entry in my superhero series so far. Starring Alan Arkin, Christopher Lee, Kate Fitzpatrick and Michael Pate, The Return of Captain Invincible features songs by Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartly, whose collaboration in 1975’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show made the film a cult classic. Yes, it has Arkin and Lee singing!
I take a look at this lesser known superhero film directed by Philippe Mora and see if The Return of Captain Invincible deserves more attention than what it’s gotten since its first release or does it justify to be one of those films that most people say – “I have never heard of this!”
[vimeo https://vimeo.com/108014264]
This article originally appeared on John’s site Haphazard Stuff. For more original content, also check out his blog here.