This page is sponsored by:
Richard Harrison
1935-
Updated 3/20/2009 with the new Now Showing section!
biography
Born in May 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah, actor and model Richard Harrison enjoyed a long career in films until his retirement in the 1990s. Much like his contemporary Ed Fury, Harrison started his career as a physique model in the 1950s and graced the covers of numerous magazines.
LEFT and CENTER A: Late 1950s covers of Adonis and Tomorrow's Man featuring Richard Harrison. CENTER B and RIGHT: Late 1950s beefcake photos
The extremely handsome Harrison made his film debut in the campy science fiction effort Kronos (1957; with Jeff Morrow). Several more films followed, including Battle Flame (1959; with Scott Brady) and Master of the World (1961; with Vincent Price). While he was getting steady film work, Harrison's career wasn't in the fast lane. So, in 1961 he headed to Rome and became a star in a string of sword and sandal films. That same year, he married his first wife Loretta and gained James H. Nicholson, co-owner of American International Pictures, as a father-in-law. Harrison ran with the sword and sandal genre until it died out in the mid 1960s. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he easily made the transition to other film genres, including spy films and spaghetti westerns.
the films of richard harrison
The Invincible Gladiator (1961)
From Harrison's exciting sword and sandal epic The Invincible Gladiator
Gladiators Seven (1962)
Stills from the peplum Gladiators Seven, theatrically released in the US by MGM
Medusa Against the Son of Hercules (1963)
From Medusa Against the Son of Hercules
Secret Agent Fireball (1966)
As American spy Robert Flemimg in Secret Agent Fireball, one of Harrison's best films
Vengeance (1968)
Harrison is the betrayed outlaw Rocco in the violent spaghetti western Vengeance. Perhaps Harrison's best spaghetti western is the 1963 film Gunfight at Red Sands
more richard harrison
Harrison's career continued to be strong throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In the early 1990s, Harrison and his second wife Francesca moved to Palm Springs, California. He ran for the office of mayor in 1995 and again in 1999 but lost the race to incumbent Will Kleindienst. The retired actor was recently awarded a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His latest film project is the experimental film Jerks, made in 2000.
Kronos [DVD](1957) DVD
Well-made low-budget sci-fi tale about a flying saucer that crashes into the Pacific Ocean near California. A gigantic robot emerges from the surf and begins a deadly march inland, absorbing all energy from everything around it, from autos to H-Bombs. Jeff Morrow, Barbara Lawrence, John Emery star. 78 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
South Pacific (Special Edition) [DVD](1958) DVD
Popular Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about life on a lonely Pacific island post during World War II where a young Navy nurse falls for a French plantation owner. Can their love survive, even as the shadow of war looms ever closer? Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor and Ray Walston star. Songs include "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame," "Some Enchanted Evening," "Happy Talk," and more; based on James Michener's "Tales of the South Pacific." Includes the original theatrical release and the roadshow version; 151 min./172 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.0, Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish; audio commentary; "making of" documentary; featurettes; photo gallery; sing-along songs; theatrical trailer; more. Two-disc set.
Hero Of Rome (1964)/The Invincible Gladiator [DVD](1962) DVD
First, American bodybuilder Gordon Scott does battle with streams of barbarian scavengers for the honor of the Eternal City in "Hero of Rome." Lithe and lissome Gabriella Pallotta co-stars. Then, Richard Harrison struts his "cuts" as "The Invincible Gladiator," helping a 10-year-old king depose a greedy regent. All this, and "the Dwarfs of Death," too! With Isabella Corey. 180 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced)/Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed) Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailers.
The Invincible Gladiator [VHS](1962) VHS
Richard Harrison struts his "cuts" as a brave gladiator helping a 10-year-old king depose a greedy regent. All this, and "the Dwarfs of Death," too! With Isabella Corey. 96 min.
Medusa vs. The Son Of Hercules [DVD](1962) DVD
A strapping demigod named Perseus trades blows with a hideous one-eyed monster and her legion of stone men. Italian-Spanish adventure from the age of legends stars Richard Harrison and Anna Ranalli. AKA: "Perseus the Invincible," "Medusa Against the Son of Hercules." Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed) mono.
Medusa Against The Son Of Hercules [VHS](1962) VHS
A strapping demigod named Perseus trades blows with a hideous one-eyedmonster and her legion of stone men. Italian-Spanish adventure from the age of legends stars Richard Harrison and Anna Ranalli. AKA: "Perseus the Invincible." Dubbed in English.
Giants Of Rome [DVD](1963) DVD
When the city of Rome is besieged by Druids armed with a mysterious new weapon, an elite band of soldiers is sent by Caesar on a mission to locate the weapon and destroy it...or die trying. Richard Harrison, Ettore Manni star. 98 min. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
Gun Fight At Red Sands (Gringo) [VHS](1963) VHS
One of the first entries in the "Spaghetti Western" genre, with Richard Harrison as an ex-soldier who returns home to find his family murdered by bandits and sets out for revenge. Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Sara Lezana co-star. 95 min.
Gladiator Seven [DVD](1964) DVD
Thrilling Imperial Rome opus plays like "The Magnificent Seven in Togas," as seven brave soldiers go up against the cruel tyrants who have been controlling the city of Sparta. When gladiator leader Richard Harrison saves the princess, he gets a "Sparta kiss." With Loredana Nusciak, Livio Lorenzon. AKA: "Gladiators 7." 92 min. Standard; English (dubbed) Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.
Two Gladiators (I Due Gladiatori) [DVD](1964) DVD
After Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius dies, a senator of the Tribune attempts to find the twin brother of the cruel, new emperor. The plan is to have the level-headed sibling take his brother's place, but there are several hurdles to leap before that can occur. Richard Harrison, Moira Orfei star. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
Messalina Against The Son Of Hercules [DVD](1965) DVD
The Roman hordes have overrun ancient Britain, taking slaves for their perverse pleasures...and only Glaucus, son of the man-god Hercules, can halt their rampage. But can he deal with the wiles of the sensually evil Messalina? Richard Harrison, Lisa Gastoni star. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed) mono.
Messalina vs. The Son Of Hercules [VHS](1965) VHS
The Roman hordes have overrun ancient Britain, taking slaves for their perverse pleasures...and only Glaucus, son of the man-god Hercules, can halt their rampage. But can he deal with the wiles of the sensually evil Messalina? Richard Harrison, Lisa Gastoni star. Dubbed in English.
Master Stroke (Colpo Maestro Al Servizio Di Sua Maesta Britannica) [DVD](1967) DVD
Richard Harrison stars as an actor in spaghetti westerns who is enlisted by criminal mastermind Adolfo Celli to take part in a series of complex heists. After he joins a former Scotland Yard official in criminal activities, he's recruited by a secret service organization to help stop his newest employers. Margaret Lee, Eduardo Fajardo also star. AKA: "The Great Diamond Robbery," "Master Stroke in the Service of Her Britannic Majesty." Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
Doctor Faustus [DVD](1967) DVD
Richard Burton, who co-directed with scripter Nevill Coghill, plays the title role of the aging scholar who bargains away his soul to the Devil in exchange for regained youth and the love of legendary beauty Helen of Troy (Elizabeth Taylor), in this arresting rendition of the Marlowe drama. Andreas Teuber, Ian Marter also star. 92 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Korean, French.
Between God, The Devil And A Winchester (1968)/Boot Hill [DVD](1969) DVD
First, in "Between God, The Devil and a Winchester," the search for a treasure stolen from a Texas church pits a gang of cutthroat outlaws against a priest masquerading as a famed gunfighter. Gilbert Roland, Richard Harrison, Folco Lulli star. AKA: "God Was in the West, Too, At One Time." Then, in "Boot Hill," Terence Hill and Bud Spencer ride across the plains--encountering gunfighters and frontier women along the way. Co-stars Woody Strode, Victor Buono. AKA: "Trinity Rides Again." Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English. Plays All Regions.
The Human Factor [DVD](1975) DVD
George Kennedy stars as a sophisticated machines expert thrust into the depths of international terrorism when he dares to track down his family's killers. John Mills, Rita Tushingham, and Barry Sullivan also star in this Edward Dmytryk-directed thriller. 96 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; interview; photo gallery; TV spot.
Achtung! The Desert Tigers [DVD](1976) DVD
The kommadant of a POW camp in WWII Africa flaunts the Geneva Rules in the most mordant, depraved ways possible, torturing the women and inflicting brutal punishment on the men. The survivors band together to plot an escape, but can they overtake their sadistic captors? A Eurosleaze spectacle with Richard Harrison, Lea Lander and Gordon Mitchell. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono (dubbed); Subtitles: Dutch.
The Beast With A Gun [DVD](1977) DVD
In this violence-strewn crime drama, Helmut Berger leads a group of prison escapees on a rampage targeting cop Richard Harrison, who testified against him in court. After Berger rapes beautiful Marisa Mell, then forces her to join the gang, Harrison hatches his own plan to stop the not-so-good Berger. Scenes from this savage story were featured in the film "Jackie Brown." AKA: "Ferocious," "Mad Dog," "Mad Dog Killer." 95 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby mono; trailer.
For Your Height Only (1979)/Challenge Of The Tiger [DVD](1978) DVD
He's shorter than Nick Nack and deadlier than 007! Weng Weng is Agent 00, a two-and-a-half-foot tall Filipino superagent in an ice cream suit, dispatching his enemies with well-aimed bites to their backsides. Nobody does it stranger, in "For Your Height Only." Then, a slow-motion topless tennis match opens a martial arts adventure starring Bruce Le (doing his best Bruce Lee impersonation), in "Challenge of the Tiger." Richard Harrison also stars. AKA: "Gymkata Killer." 173 min. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English (dubbed) mono; biographies; photo gallery.
Mad Dog [DVD](1984) DVD
He's a thief, a rapist, a killer...he's a Mad Dog and he's on the loose. Helmut Berger stars as the criminal who's looking for the people who sent him up, and when he finds them, there'll be Hell to pay! Brutal, thrill-packed action. Also stars Richard Harrison, Marisa Mell. 93 min.
5 Deadly Videos [DVD](1980) DVD
Knuckle up with this collection featuring a quintet of rare kung fu epics. First, "Crazy Guy with Super Kung Fu" (1979) lives up to his moniker, teaming up with a group of fellow martial artists to take on a crimelord. Next, action and palace intrigue abound as the sons of a dying Chinese ruler engage each other in a battle for control of the empire, in "The Rebellious Reign" (1980). Then, a martial artist must protect a young boy while on a quest to avenge the deaths of his family, in "Shaolin Master and the Kid" (1981). Quyen Hua stars. AKA: "10 Commandments of Lee," "Fury of the Shaolin Master," "One Man Army." The citizens of a small village band together against an evil gang trying to take over, in "Five Fingers of Steel" (1982). Hwang Jang Lee stars. AKA: "Blood Child." And finally, a trio of ninja warriors embarks on a mission to find the third and final piece of a mystical statue that contains unimaginable power, in "Silver Fox and Ninja Terminator" (1985). Richard Harrison, Wong Cheng Lee star. AKA: "Ninja Terminator." 7 hrs. total on five discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
Ninja Squad [DVD](1986) DVD
While a young martial arts student sets out to avenge the murders of his mother and sister, his master finds himself caught up in a deadly power struggle, with the future of their ninja order hanging in the balance. Richard Harrison, Dave Wheeler, Kevin James McHugh star. 90 min. Soundtrack: English.
Terminal Force (1990)/Ring Around The World (1965) [DVD] DVD
When a mob kingpin on trial has the star witness's daughter abducted, one man steps in to rescue her and bring the crime boss to justice...the kind found at the end of a .357 Magnum...in the Fred Olen Ray actioner "Terminal Force," starring Richard Harrison, Dawn Wildsmith and Troy Donahue. Next, Harrison is undercover operative Fred Lester, battling a mysterious killer whose high-tech air pistol shoots lethal chemical bullets, in the '60s-flavored spy thriller "Ring Around the World," with Sheryll Morgan and Bernard Blier. 180 min. total. Widescreen/Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary by Harrison, Ray; bonus footage.
richard harrison dvds available from amazon.com
filmography
Jerks (2000) with Francis Fallon
Angel Eyes (1993) with Erik Estrada, John Phillip Law, and Fred Olen Ray
Evil Spawn (1991) with Gordon Mitchell
Highway to Hell (1991)
Empire of the Dark (1990)
Terminal Force (1990) with Michelle Bauer and Troy Donahue; directed by Fred Olen Ray
Dark Mission (1988) with Christopher Mitchum and Christopher Lee
Cobra Vs. Ninja (1987)
Hands of Death (1987)
Ninja Avengers (1987)
Ninja Hunt (1986)
Ninja the Protector (1986)
Majestic Thunderbolt (1985)
Ninja Thunderbolt (1985)
Neve a Capri (1984)
Hunter's Crossing (1983)
Kiko corri come il vento (1982)
Intrusion Cambodia (1981)
La mondana nuda (1980)
Voodoo Baby (1980)
I guappi non si toccano (1979)
Napoli storia d'amore e di vendetta (1979)
Pakleni otok (1979)
La guerre du pétrole (1978) with Gordon Mitchell
Napoli: i 5 della squadra speciale (1978)
Provincia violenta (1978)
The Mad Dog Killer (1977) with Helmut Berger and Marisa Mell
The Desert Tigers (1976) with Gordon Mitchell and Brad Harris
Bloody Avengers (1976)
The Human Factor (1975)
Four Assassins (1975)
Quei paracul... pi di Jolando e Margherito (1975) with Gordon Mitchell
Una donna per sette bastardi (1974) with Gordon Mitchell
Revenge of the Godfather (1972) with Erika Blanc
Trinity (1972)
Joe Dakota (1972)
Deadly Trackers (1972) with Anita Ekberg and Rik Battaglia
Los fabulosos de Trinidad (1972)
His Name Was King (1971) with Klaus Kinski
Lo sceriffo di Rockspring (1971)
Holy Water Joe (1971) with Ty Hardin
Abre tu fosa, amigo, llega Sábata (1971) with Raf Baldassarre
The Hideout (1971)
Reverend's Colt (1970) with Guy Madison
Vengeance (1970)
Dig Your Grave Friend... Sabata's Coming (1970) with Erika Blanc
Pussycat, Pussycat, I Love You (1970) with Ian McShane and John Gavin
36 Hours to Hell (1969)
Between God, the Devil and a Winchester (1968) with Gilbert Roland
Uno dopo l'altro (1968)
Hot Diamonds in Cold Blood (1968)
Doctor Faustus (1967) with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor
Fantabulous (1967) with Adolfo Celi
28 minuti per 3 milioni di dollari (1967)
Rojo (1967) with Raf Baldassarre
Mission Casablanca (1966)
Master Stroke (1966) with Adolfo Celi and Margaret Lee
Ring Around the World (1966)
Secret Agent Fireball (1966)
$100,000 for Ringo (1965)
Adventures of the Bengal Lancers (1965)
Two Gladiators (1964) with Giuliano Gemma
Giants of Rome (1964)
Jungle Adventurer (1964)
Revolt of the Praetorians (1964) with Giuliano Gemma
Messalina Vs. the Son of Hercules (1964) with Lisa Gastoni and Marilů Tolo
Medusa Against the Son of Hercules (1963)
Sons of Vengeance (1963) with Gloria Milland and Raf Baldassarre
Gunfight at Red Sands (1963) with Giacomo Rossi-Stuart
The Saracens (1963)
The Invincible Gladiator (1963)
Gladiators 7 (1962)
Avenger of the Seven Seas (1961)
Master of the World (1961) with Vincent Price and Charles Bronson
Battle Flame (1959) with Robert Blake and Scott Brady
Too Much, Too Soon (1958) with Dorothy Malone, Errol Flynn, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Ray Danton, Martin Milner, and Vampira
South Pacific (1958) with Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor, Ray Walston, France Nuyen, Doug McClure, Ken Clark, and Ron Ely
Kronos (1957) with Jeff Morrow, Barbara Lawrence, George O'Hanlon, and Morris Ankrum
Jeanne Eagels (1957) with Kim Novak, Jeff Chandler, Charles Drake, and Virginia Grey
richard harrison film now showing
The Invincible Gladiator (1962)
links
Go to the Other Hercules Heroes page, featuring Peter and David Paul, Paul Wynter, and Richard Lloyd.
Richard Harrison Site
John Dulaney has created a great site devoted to Richard Harrison. See this site for poster images and a partial filmography of Harrison's films.
Click on the logo to go back to Brian's Drive-In Theater
This page premiered April 25, 2001.
Copyright and Disclaimer Information
